Loneliness and its types in Nahj al-Balaghah

Loneliness means isolation, and it is the deeply rooted feeling that exists in the biological experience of humans. In different forms, from birth to death, it accompanies the human being. In this article, we discussed loneliness and its types in Nahj al-Balaghah, as it is one of the most important human problems. We have analyzed the desirable and undesirable types of loneliness according to Imam Ali (A.S.) and extracted the definition of loneliness and its types through a library and a descriptive-analytical method from Nahj al-Balaghah. According to Amir al-Mu'minin, loneliness is sometimes deliberate and conscious, sometimes it is due to the person's beliefs, attitudes, and lifestyle; and sometimes it goes beyond mundane aspects to promote self-awareness in one's life. According to the Imam (A.S.), there are undesirable and disabling types of loneliness. The primary one is not based on the individual's choice. The second one is desirable, and a person searches for it in a deliberate way by withdrawing from others, pursuing his social and personal goals to nurture his soul. In the end, according to Imam Ali (A.S.), some loneliness can be cured by being close to God, praying, acquiring moral virtues and avoiding vices such as hatred and enmity.