The Image of Religious Government and its Bases in Nahj al-Balagha

The present article is seeking to explain the image of Islamic government in Imam Ali's view in Nahj al-Balagha. Accordingly, as an introduction, it deals with the necessity of government for humanity; it also discusses the method of Wilaie (authoritative) government, and then, mentions its two basic points of difference from other forms of government; it states that the Wilaie form of government is rooted in the divine absolute authority. This form of government is distinct from other forms in making it necessary for the ruler to be appointed by God. Another difference is related to the goal of the religious or Wilaie government which is to guide people to ultimate perfection and everlasting felicity or nearness to God, while the basic goal in other forms of government is based on material privileges. It is in view of this sublime goal that Nahj al-Balagha has viewed government both positively and negatively, making a distinction between desirable and undesirable forms of government. In the present article, by adducing Imam Ali's words in this regard, the image of Wilaie government, which is the desirable form of government, has been depicted; at the end, the relationship of religion and government – as far as basic articles of faith as well as legal and derivative principles of religion are concerned – has been explained.