The Structure and Types of Justice in Alid Thought Based on Nahj al-Balagha

Abstract

Justice, defined as placing everything in its proper and deserving position, is one of the most fundamental concepts in Islamic thought and political philosophy. This concept constitutes the cornerstone of the ideal society and the principal axis of human relations within the Islamic tradition. In the intellectual framework of Islam, justice is not merely a personal moral virtue; rather, it serves as the foundation of the entire Sharia and its social philosophy. Among Islamic texts, Nahj al-Balagha is an unparalleled treasury of the sayings and teachings of Imam Ali (A.S.), in which the concept of justice occupies a distinguished and central position. For Imam Ali (A.S.), justice is not merely a slogan or a distant objective; rather, it is a living and life-giving force that must permeate all levels of existence and society. He regarded justice as the very foundation of governance, stating: “Al-‘adl yusliḥ al-bariyyah” (“Justice reforms the people”). The purpose of this article is to identify, classify, and explain the various forms of justice discussed in Nahj al-Balagha. Examining this classification provides a structured and comprehensive understanding of the concept of “Alid justice” and demonstrates how this concept begins within the divine realm and extends to the most detailed aspects of social behavior. Using a descriptive–analytical method, this study first addresses the meanings and definitions of justice and its significance. It then categorizes justice into three domains: justice toward oneself, justice toward God, and justice toward creation, explaining each category separately and concisely.