Principles for Healthy and Constructive Engagement with the World Based on Imam Ali’s Sayings

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors

1 Master of Moral Education, The Academic Institute for Ethics and Education. Qom, Iran.

2 Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

In religious view the world has been deliberately and wisely designed to serve as the optimal environment for human growth and perfection. This study identifies the essential characteristics of the world as a context and stimulus for perfection, drawing on the perspectives of Imam Ali, and extracts constructive approaches corresponding to engaging with these characteristics. Research method was a descriptive-analytical method and ten key characteristics of the world were identified: the intermingling of truth and falsehood; diversity and multiplicity (of human beings); the fusion of suffering and pleasure (test-centeredness); a realm of constant transformation; a battleground for Satan; a domain for free will and choice; an abode of truth and duty; a domain of action and consequence; the interconnectedness of this world and the Hereafter; mutual influence and shared destiny between worlds. Then 32 guiding principles for constructive engagement with the world were obtained (such as: adopting truth-based criteria, strengthening wisdom and discernment, assigning and accepting responsibility in accordance with individual talents and capacities, anticipating and understanding the philosophy of hardship, regulating desires, mutual supervision and accountability, the collective pursuit of truth, faithful unity, and collaborative, benevolent participation).

Keywords

References

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The Mirror of Knowledge
Volume 25, Issue 3 - Serial Number 84
September 2025
Pages 61-86

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