A Study of the Ethical Principles of Political Leadership Presented in 'Nahj al-Balagha': Analyzing Ethical Norms and Their Application in Governance and Leadership

SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This article explores the ethics of political leaders in “Nahj al-Balagha,” a collection of sayings, letters, and sermons attributed to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib , the first imam of the Shiites and the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam, as well as a prominent leader of the historical period of Islam. Over the centuries, “Nahj al-Balagha” has become an integral source of Muslim literature, and its content is actively studied for ethical and political lessons. This research aims to analyze the ethical principles and norms embedded in “Nahj al-Balagha,” with a focus on the role of political leaders.METHOD & FINDING: The research is conducted through qualitative analysis of the texts in “Nahj al-Balagha” using methods such as thematic analysis, content analysis, and comparative analysis. The texts are systematically examined to identify explicit and implicit ethical principles, as well as examples and scenarios related to political ethics. Contextual data is utilized for a more comprehensive understanding of the philosophy and ethics embedded in “Nahj al-Balagha”.CONCLUSION: It is expected that the results of this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the ethical values that political leaders should adhere to according to “Nahj al-Balagha.” The study encompasses several key aspects, such as justice, honesty, compassion, conscience, governance, and leadership. The ethical expectations of leaders are presented in three contexts: subordinates, the general population, and their adversaries. By analyzing the texts of “Nahj al-Balagha” related to political matters and leadership, this work seeks to determine which ethical principles are deemed important for political leaders and how these principles may influence their behavior and decision-making.