The concept of man in Nahj al Balagha

The concept of man in the different religious scriptures gives somewhat a diverse understanding towards what is the true nature of man. Due to the vastness of the topic, this paper would like to limit the paper in discussing what human nature is all about from Imam Ali’s perspective. In doing so, it will refer to the most important source, namely the Nahj al-Balagha. According to the teachings of Nahj al Balagha man is the highest creature and the center of the visible universe. Man is the epitome of creation. He comes at the end of creation. Among all creations in the heaven and earth, only man has been bestowed with many distinctive qualities. Human being has two dimensions. Along with the material he has a divine dimension as well. Excellence of human being to other creatures returns to the same dimension. Man’s God-given nature and colour are like seeds and potentials which are hidden in him at the beginning of creation and will flourish when man follows the right path. The great position of human being is to take the responsibility in all major and minor works, overt and covert activities. Every human being is born free from subjugation, sin, inherited inferiority, and an­cestral hindrance. His right of freedom is sacred as long as he does not deliberately violate the law of God or desecrate the right of others. All human beings are brothers to one another. The superiority of one individual over another is only on the basis of his piety and dutifulness to Him.