Abstract
Background. Philosophers and sociologists differ in their opinions about whether social relations are based on need or lack of need. This study aimed to examine this issue from the perspective of Imam Ali (AS) in Nahj al-Balagha. Nahj al-Balagha deals more deeply than other religious texts with the problem of the need for social relationships.
Methods. Given the descriptive-analytical nature of the study, the topics of sermons, letters and wisdom of Nahj al-Balagha and related descriptions were considered. Therefore, except in special cases, fewer articles from research databases are used.
Result. In Nahj al-Balagha, to physiological needs in such frameworks as; only God is the single source of providing needs, and priorities more important than material needs, the necessity of not being greedy to live a material life is mentioned. In the safety; to security and its dimensions such as the structure of Sharia rules, spiritual, cultural, political-social, economic, legal and judicial security, national and border security has been considered. Love; The need for true love, maintaining the relationship with relatives, expressing the dignity of the need for social relationships as an atonement for sins, the importance of maintaining social bonds, recommending love and ordering to respect the rights of friends have been emphasized. Recommendations to respect yourself and others; And the fame and problems that may arise from the expression of needs, as well as the issue of modesty and avoiding controversy, concealment, control of slips have been taken as the root of slips. The need for self-actualization has been viewed from the angle of "no need".
Conclusion. In Nahj al-Balagheh, there is no need for hierarchy. Also, the range of needs is not limited to five needs and physical needs are not the starting point of human needs. Nahj al-Balagha emphasizes the importance of spiritual needs over other needs such as material needs, safety and security, love and affection, respect and self- fulfillment.