Explaining the Factors Affecting the Physical Space of Settlements and Housing Architecture Based on the Sayings of Imam Ali (AS) in Nahj al-Balagha
Subject Areas : معماری اسلامی
1 - Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.
Keywords: Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (AS), city, housing, neighborly relations. ,
Abstract :
Explaining the Factors Affecting the Physical Space of Settlements
and Housing Architecture Based on the Sayings of Imam Ali
(AS) in Nahj al-Balagha
Hamed Hayati*
This research examines the sayings of Imam Ali (AS) in Nahj al-Balagha as a source of inspiration for formulating architectural principles of settlements. Using a mixed-method approach—documentary analysis, qualitative content analysis, and logical reasoning—fourteen fundamental principles have been extracted, including guest rights, neighbor rights, privacy preservation, respect for women and children, housing location, unity and harmony, construction rights, climatic considerations, balance, order, contentment, good neighborliness, and the utilization of natural elements. This research aims to clarify the concepts influencing the spatial configuration of settlements and residential architecture, as expressed in the noble words of Imam Ali (AS), and explores the possibility of applying these ideas in the contemporary era. The findings show that the emphasis on neighborly relations in Imam Ali's discourse is of utmost importance and should be considered in urban policymaking. Based on the analysis, the most significant focus and influence on the setting of residential spaces and architecture in Nahj al-Balagha is the importance placed on neighbors and neighborly relations—an aspect that planners and urban management authorities should take into account.
Keywords: Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (AS), city, housing, neighborly relations.
Introduction
Nahj al-Balagha, as a valuable Islamic heritage, presents principles for human life, including urban space and housing architecture. These teachings define conditions for appropriate housing that ensure the peace and comfort of residents, but they have been explored less in architectural studies. Housing, in Islamic teachings, is not merely a physical space but a setting for worship and human transcendence. This study aims to examine the architectural principles of housing based on Imam Ali’s (AS) sayings in Nahj al-Balagha. Using a mixed-method approach involving documentary analysis, qualitative content analysis, and logical reasoning, the author seeks to extract the factors influencing the physical space of settlements. The study hypothesizes that Islamic urban planning principles, inspired by Imam Ali's teachings, are applicable in contemporary conditions. Among these principles, neighborly relations and the preservation of citizens' social rights receive the most emphasis, which should be considered in urban planning. A review of previous research shows extensive studies in Islamic urban planning, but this study fills a gap by focusing on Nahj al-Balagha. The term "housing" in Islamic texts is defined as a place of peace and security, with its spiritual and social aspects emphasized in the Quran and Nahj al-Balagha. This study aims to utilize Imam Ali's teachings to provide strategies for architectural and housing design that align with Islamic principles and modern social needs.
Methods
This study adopts an interdisciplinary and faith-based approach, examining housing principles based on Islamic teachings and scholarly perspectives. Islamic housing extends beyond physical space, embodying a concept tied to human nature and the goal of spiritual elevation. The research methodology integrates documentary analysis, quantitative and qualitative content analysis, and logical reasoning. Initially, relevant statements regarding housing in Nahj al-Balagha were identified, and explicit and interpretive themes were extracted. Through logical analysis, these findings were categorized and strategies for Islamic housing architecture were developed. The study emphasizes that dwelling is not merely residing but a profound concept linked to culture, spirituality, and social structure, which must be considered in urban space design.
Findings
By analyzing Nahj al-Balagha’s statements, this study presents principles for Islamic housing architecture and urban planning. The findings indicate that neighborly rights, appropriate housing location, privacy preservation, contentment, nature utilization, and balance in home design significantly impact social life. Imam Ali (AS) emphasizes neighbors' social and ethical rights while highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of settlements. He advocates for an environment conducive to peace, piety, and social interaction. Additionally, architecture should avoid extravagance, ostentation, and social discord while considering the needs of women and children.
These findings suggest that Islamic housing is not merely a physical setting but a platform for individual and social elevation. Ultimately, this study recommends that urban planning strategies based on Islamic teachings help preserve cultural identity, strengthen social cohesion, and create sustainable settlements aligned with contemporary human needs.
Conclusion
By examining the noble sayings of Imam Ali (AS) in Nahj al-Balagha, fourteen statements (letters, wisdoms, and sermons) related to urban space and housing architecture were identified, leading to the extraction of fourteen fundamental principles as influencing factors in urban space and housing architecture.
The essential principles (strategies and effective approaches) affecting urban space and housing architecture include an emphasis on guest rights, attention to women's and children's rights, good neighborliness, avoidance of material excess, social harmony, and integration of architecture with nature. This study indicates that Islamic housing design should address both individual needs and social and religious values to establish a sustainable and Islamic-oriented environment.
The results emphasize that concepts such as respecting neighborly rights, preserving privacy, achieving balance in residential spaces, utilizing natural elements, and selecting appropriate housing locations are of significant importance in Islamic environments.
In analyzing the opportunities and challenges of implementing these strategies, it was found that while experts in Islamic architecture and related research centers provide valuable resources, the weakness of urban studies based on Islamic thought and the dominance of non-religious perspectives in urban planning pose challenges to the implementation of these principles.
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* Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.
hamedhayaty@yahoo.com
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