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The Status of Intellect and its Pathologies: An Analysis of Negligence, Vanity, Covetousness, and Ill-Companionship
(A Case Study of Nahj al-Balaghah and the Masnavi)
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Mohammad Sadegh Pirouz   , Abbas Hemami1 , Azizollah Afshar Kermani |
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Abstract: (11 Views) |
| Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, this research examines the relationship between the intellect ('aql) and the pathologies of negligence (ghaflat), vanity ('ujb), covetousness (tama’), and ill-companionship (muṣāḥib-e bad) within the teachings of Nahj al-Balaghah and Rumi’s Masnavi. In both seminal works, the intellect is characterized as a divine gift, an internal proof (ḥujjah), the criterion for moral obligation, the distinguishing factor between humans and animals, and the faculty for discerning truth from falsehood. However, this faculty requires fundamental protection against both internal and external threats. The study finds that negligence leads to self-centeredness and vanity, where vanity subsequently obstructs consultation with the wise, halts intellectual growth, and ultimately leads to the “eclipse of the intellect.” Covetousness, driven by long-term worldly desires and a lack of contentment (qanā’at), blinds the eye of insight and serves as an impediment to rational function. Finally, ill-companionship facilitates the beautification of falsehood, encourages improper behavior, and normalizes vice, thereby paralyzing intellectual activity. The research concludes that specific spiritual remedies serve as corrective measures: remembrance of the Creator (dhikr) cures negligence; humility (tawāḍu’) acts as a safeguard against vanity; contentment (qanā’at) mitigates covetousness; and associating with the virtuous provides an exit from the influence of ill-companionship. Ultimately, a direct inverse relationship exists between the intellect and these four afflictions: the minimization of these vices results in a more potent and efficient intellect, while their presence leads to intellectual decay. |
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| Keywords: Afflictions, Nahj al-Balaghah, Masnavi-ye Ma’navi, Vanity ('Ujb), Covetousness (Tama’), Negligence (Ghaflat), Ill-Companionship. |
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Full-Text [PDF 348 kb]
(5 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/07/1 | Accepted: 2026/07/1 | Published: 2026/07/1
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