Typology of Shiism in the Teachings of Amir Al-Mu’minin Ali (pbuh) With Emphasis on Nahj Al-Balaghah

Our aim in this dissertation is to study the history of shiite types in the teachings of the Amir al-Mu’minin with emphasis on the precious book of Nahj al-Balaghah. History shows that some of these species have existed since the time of the Messenger of God (PBUH).

This research seeks to provide information, although partial, for the lovers and followers of the Imam by introducing the types of Shiism that he himself has mentioned so they can be used in research in the field of shi’i studies.

Imam Ali (pbuh) while enumerating the different types of shiism, namely ideological shiism, political shiism, exaggerational shiism, behavioral shiism and out-of-affection shiism in his time, has also stated the way of dealing with them in sermons and letters, and has pointed out the difference between each of them.

Finally, the Imam has stated the characteristics of the true Shiites and has warned a group of shiites about going to extremes so that the shiites can continue their lives in way of  moderation and also the friends of Imam Ali have been honored in Nahj al-Balaghah, and what he emphasizes about the Shiites is that they should follow the path of Imamate and walayah and avoid falling into the abyss of exaggeration and if this happens, they will deviate from the path of Shiism and will be on the path of apostasy.