Objective: One of the richest sources of religious knowledge in the field of defense is Nahj al-Balagha, which contains the strategies and guidance of Imam Ali (A.S.) on this subject. This study aims to identify, extract, integrate the content, and model these teachings within the framework of a military doctrine.
Methodology: This research is conducted within the interpretivist paradigm, adopting a qualitative approach and utilizing thematic analysis. The data sources include the military teachings of Nahj al-Balagha, which were selected through purposeful sampling and analyzed using a network of themes as the primary tool.
Findings: The identified teachings were integrated into ten main categories, which include: belief competencies, value competencies, moral competencies, personality capabilities, cognitive capabilities, emotional capabilities, military behavior teachings, martial arts, divine mission orientation, and seeking proximity and divine satisfaction. The interconnections among these categories were also presented in the form of a multi-level model.
Conclusion: The human-centered, ethics-oriented, and value-driven nature of defense organizations in Islamic societies is a distinct feature that influences their military doctrine at all three levels. The model presented in this study can contribute to a better understanding of the mission, professional ethics of military service, required competencies for military personnel, and leadership styles in defense organizations within Islamic societies.