Introduction
This article, entitled “Comparing the Concept of ‘Problem’ from the Perspectives of Social Work and Imam Ali (AS)”, examines one of the fundamental concepts in social work, namely “problem,” from two different perspectives: first, the common and modern perspective of social work, and second, the religious and Alavid perspective reflected in the sayings of Imam Ali (AS). The authors emphasize that understanding the concept of “problem” is not merely a theoretical issue; rather, it directly influences how problems are defined, the type of intervention selected, the role of the social worker, and even the nature of the relationship between the worker and the client. In this regard, the article seeks to demonstrate that in dominant secular and empirical approaches, a problem is mainly understood as a disruption in individual or social functioning and is interpreted in relation to material, psychological, and environmental factors. In contrast, in Imam Ali’s (AS) perspective, beyond its external aspects, a problem carries meaning, has a constructive and educational function, and is oriented toward divine purpose. As such, it may serve as a means for ethical and spiritual growth.
In the introduction, the authors explain that many modern disciplines, including social work, have developed under the influence of a materialistic worldview and an empirical approach. Consequently, when analyzing human problems, they tend to focus primarily on visible symptoms, social relations, economic conditions, and psychological factors. Although this perspective is effective in many situations, the authors argue that it may overlook the spiritual dimension and ultimate purpose of human existence. At this point, the article stresses the necessity of revisiting the concept of “problem” within a religious framework—a framework in which the human being is not viewed merely as a material or reactive entity, but as a being with intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions. Accordingly, the notion of “problem” must also be redefined in accordance with this comprehensive understanding of the human person. The authors further note that in a religious society, attending to the spiritual roots of problems is not only desirable but necessary for achieving a lasting and fundamental resolution.
Materials & Methods
The study is described as a qualitative basic research project conducted through the thematic analysis method. The primary data source consisted of the sayings of Imam Ali (AS) and related texts from which themes concerning the concept of problem were extracted. The analytical procedure was carried out in three main stages: first, decomposition and description of the text; second, explanation and interpretation of the text; and third, synthesis and integration of the extracted themes. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, the study employed the criteria of Guba and Lincoln, emphasizing such considerations as diversity of textual sources, data saturation, review by academic supervisors and advisors, and final monitoring by an external observer or supervisor. In this way, the research attempts to provide not merely a descriptive comparison, but a systematic and evidence-based analysis of two distinct intellectual frameworks.
Discussion & Result
The article first examines the concept of “problem” from the perspective of social work. Within this framework, a problem is generally defined as a disruption in social functioning, a disturbance in the relationship between the person and the environment, or an inability to respond adequately to needs. The authors show that in social work literature, dealing with problems may aim at such goals as promoting adaptation, empowerment, change in human relationships, environmental modification, increased satisfaction, and improved efficiency. Furthermore, problems may arise from unmet needs, accumulated frustrations, maladjustment between the individual and the environment, or weaknesses in social institutions. In this perspective, problems may have both material and spiritual dimensions; however, their formulation is usually based more on observable and objective aspects. The article lists examples such as family conflicts, divorce, addiction, unemployment, juvenile delinquency, academic decline, migration, marginalization, and prostitution as common manifestations of social problems.
The article then explains the concept of problem from the perspective of Imam Ali (AS). Based on the analysis, in this view, a problem is not merely a negative event or an external obstacle, but may constitute part of the divine system of testing and moral formation. In other words, problems have a function: they drive human beings toward effort, awareness, patience, and self-correction, thereby creating the conditions for growth. In this approach, the issue does not remain at the level of appearance and behavior, but is linked to deeper layers of human existence, such as intention, morality, knowledge, and one’s relationship with God. Thus, suffering and hardship may carry meaning and even become opportunities for awakening and inner reconstruction. This perspective is particularly significant in a religious society, because instead of merely removing symptoms, it attends to root causes and provides a spiritual orientation to life.
In the discussion, the article highlights both the similarities and differences between the two perspectives. Their point of convergence is that both acknowledge the existence of problems and the necessity of intervention to address them. The fundamental difference, however, lies in the basis for interpreting the problem: mainstream social work focuses primarily on the material, psychological, and social dimensions, whereas Imam Ali’s (AS) perspective analyzes problem within a broader horizon that includes the philosophy of life, spirituality, morality, and the purposeful nature of human existence. The article further notes that in religious logic, God is the ultimate source of problem resolution, while other factors are understood as divine means. From this point of view, the social worker is not merely a problem-solver, but may act as a “physician of thought and morality,” and the client is not simply a recipient of services, but a person who should be accompanied in a process of intellectual, moral, and behavioral reform. This distinction has important implications for both the theory and practice of social work.
Conclusion
The article summarizes that Imam Ali’s (AS) view of problem is spiritual, purposeful, and functional, considering problems not merely as obstacles but as instruments for testing, growth, and human movement. Accordingly, human problems are universal and enduring, yet each has its own temporal and situational context and must be approached through a proper understanding of its nature. The article concludes that the perspectives of social work and the Alavid viewpoint may be employed either complementarily or independently; however, the Alavid approach has the capacity to strengthen the spiritual and moral dimensions of intervention and to provide a deeper understanding of human suffering. Ultimately, the study suggests that simultaneous attention to both the social and spiritual aspects of problem can contribute to the development of more comprehensive, fundamental, and humane interventions in the field of social work.