Comparing Imam Ali’s and Victor Frankel’s view on the Meaning of Life

Abstract

This study aimed to compare Imam Ali’s and Victor Frankel’s views on the meaning of life. The research method was qualitative with deductiveـ inductive text analysis approach. The study population included some of letters, sermons and aphorisms of Imam Ali compiled in Nahj alـ Balagha and Victor Frankel’s works. The method of sampling was purposeful. For data analysis, it was applied description, comparison, categorization and conceptualization methods. Findings showed that the components of the meaning of life from the perspective of Imam Ali are: Theism, belief in the present life of this world and the hereafter, purpose of life, moral values, suffering and work. From Victor Frankel's view love, works and suffering were the most important resources of life meaning. While in Nahj al-Balagha, suffering, work and love (for God) were components of life meaning, living a purposeful life, faith in the present life and the hereafter, death, belief in one single God and moral values were considered as the most significant sources of meaning of life,which are the main differences between Imam Ali's and Frankl's view.

Keywords

• meaning of life
• human being
• imam ali
• viktor frankel
• significant components