Ma`rifat

Urban planning in Islam has a concept beyond mere material concepts; it rather implies all material and spiritual factors and urban activities in order to achieve the desired point of material and spiritual life of city residents. Aiming to reach Imam Ali’s view regarding the intellectual foundation dominant among city residents, this research first examines human nature and needs from Imam’s perspective. It then explores the intellectual foundations of human being based on the eight principles introduced in the authors’ previous research. The intellectual foundations is considered the most important among the three dimensions of an ideal city, compared to the other two dimensions of human communication and physical aspects. For this purpose, the research method is a combination of text and content analysis and meta-analysis methods. According to the results of this study, human beings mainly have two dimensions, physical and spiritual, and - considering the dimensions of human life- their needs can be best identified and defined within these dimensions. In addition, regarding the principles governing human thought, it is shown that these principles must align with human nature and reality, serving as the guardian and protector of the position of God’s Caliph. Finally, it is proven that the formation of the ideal city does not focus solely on worldly virtues but also emphasizes virtues of the hereafter. Therefore, the ideal city is not an end in itself, but rather a means to serve the transcendental purpose of human. While simultaneously addressing the material and metaphysical needs of humanity, this city must provide the necessary conditions for a muqarrab life – a life of nearness to Allah- and for the upbringing of the Caliph of Allah.