Analysis of the Challenges of the Status of Human Intrinsic Dignity in the Foundations of Doctrinal Principles in Shiite Narrations

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate the place of “intrinsic human dignity” within the theological and hadith-based foundations of Shi‘ism, offering an internally grounded response to contemporary challenges regarding human worth and rights. The research first defines “dignity,” distinguishing inherent dignity—an unalienable divine endowment—from acquired dignity, which arises from faith, piety, and moral action. It then examines the Qur’anic framework, especially verses such as “We have honored the children of Adam,” and explores how key Shi‘i doctrines—divine unity, justice, prophethood, and imamate—shape a dignity-centered anthropology grounded in reason, innate disposition, and humanity’s role as God’s vicegerent. Subsequently, the study analyzes essential narrations from authoritative Shi‘i sources such as al-Kafi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, Man la Yahduruhu al-Faqih, and Bihar al-Anwar, which emphasize life sanctity, freedom, moral responsibility, and justice. It also engages with seemingly conflicting hadiths and demonstrates, through Shi‘i interpretive principles—such as testing narrations against the Qur’an, assessing chains of transmission, and contextual analysis—how to reconcile tensions and sustain a dignity-oriented reading. Findings reveal that Shi‘i thought, when approached with rigorous textual and rational methods, possesses a strong capacity to address modern human rights critiques, defend universal human worth, and contribute to just and inclusive social and legal frameworks while remaining faithful to its own scriptural tradition.