University of Kashan Journal of Iranian Architecture Studies 2252-0635 13 26 2025 03 15 Architecture and Justice in Imam Ali’s (PBUH) Era Architecture and Justice in Imam Ali’s (PBUH) Era 159 178 114830 10.22052/jias.2025.256714.1385 FA Mohammad Mahdi Abdollahzadeh Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture & Urban Planning, Technical and Vocational University 0009-0003-4964-3285 Journal Article 2024 09 01 The inquiry into justice in architecture concerns the allocation and distribution of spatial benefits and locational advantages. The article examines the meaning of just architecture and the relationship between the two concepts, as understood by a highly prominent character in early Islam — Imam Ali (PBUH), the first Imam of the Shiites and the fourth Caliph of Muslims. The adopted research strategy is a historical interpretive method, employing a conceptual history approach. The study initially reviewed previous research to evaluate Imam Ali’s (PBUH) conception of justice and identify its conceptual framework. Subsequently, the spatial interventions of Imam Ali (PBUH)—both in theory and practice—were examined through historical and narrative sources, analyzing their various forms to reveal his preferred approach to spatial modifications and the distribution of spatial benefits. As a result, a framework of concepts emerged, clarifying the notion of just architecture as defined by the fourth Caliph. These concepts included "Intention" (Niyyah) of construction as a fundamental principle, emphasizing the meaning or inner purpose of the structure, public welfare (Salah) or the most significant benefit for the greatest number, pedistribution of spatial advantages in a way that empowers the disadvantaged and eliminates discrimination, incorporation of a virtuous meaning, and fostering public affection and trust. These concepts also contributed to understanding his broader conception of justice. The inquiry into justice in architecture concerns the allocation and distribution of spatial benefits and locational advantages. The article examines the meaning of just architecture and the relationship between the two concepts, as understood by a highly prominent character in early Islam — Imam Ali (PBUH), the first Imam of the Shiites and the fourth Caliph of Muslims. The adopted research strategy is a historical interpretive method, employing a conceptual history approach. The study initially reviewed previous research to evaluate Imam Ali’s (PBUH) conception of justice and identify its conceptual framework. Subsequently, the spatial interventions of Imam Ali (PBUH)—both in theory and practice—were examined through historical and narrative sources, analyzing their various forms to reveal his preferred approach to spatial modifications and the distribution of spatial benefits. As a result, a framework of concepts emerged, clarifying the notion of just architecture as defined by the fourth Caliph. These concepts included "Intention" (Niyyah) of construction as a fundamental principle, emphasizing the meaning or inner purpose of the structure, public welfare (Salah) or the most significant benefit for the greatest number, pedistribution of spatial advantages in a way that empowers the disadvantaged and eliminates discrimination, incorporation of a virtuous meaning, and fostering public affection and trust. These concepts also contributed to understanding his broader conception of justice. https://jias.kashanu.ac.ir/article_114830_130935ad852b9a95b6716882c194f61a.pdf