The Theory of "Transcendent Friendship" in Islam and its Implications for the Management of Iran's Social Capital

Document Type : scientific

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Public Administration, University of Tehran

2 Ph.D. in Philosophy and Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran

3 Ph.D. in Sociology and Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran

Abstract

The man has created a social being, and therefore one of the most basic human needs is his need to escape from solitary confinement. The institution of "friendship" as the spiritual connection of individuals and the basis of their material relations is one of the best ways to satisfy this need and therefore the inherently desirable of man.On the other hand, the central idea of the social capital theory is "social relations". Therefore, it can be concluded that the relationship of "friendship" as a special type of "social relations" between human beings is one of the main factors in promoting the social capital of society. The the present study, first relying on Shiite sources and using the qualitative method of "grounded theory", seeks to present an Islamic theory of friendship and making friends. And then, with rational-logical analysis, the the present study has examined the implications of that theory, which it calls "transcendent friendship," in increasing the positive (constructive) social capital of society.

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