From Political Virtue to the Decline of Government: A Functional Analysis of Ethics in Ferdowsi’s Governance Model

The Shahnameh, the work of Abu al-Qasim Ferdowsi, is not merely a national epic or a narrative of Iran's mythological history; it is a rich repository of the culture, history, and especially the political and ethical thoughts of ancient Iran, which contains profound religious, moral, and social functions. In the Iranian-Islamic intellectual tradition, politics has always been deeply connected with ethical values, and Ferdowsi's Shahnameh is a clear testament to this claim. However, many studies have examined Ferdowsi’s thought solely from the perspective of ethical theorization or the literary expression of virtues and vices. Therefore, the question arises: Did Ferdowsi in the Shahnameh merely outline the theoretical value of ethics for rulers, or did he go further, seeking to provide a practical and executable model for the realization of these values in governance? In other words, how can the Shahnameh be seen as a practical guide for ethical governance? In this regard, this research, using a descriptive-analytical method and relying on the text of the Shahnameh, investigates the connection between ethics and politics in Ferdowsi's political thought. It aims to answer the following questions: What concerns does Ferdowsi raise in advising kings, and what ethical qualities does he enumerate for a wise ruler? Furthermore, how are these practical models connected to the key concept of "divine glory" (Khvarenah), and what political and ethical consequences can be derived from this connection? The main hypothesis of the research is that Ferdowsi, by providing practical ethical models and linking them to politics, considers legitimacy and political stability essential for ideal governance, and he identifies deviation from this ethical path as the cause of the decline of divine glory (Khvarenah) and the fall of a government. The findings show that Ferdowsi views politics and governance as inseparable from ethics. He regards religion not only
as a moral guide for rulers but also as the foundation of the legitimacy and sustainability
of government. By emphasizing the concept of Khvarenah, he demonstrates that this legitimacy is not unconditional and is inextricably linked to the piety, wisdom, and justice of the king. Deviation from this path, he suggests, means losing divine approval and, consequently, the destabilization of the government’s foundations.
This article, through the analysis of mythological narratives, heroic epics, and the advice given by kings, extracts practical models of ethical virtues. "Justice" and "dissemination of justice" are not merely virtues but political necessities and conditions for the survival of a government. They elevate the king’s position in the eyes of the people and strengthen the foundations of his rule. In contrast, injustice leads to the decay and destruction of power, as depicted in the fate of Zahhak the accursed. "Wisdom" is also viewed as the primary tool of statecraft, encompassing foresight, seeking counsel, and crisis management, ensuring political stability and legitimacy. Its conflict with "desire" reveals the destructive consequences of folly in governance. Additionally, other virtues such as "caring for subordinates and the poor," "generosity (giving and charity)," "keeping promises," and "truthfulness and honesty" each have specific political functions. People’s care strengthens popular legitimacy, keeping promises serves as a tool for diplomacy and war prevention, and truthfulness and honesty form the social capital and foundation of public trust in the government. By depicting the tragic fates of tyrannical, unwise, and faithless kings, Ferdowsi shows that these political immoralities directly lead to the loss of Khvarenah (divine glory), the erosion of legitimacy, public dissatisfaction and rebellion, and ultimately the collapse of the state. Therefore, Ferdowsi is not only an ethical theorist but also a teacher of politics, presenting a practical guide that introduces ethical values
as fundamental principles of governance and as essential conditions for achieving and maintaining legitimacy, stability, and the endurance of a government.