Ma`rifat Farhangi Ejtemaei

The clerics have always had a good relationship with people and have been considered a refuge in the adversities of life. The connection and friendship of the clerics with people is the epistemological result of the knowledge that was formed based on epistemological foundations and organized the social life of people and the social and epistemological conduct of the Shiite clergy. Due to the promotion of scientific literature diverging from these principles, one of the biggest dangers is the divergence of the morals and conduct of the clergy from people. One of the manifestations of the connection between people and the clerics is their physical convergence; but today, due to reasons such as the development of divergent cities and the daily activities of the clerics, they have considered it expedient to live in separate settlements from ordinary people, and special neighborhoods and towns have been built for them. This spatial separation has given rise to the idea that the clergy want a more comfortable life, and that companionship with people deprives them of peace. This leads to social separation. Using historical approach and descriptive-analytical method, this research examines the social contexts of the residential separation of the clergy and its consequences. The research findings show that change in lifestyle, change in the way of living, seeking comfort, staying away from the harms of modern urban life, numerous intellectual and executive occupations, etc., have led to the clergy’s preference for living apart from ordinary people. This trend never existed in the Imam-Ummah style the continuation of which, based on religion and ethics, would cause convergence and unity between the clergy and the people.