An Analytical Study of Farabi's Political Thoughts

Abstract

Al-Farabi (870 AD-950 AD) was a renowned Muslim philosopher known for his expertise in science, astrology, and cognitive grouping of logic. He is recognized as the second greatest philosopher after Aristotle and he encouraged people to study philosophy to improve their lives. Farabi's political ideas have had a profound impact on both the Islamic world and Western philosophy. He believed that the purpose of the state is to ensure the happiness and welfare to the people. He also believed that it was the duty of the state to create an environment where citizens could develop their full potential. Farabi's central tenet of political theory is that an ideal state should be a virtuous one, where people live according to reason and wisdom, with justice and harmony prevailing among the people. He believed that a prosperous state should be led by a wise leader who works for the welfare of his citizens. Farabi's political ideas continue to serve as an important reference today, and his thoughts are derived from Islamic teachings. He is the first Muslim philosopher to systematically present his ideas on state governance. According to Farabi, an ideal state is not just one that fulfills basic needs, but one that follows the principles of the Madinah al-Fadilah constitution, with the best example of an ideal state being the Madinah state.