Goals and Fundamental Principles of Just Political Progress according to al-Fārābī

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant professor, Department of Political Science, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran

10.22081/psq.2023.65757.2747

Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to examine the goals and fundamental principles of achieving fair and just political progress as proposed by al-Fārābī. Considering al-Fārābī's influential position in Islamic political thought and philosophy, a reevaluation of his ideas can provide a foundation for a theory that advocates for equitable political advancement. In the present day, marked by four decades of revolution characterized as a period of progress and justice, a critical drawback in the Islamic Republic of Iran is the absence of a concrete and attainable theory across various domains, including just political progress. Hence, it holds immense significance to pursue such a theory and draw insights from the perspectives of early Islamic thinkers. This research employs a speculative-analytical approach and a systematic methodology to explore the foundational components of progress. The hypothesis put forth in this study is based on al-Fārābī's perspective on the objectives and principles of political progress, encompassing both worldly and spiritual dimensions. The ultimate aim is to attain true perfection through a justice-centered trajectory of political progress, leading to happiness in the afterlife via political life in this world. The findings demonstrate that justice-centered political progress rests upon four essential pillars: ideology, leadership, populace, and governance. These pillars must not only fulfill their individual roles in the process of development but also maintain interdependence and mutual coherence.

Keywords


Holy Quran
** Nahj al-Balaqa
Ati, A. (1998). Human in Farabi's Philosophy. Beirut: Dar Al-Nabugh. [In Arabic]
Fakhouri, H., & Jar, K. (1400 AP). History of Philosophy in the Islamic World. (A. Ayati, Trans.). Tehran: Scientific and Cultural Publications. [In Persian]
Farabi, A. (1361 AP). Thoughts of the Virtuous City's Inhabitants (J. Sajjadi, Trans.). Tehran: Tahoori. [In Persian]
Farabi, A. (1413 AH). Tahsil Asaada dar Aamam al-Falsafiah (J. Al-Yaseen, Ed.). Beirut: Dar Al-Matahil. [In Arabic]
Farabi, A. (1964). Al-Siyasah Al-Madaniyyah (F. M. Najjar, Ed.). Beirut: Matba'at Al-Katholikiyyah. [In Arabic]
Farabi, A. (1971). Fosul Muntazahah (F. M. Najjar, Ed.). Beirut: Dar Al-Mashreq. [In Arabic]
Farabi, A. (1986). Al-Mileh wa Nusus Akhiri (M. Mahdi, Ed.). Beirut: Dar Al-Mashreq. [In Arabic]
Farabi, A. (1991). Ara' Ahl Al-Madinah Al-Fadhilah (B. Naseri Nader, Ed.). Beirut: Dar Al-Mashreq. [In Arabic]
Farabi, A. (1996). Enumeration of the Sciences. Beirut: Dar wa Maktabat al-Hilal. [In Arabic]
Firahi, D. (1391 AP). Political System and Government in Islam. Tehran: Samt Publications. [In Persian]
Hasanifar, A. R. (1394 AP). The Iranian-Islamic Model of Progress Based on the Views of Farabi. Tehran: Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies. [In Persian]
Jamshidi, M. H. (1380 AP). Theory of Justice from the Perspectives of Farabi, Imam Khomeini, and Shahid Sadr. Tehran: Research Institute of Imam Khomeini and Islamic Revolution, Research Deputy. [In Persian]
Lakzaei, N. (1389 AP). Philosophy of Security from the Perspective of Imam Khomeini. Strategic Studies, 49(13), pp. 5-28. [In Persian]
Mahajernia, M. (1380 AP). Farabi's Political Thought. Qom: Bustan-e Ketab. [In Persian]
Mahdi, M. (1990). Al-Huruf. Beirut: Dar Al-Mashreq. [In Arabic]
Majlisi, M. (1404 AH). Bihar al-Anwar (Vol. 72). Beirut: Al-Wafa Institute. [In Arabic]
Motahhari, M. (1380 AP). Collected Works (Vol. 3). Qom: Sadra. [In Persian]
Nazerezadeh Kermani, F. (1376 AP). Farabi's political philosophy. Tehran: Al-Zahra University Publications. [In Persian]
Raghib Asfahani, A. (1374 AP). Vocabulary of the Words of the Quran. Damascus: Dar al-Qalam; Beirut: Dar al-Shamieh. [In Arabic]
Sharif, M. M. (1391 AP). History of Philosophy in Islam (Vol. 1). Tehran: University Publication Center. [In Persian]
Tamimi Amidi, A. W. (1395 AP). Ghurar al-Hikam (Vol. 1). Qom: Dar al-Hadith. [In Arabic]
Va'ezhi, A. (1392 AP). Text interpretation theory. Qom: Research Institute of Seminary and University. [In Persian]
Zou'alam, A. (1394 AP). Progress in Justice-Centered Approach. Tehran: Publishing Organization of Islamic Culture and Thought Research Institute. [In Persian]