This book about the founder of Islamic political philosophy represents the culmination of four decades of careful research and allows Alfarabi behold as they should have seen him more than his contemporaries and his immediate followers, that is, as a philosopher who tried to lay the groundwork for a new understanding of religion and Greek political philosophy. This new vision of the philosopher contributes to Muhsin S. Mahdi has managed to uncover Alfarabi texts so far known only through references to medieval times. The book is, beyond the academic exegesis, political engagement with the thought of al-Farabi, and is essential reading for anyone interested in medieval political philosophy. After an overview of Islamic philosophy and a discussion of its historical background, Mahdi offers the reader an introduction to the debate between philosophy, political thought, theology and jurisprudence in Islam, especially in the medieval period Islam of Al-Farabi. In the second part of the book, the author turns his attention to the concept of "virtuous city" and to the distinction between philosophy and science on the one hand, and philosophy and religion, on the other. Mahdi concludes with a detailed analysis of the key work for understanding the political thought of Al-Farabi, the trilogy known under the title The Philosophy of Plato and Aristotle. Muhsin S. Mahdi carried out in this book a rigorous and provocative interpretation of one of the most important thinkers of the Islamic political philosophy. Without falling into the bitter criticism or tedious comparisons, Mahdi says clearly where wandering past research and points the way to be taken by those wishing to read properly and profitably Farabi's work. Interested in history of civilization Islamic and medieval philosophy. As recommended reading introduction to political philosophy and introduction to philosophy.