1. Al-Farabi (c. 878-950) From Transoxiana, of Turkish origin
Spent much of life in Damascus, then Aleppo
Studied under Nestorian Christian philosopher
and others, then developed their ideas
Viewed scriptures as symbolic presentations of
philosophical truths for common folk
Also wrote on perfect government, based on
Plato’s Republic

2. Al-Farabi (c )
Dealt with philosophy of both Plato and
Aristotle in various works, incl.
Tahsil al-Sa‘ada (The Attainment of
Happiness)

3. Abu’l-Hasan ‘Ali ibn Isma‘il al-Ash‘ari
(b. Basra 873/4, d. Baghdad 935)
Little known of life. Originally studied under
Mu‘tazilite named al-Jubba’i in Basra
912/3 Rejected Mu‘tazilite position and
adopted Traditionalist position, though
maintained Mu‘tazilite-style reasoning
Various works incl. Kitab al-Luma‘, theological
treatise intended to refute Mu‘tazilites
and other opponents