15 Classical Muslim Political Philosophers

A Handbook

15 Classical Muslim Political Philosophers: A Handbook is a clear, accessible, and in-depth guide to the political thought of fifteen of the most influential Muslim thinkers from the 8th to the 18th century. From Al-Farabi and Ibn Sina to Ibn Khaldun and Mulla Sadra, this volume introduces readers to the people, ideas, and historical forces that shaped political philosophy in the Islamic tradition before the colonial encounter. Each chapter explores the philosopher’s background, the political and social conditions of his time, and seven key ideas that defined his political thinking.

What sets this handbook apart is its consistent structure and focus: readers get not just summaries, but a deep understanding of how these thinkers responded to the challenges of their day—dynastic change, moral decay, political fragmentation, and questions of legitimacy, law, and power. The book ends with a thematic overview that ties the whole tradition together, showing how classical Muslim political thought developed across centuries and why it still matters today. This is essential reading for anyone interested in political theory, Islamic intellectual history, or the deep roots of Muslim political imagination.