Al-Mawardi

From Freepedia

Abu al-Hasan Ali Ibn Muhammad Ibn Habib al-Mawardi (d. 448H, 1058 C.E) was fiqah (one knowledgeable in fiqh) from Iraq.

Biography

He was born in Basrah (present day Iraq) during the year 972 C.E. Here he learnt Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) from Abu al-Wahid al-Simari before travelling to Baghdad to study under the Sheikh Abd al-Hamid and the Sheikh Abdallah al-Baqi. Since both Basrah and Baghdad were homes of the Mu'tazili school of thought (a non-Sunni group) at this time he was influenced by their teachings. His contribution in political science and sociology comprises a number of monumental books, the most famous of which are Kitab al-Ahkam al-Sultania {The Book of the Rules of Governance}, Qanun al-Wazarah {Laws regarding the Ministers}, and Kitab Nasihat al-Mulk {The Book of Sincere Advice to Rulers}. He is also creditted with the creation of the Doctrine of Necessity.