Social and political views of Abu Rayhan Biruni

Abstract

There are many reasons why social and political views of Abu Rayhan Biruni have attracted much attention. Biruni lived in the 10th and 11th centuries. This was the golden age of Islamic sciences, culture and art. This was also the age when Avicenna, Muhammad ibn Zakariyya ar-Razi, Istakhri, Abu al-Wafa Buzjani, Nasawi, Sayyid Muratadha, Sheikh Tusi and other thinkers were presenting the conclusions of their respective scientific research. However, despite this intense scientific competition, Biruni was not only able to acquire world fame as an astronomer, a mathematician, a physicist, but what is more, he was also known as someone who was well acquainted with culture, art and social sciences. When Biruni talks about society he does not simply present theoretical concepts and discussions in the manner that some philosophers who preceded him did. Rather, he strived to apply his social theories to the existing social-political structures and systems. The power of reason and religion play a pivotal role in the social ideas of Biruni. Using these two important elements, he strives to explain the foundations of a Utopia. However, he does not limit his investigations to this discussion. He also pays close attention to the fact that it is not proper to expect such a Utopia and perfect government to come into existence in all periods of human history. It is for this reason that, in his investigation, he also mentions other forms of governments and he explains the principle conditions and qualities for each one. After this, he describes the other sections of society. What is more, he also presents his view regarding the classes of society and the principle responsibilities of a government. The different types of social justices are also defined by him and in the end he points to the factors that lead to the stability of a society.

Keywords

• Biruni
• social views
• society
• religion
• reason
• government
• Islam