Abstract

Farabi and Mulla Sadra discussed politics in their works because they considered it to be a branch of practical wisdom. They paid particular attention to the features and characteristics of the leader of a religious society so that he could take control of the affairs and lead people in accordance with a revealed religion and pave the way for the realization of an ideal society. Therefore, for these two philosophers, unlike the common ruling systems of the world, politics is formed on the basis of spirituality and religious guidance. The six-fold conditions of the first leader are different from his twelve-fold characteristics because the former are acquired while the latter are natural and intrinsic. Mulla Sadra agrees with Farabi almost completely and grants an Ishraqi flavor to Farabi's condition of wisdom, which he poses according to the Peripatetic method.The characteristics of the first leader of the religious society in their totality can only be found in the Prophet. After him, the only person who deserves this position is the Infallible Imam. In his absence, a qualified jurisprudent becomes the leader. Both philosophers agree with these three stages. However, after these three people, Farabi believes that leadership belongs to a two-person council and, then, a six- person council whose members, in addition to the necessary characteristics, enjoy one of the six-fold conditions, particularly wisdom. The leader must have these features at their highest level and is appointed to this post.