Story Of Al-Farabi: One Muslim Philosopher Who Expert at Theology and Music

 

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Today, we will discuss about Al-Farabi, Muslim Philosopher who expert at theology, music, and also logica. And, other popular as philosopher, he also popular with his simple lifestyle. He is one teacher from one Islamic Medicine Expert, Ibn Sina. Ok, please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about Islamic History and Civilizations. It is easy verb for  you, but have big role for support our blog that focuss at Islamic History and Civilization s education for people. And, dont forget read this article until end for get more informations about this topic.

Al-Farabi or his complete name Abu Nashr at-Turki al-Farabi al-Hakim, is one Muslim Philosopher . He has original name Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Tharkan. He born at 870 AD at Central Asia and die at Damascus, Syria, at 950 AD. Al-Farabi, such as mentioned by Imam Dhahabi and Philip.K.Hitti, is Turkish Descedant.  His biography, explained completely by Imam Dhahabi.

According Imam Dhahabi, Farabi came to Baghdad , Abbasid Caliphate Capital, and studied language and philosophy. One from his teacher at Baghdad is Matta ibn Yunus, one philosopher and logical expert at Baghdad. After this, Farabi went to Harran and studied to John ibn Jilan, one Christiant teacher. He also doing journey to Egypt and Damascus, Syria.

From teacher of Farabi, other Matta ibn Yunus that one Christiant Translatter who  many translate Greek Philosophy, also Abu Bakar as-Saraj who teach him Arabic Literatures.

Harran, one destination city that became Farabi s study place, is center from Greek Culture at Anatolia.  Al-Farabi focuss at several knowledges, such as language, mathematics, chemisfry, astronomy, military knowledge, theology, and others. Researcher Nurul Azizah, mentioned that Farabi busy with knowledge , until he doesnt near with Abbasid Rulers at his age.

According Imam Dhahabi, several mens ask Farabi: “Who more great? You or Aristoteles ( one great Greek Philosopher)? .” Farabi answer: “If i meet Aristoteles, i will became his senior student.” Al-Farabi, can speak with several languages, such as  Kurdish, Persians, and also Turkish. Imam Dhahabi mentioned that Al-Farabi can speak at 70 languages. According Nurul Azizah, Al-Farabi , originally mastered many languages,  but he also can speak fluently at Persians, Kurdish, and Turkish. Imam Dhahabi quote one Farabi s statement: “Who search guide from philosophy, Allah will misleading him.”. Al-Farabi s works, according Imam Dhahabi, focuss at theology and mathematics.

According Philip.K.Hitti, Al-Farabi s philosophy influenced by several Greek Philosophers, such as Plato and Aristoteles. One Farabi s work, totled Risalah Fushush al-Hikam and Risalah fi Ara Ahl al-Madinah al-Fadhilah. And, one Farabi s work, al-Siyasah al-Madaniyah , inspired by Republic by Plato and also Politic by Aristoteles.

And, Farabi s work make Sayf al Dawla al Hamdani, Syrian Ruler from Hamdan Dynasty interest. Sayf al-Dawla al-Hamdani is Syrian Ruler from Tribe of Thaglib who can seized Aleppo and Homs from Ikhsid Dynasty. Farabi came to Damascus and give lecturer at this city. Sayf al Dawla interest. Sayf al-Dawla give 4 Dirham as wages to Al-Farabi. According Imam Dhahabi, Al-Farabi is simple philosopher. He doesnt proud himself with clothes and home.  

At 950 AD, Al-Farabi die and his corps  prayed by Sayf al-Dawla. He die at 80 years old. And, after his die, he burried at Tomb of Bab ash-Shagir. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:

Hitti, Philip.K: History Of The Arabs: Rujukan Induk dan Paling Otoritatif Tentang Sejarah Peradaban Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2006 M.

Imam ad-Dhahabi: Siyar Alam an-Nubala: Mutiara Kisah Pilihan Orang orang Cemerlang Dalam Sejarah Islam ( edisi ringkas oleh DR.Sulaiman al-Asyqar), Penerbit al-Kautsar, 2019 M.

Azizah, Nurul: Biografi Al-Farabi dan Penemuannya di Bidang Filsafat, accesed at 14 September, 2025, 09: 32 AM.