An Introduction to the Political Ideas of Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi

Mahmud ibn Mas`ud ibn Muslih Kazeruni Ash`ari Sha¦fi`i, known as Qutb al-Din al-shira¦zi, was one of Khawa¦ja Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and Sadr al-Din Qunawi's pupils. Among his important ideas which spread in the seventh century, the time when the Mongol's power over Iran was at its utmost, are: the civic and political man, the identity of politics, its origin and different levels, the various types of political societies and the design of a desired political system and state and the conditions of its constancy and sustainability.Qutb al-Din originated and drew up an organized and sound philosophical system on which all his political views were based. He considers that the world of existence is a world of moderation and order, and in every part and element the hierarchical order is observed.He thinks that moderation and order are innate characteristics of heavenly world and the rational world, but in this world, i. e., the earthly world, the world of generation and corruption, it is necessary to commence with forming a desired political system which on the basis of reason and Shari`ah, establishing the virtuous state and spreading virtues, especially the virtue of justice, to ensure individual's needs which paves the way for the attainment of heavenly moderation, order and discipline in this world.In his arguments of state, he believes that when wisdom and political rationality governs and when Shari`ah and faith are taken into consideration, then the principles of the policy of a state will aim at the acquistion of sufficient knowledge of individuals, groups and sects of a society as well as their talents, competence and skills, giving equal rights to them, punishing criminals to ensure security for people and state, and paving the way for establishing close relations between people and their fellow-citizens and between people and government.He maintains that rationality, wisdom, counselling and Shari`ah precepts form the foundation of a safe and sound policy and sovereignty.