In this book, Rasoul Namazi offers the first in-depth study of Leo Strauss' writings on Islamic political thought, a topic that interested Strauss over the course of his career. Namazi's volume focuses on several important studies by Strauss on Islamic thought. He critically analyzes Strauss's notes on Averroes' commentary on Plato's Republic and also proposes an interpretation of Strauss' theologico-political notes on the Arabian Nights. Namazi also interprets Strauss' essay on Alfarabi's enigmatic treatise, The Philosophy of Plato and provides a detailed commentary on his complex essay devoted to Alfarabi's summary of Plato's Laws. Based on previously unpublished material from Strauss' papers, Namazi's volume provides new insights into Strauss' reflections on religion, philosophy, and politics, and their relationship to wisdom, persecution, divine law, and unbelief in the works of key Muslim thinkers. His work presents Strauss as one of the most innovative historians and scholars of Islamic thought of all time.

‘Rasoul Namazi’s excellent study is written in an English style superior to that of most native speakers. His careful, focused, and thoughtful examination of Strauss’s writing on Islamic thought could very easily inspire other valuable books, such as Strauss on Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, and the Founding of Modern Liberalism or Strauss on French Political Philosophy, from Montaigne to Rousseau.’

Alexander Orwin - Louisiana State University

‘Namazi’s work is a signal scholarly contribution that gives Strauss’s writings on Islamic thinkers … an important place in his work.’

Jeffrey A. Bernstein - College of Holy Cross