Ermeneutica della legge e ruolo politico del giurista in al-Fārābī

The aim of this research is to examine the way al-Fārābī treats the organization of the virtuous city after the death of the first legislator. The faqīh is the man who must interpret the revealed Law; his role is crucial to understand the relationship between philosophy and religion in the thought of al-Fārābī’s. The discussion focuses on how the prophecy is described in al-Fārābī’s works and on the role of founder and political leader of the city, i.e. the philosopher-prophet. After the discussion on the relationship between political science (a branch of philosophy) and jurisprudence (and, of course, theology), the research analyzes the figure of the faqīh focusing on philosophical and political implications underlying this role when such a historical figure is expected to be able to interpret the revealed Law. In conclusion, the article shows the theoretical and socio-political background underlying the epistemological and political view of al-Fārābī. The nature of the faqīh successor of the Prophet in the leading ruler of the virtuous city is perhaps a key point for the understanding of the proper place of religion and philosophy in al-Fārābī’s thought.