Who is Al-Farabi?
…and why is that the name used by the author of this blog? This was a question posed to me recently. MEI’s Editor Michael Dunn perceptively suggested that I chose the name of the philosopher Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Awzlaġ al-Fārābi born in the 9th century. He is indeed correct. As he noted there is some dispute over his true origins (Kazahkstan?). What is known with certainty is that al-Farabi spent his later life in Damascus working on Islamic, political, and metaphysical philosophy.
The author’s values, philosophy, and cultural experiences will be challenged during his stay in Damascus. Like the real al-Farabi he will spend many nights staring at the Damascus sky contemplating thoughts on life. Such is the inspiration for the name.
