Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi

Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi (972–1058) was a prominent Islamic scholar and political theorist from Baghdad. He is best known for his contributions to Islamic governance and law, particularly through his work "Al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyya" (The Ordinances of Government). In this book, he outlined principles for the legitimacy of rulers, the importance of justice, and how Islamic laws should guide political authority. His ideas have influenced Islamic political thought by emphasizing that rulers must govern justly according to divine law, balancing authority with accountability to maintain social order.