1. Al-Shaykh al-Mufid (b. c. 945, d. 1022) Abu ‘Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Nu‘man al-Baghdadi, a.k.a. Ibn al-Mu‘allim Ithna ‘ashari theologian, jurisprudent and teacher Composed over 170 works on theology and religious sciences, incl. Kitab al-Irshad (book on the twelve Imams)

2. Abu Yusuf (d. 798) Abu Yusuf Ya‘qub ibn Ibrahim al-Ansari al-Kufi Arab descent. Studied religious law and traditions under Abu Hanifa (d. 767) and Malik ibn Anas (d. 795) Became qadi in Baghdad. Favoured by Harun al-Rashid (r. 786-809), who awarded him title qadi al-qudat

3. Abu Yusuf (d. 798) Wrote various works, incl. Kitab al-Kharaj (book on taxation, public finance, justice etc.), written at request of Harun al-Rashid

4. Al-Mawardi (b. Basra 974, d. Baghdad 1058) Abu’l-Hasan ‘Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Habib al-Mawardi Shafi‘ite jurisprudent and teacher. After completed education, became famous and served as qadi in various places, incl. eventually in Baghdad. In 1058, awarded title qadi al-qudat. Also served as diplomat for the caliphs.

5. Al-Mawardi (b. Basra 974, d. Baghdad 1058) Wrote a wide range of works. Best known for Kitab al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyya (book on government)

6. Al-Farabi (d. Damascus 950) Abu Nasr Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Tarkhan ibn Awzalagh Very famous Muslim philosopher, but little known of life. Of Turkish origin. Lived quiet life until invited in 942 by Sayf al-Dawla, ruler of Aleppo, to his court. Lived there until just before death.

7. Al-Farabi (d. Damascus 950) Learned philosophy from a Nestorian Christian of Greek school. Credited with over 100 works, incl. Fi Mabadi’ Ara’ Ahl al-Madina al-Fadila (book on perfect state, presenting Islamic version of Plato’s Republic)