Arastu (Aristotle)

Arastu (384 BC-322 BC), a distinguished disciple of Aflatoon (Plato), was a Greek philosopher and scientist who wrote the first major works in the annals of Western philosophy. He contributed principally in the domains of philosophy, science, arts, ethics and politics. His works influenced both the Islamic and the Christian worlds, especially in the fields of theology and philosophy. In the Islamic world, the translations of his works were received so enthusiastically that he came to be known as the “First Teacher”.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Arastu’s works, translated into Arabic, found many followers in the Arab world. The 9th century philosopher Al-Kindi, who is often credited with introducing the Greek philosophy to the Arabs, used his teachings as a base for his own philosophical treatises. Another influential philosopher, Al-Farabi, also drew upon Arastu and came to be valued as the “second teacher” after Arastu. His work called Kitab al-Huruf is a commentary on Arastu’s Metaphysics. He worked further towards blending Sufism and philosophy. He, thus, paved the way for Abi Sina (Avicenna) who later emerged as one of the major interpreters of Arastu. In the 12th century, it was Ibn Rushd (Averroes) who translated Arastu’s works afresh and broadened his appeal to new groups of readership.

Reference: See: https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/hayat-e-arastoo-munawwar-khan-saghar-ebooks, https://www.rekhta.org/ebook-detail/sheriyat-arastu-ebooks-2?lang=ur

Arastu (384 BC-322 BC), a distinguished disciple of Aflatoon (Plato), was a Greek philosopher and scientist who wrote the first major works in the annals of Western philosophy. He contributed principally in the domains of philosophy, science, arts, ethics and politics. His works influenced both the Islamic and the Christian worlds, especially in the fields of theology and philosophy. In the Islamic world, the translations of his works were received so enthusiastically that he came to be known as the “First Teacher”.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Arastu’s works, translated into Arabic, found many followers in the Arab world. The 9th century philosopher Al-Kindi, who is often credited with introducing the Greek philosophy to the Arabs, used his teachings as a base for his own philosophical treatises. Another influential philosopher, Al-Farabi, also drew upon Arastu and came to be valued as the “second teacher” after Arastu. His work called Kitab al-Huruf is a commentary on Arastu’s Metaphysics. He worked further towards blending Sufism and philosophy. He, thus, paved the way for Abi Sina (Avicenna) who later emerged as one of the major interpreters of Arastu. In the 12th century, it was Ibn Rushd (Averroes) who translated Arastu’s works afresh and broadened his appeal to new groups of readership.

Reference: See: https://www.rekhta.org/ebooks/hayat-e-arastoo-munawwar-khan-saghar-ebooks, https://www.rekhta.org/ebook-detail/sheriyat-arastu-ebooks-2?lang=ur