ABSTRACT
The pursuit of the best form of government is far from absent in the works of Shi'i philosophy. This can be seen in the works of Isma'ili philosophers and of authors such as Farabi, Nasir al-Din Tusi and especially Haydar Amuli or Mulla Sadra. These few references show that the relationship between Shi'i faith and philosophical activity assumed different expressions over the centuries and that they continued until relatively recently. The political reason that inspires Shi'i philosophers is closer to medieval Christian ideas or to Byzantine doctrines. The earliest Shi'i philosophical writings were produced in a world of constant strife among Muslims. Haydar Amuli was obligated to condemn vigorously the Shi'i movements that drew different conclusions from his own in regard to the existence of the inner and outer dimensions of religion. He stigmatized by name the Isma'ilis who overturned the rule of shari'a in order to re-establish the authority of haqiqa.
