One of the most famous thinkers in political science in the Middle Ages. Al-Mawardi's proficiency in jurisprudence, ethics, political science and literature secured him a position on his career ladder. The Abbasi Khalifah al-Qaim bi Amr Allah appointed him as his roving ambassador and sent him to a number of countries as the head of special missions. In this capacity he played a key role in establishing harmonious relations between the declining Abbasid Caliphate and the rising powers of Buwahids and Seljukes. Al-Mawardi was a jurist in the school of Fiqh and his book 'Al-Hawi' on the principles of jurisprudence is held in high repute. His contribution in political science and sociology comprises a number of monumental books, the most famous being 'Kitab al-Ahkam al-Sultania', 'Qanun al-Wazarah' and 'Kitab al-Mulk'. The book discusses the principles of political science, with special reference to the functions and duties of the caliphs, the chief minister, other ministers, relationships between various elements of public and government and measures to strengthen the government and ensure victory in war. Al-Mawardi wrote, in ethic, 'Kitab Aadab al-Dunya wa al-Din', and a popular book, which is still read in some Muslim countries. He has been considered as one of the most famous thinkers in political science in the Middle Ages. Al-Mawardi was born Abu al-Hasan Ali Ibn Muhammad Ibn Habib al-Mawardi in Basra.