Ali Abd al-Raziq was an Egyptian scholar and thinker born in 1888. He is best known for his controversial book, "Islam and the Foundations of Political Power," published in 1925. In this work, he argued against the idea that Islam should be the basis for political authority, advocating for a separation between religion and state. His ideas sparked significant debate in the Muslim world, challenging traditional views on the role of Islam in governance. Abd al-Raziq's thoughts contributed to discussions about modernity and reform within Islamic societies, influencing later thinkers and movements seeking to reconcile faith with contemporary political systems.