Although Alfarabi takes Aristotle´s Metaphysics as his guide and model, he neither adheres to its traditional arrangement nor follows any of the traditional methods of commentary.

His work is a free commentary that attempts to seize upon the method and intention of Aristotle´s Metaphysics and develop both in new directions.

Two of these are especially noteworthy. First, the discussion of the varieties in the meaning of terms is expanded to include a number of languages (Greek, Syriac, Persian, Soghdian, as well as Arabic) and the activity y of translating from one language into another.

Second, such intriguing remarks as those in Metaphysics A. 8. 1074a38-b14 are expanded into a full-fledged account of the origin and development of language, religion, and philosophy, the interaction among them, and the movement of religion and philosophy across national and linguistic boundaries."