Ibn Khaldun, Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad

Ibn Khaldun, Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad

Introduction

Ibn Khaldun, full name Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad Ibn Khaldun al-Hadrami (d. 1406), was an influential Arab historian, historiographer, and social philosopher. He held numerous public positions in Tunis and later moved to Cairo in 1392, where he taught and served as a judge until his death.

Major Works

His major works include his autobiography, Al-tarif b’Ibn Khaldun (معرف ابن خلدون), and the Muqaddimah (مقدمة), often referred to as the “Introduction to History”. The Muqaddimah is celebrated for its analysis of sedentary and desert populations, dynasties, and the caliphate.

Concept of ‘Ilm al-‘Umrān

In Muqaddimah, Ibn Khaldun claims to have established a new science called ‘ilm al-‘umran (العمران), the science of social organization. His innovative approach to studying history and societies has earned him the title of ‘father of sociology’.

Asabiyyah

Central to his thought is the concept of asabiyyah (عصبية), or social solidarity. This principle underpins his analysis of nomadism and urbanism and explains the rise and decline of states. He posits that social cohesion and loyalty are crucial for political power and societal progress.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Ibn Khaldun emphasized the interdependence of religious, political, economic, military, and cultural spheres of life, advocating for effective social control of human activities. His interdisciplinary approach prefigured and influenced later thinkers like Machiavelli, Giambattista Vico, Auguste Comte, Émile Durkheim, Oswald Spengler, and Louis Wirth.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: عبد الرحمن بن محمد ابن خلدون
• Turkish: Abd al-Rahman bin Muhammad İbn Haldun

Further Studies

To deepen your understanding of Ibn Khaldun’s thought and his contribution to various fields, consider the following books:

1. “The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History” by Ibn Khaldun, translated by Franz Rosenthal.
2. “Ibn Khaldun: An Intellectual Biography” by Robert Irwin.
3. “The Sociology of Islam: Knowledge, Power and Civility” by Armando Salvatore.

Key Takeaways

1. Significance: Ibn Khaldun is a pivotal figure in Islamic thought and social sciences, notably sociology.
2. Major Works: His major contributions include his autobiography and Muqaddimah, which introduces ‘ilm al-‘umran.
3. Core Concepts: His theories on asabiyyah and interdisciplinary analysis remain influential.

Conclusion

Ibn Khaldun’s visionary work has left an indelible mark on our understanding of social structures and their dynamics. His analyses offer valuable insights into the interplay between different societal elements, making his studies essential, not just within Islamic intellectual history, but in the broader scope of global social sciences.