Ilm Al Umran

Ibn Khaldun would have become famous for writing the world history which was his life mission had he not written its introduction, Al Muqaddimah. Instead, the world celebrates him today for the original ideas he put forward in Al Muqaddimah.

Ibn Khaldun saw history more than a chronological description of past events. Rather, he developed a philosophy of history, in which he studied the socio-economic context to analyze the historical narrative to draw conclusions from them. He was thus able to develop principles from past events and form educated postulations about the future.


He gave the world the idea of Al Umran which can roughly be translated as “civilization”, "culture" or “social community”. The European social scientists who rediscovered his work in the mid 19th century have called him the first sociologist. According to him, savage tribes organize themselves based on tribal/ethnic affinity. This motivation he calls Al Assabiyya (nationalism) which propels the people to form states, nations and urban centers. 


The next generation consolidates their gains, while the third typically reaps the benefits becoming lethargic, luxury loving pleasure seekers. Thus, a nation typically lasts for 3 generations although decline can be prevented till 5. History demonstrates that the destiny of nations is cyclic. Likewise, Ibn Khaldun’s ideas on political economy are profound and precede Adam Smith’s economic theories. 


It was a strong basis of Islamic education with the memorization of the Quran followed by 25 years of continuous practical political maneuvering for personal survival in some of the highest positions in North Africa that enabled to write such ideas in just a span of 5 months without resorting to any references. It was more of a brain dump of original ideas rather than research. 


The Muqaddimah is liberally interjected with verses of the Quran, showing clearly that despite using experience, critical thinking and reason like the Ancients, Ibn Khaldun was firmly grounded in his faith. There was no discrepancy for him in choosing reason or faith. As a believer, his reason was firmly aligned with his faith.

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