A Study in the Political Thought of Ibn Khaldun

Abstract

Ibn Khaldun is considered one of the most prominent thinkers in Islamic and global history, leaving his mark in various fields such as political philosophy, sociology, and history. This study sheds light on his political philosophy, which stands as one of the earliest attempts to explain political and social dynamics scientifically, emphasizing social and economic factors. The paper examines Ibn Khaldun's concepts regarding the rise, development, and fall of states, in addition to his concept of "Asabiyyah" (social cohesion) and its vital role in forming and stabilizing societies and political powers. The study also analyzes Ibn Khaldun's theory of the political cycle, which describes the sequential stages of states from their emergence and flourishing to their decline and collapse, highlighting the impact of this cycle on the continuity of governance. The study further explores Ibn Khaldun's ability to understand political changes and their influence on the structure of societies, providing a critical analysis of his views on state and politics from both a historical and philosophical perspective. This research aims to highlight the significance of Ibn Khaldun's theories in understanding contemporary political and social developments and their applicability to analyzing current phenomena with greater accuracy and depth.