Ibn Khaldun’s muqaddimah and ‘Ilm Al-'Umran: an analysis

Abstract

Life-sketch of Ibn Khaldun Abu Zaid Abd al-Rahman Ibn Muhammad lbn Khaldun was born in Tunis on May 27, 1332AC (Ramadan 1, 732AH). He received a traditional education that was typical of his family's rank and status. He learned first at the hands of his father who was a scholarly person. He memorized the Qur'an by heart, learned grammar, jurisprudence, hadith, rhetoric, philology, and poetry. He had reached certain proficiency in these subjects and received certification in them. Ibn Khaldun involved himself into political activities before endeavouring on writing his masterpiece. When he felt tired of political movements and rejected politics, he took refuge in the Banu Arif tribe; and it was where he completed his magnum opus . Muqaddimah or the Prolegomena. 1 It was completed in 1377 AC. He also produced some other books, namely 'Kitab al-'Ibar, 'Lubab al-Muhassal Fi Usul al-Din' and 'Al- Ta' rif bi-lbn Khaldun'. He studied various branches of Arabic, and held high positions in Tunis, Granada, Fez, and Cairo. He lived a life of fame and respect, marked by his appointment as the Chief Malakite Judge and lecturing at the AI-Azhar University. He died on March 16, 1406.