The philosophy of labor and the craft in the Ikhwan al-Safa', Isfahani, and Ibn Khaldun

Abstract

Early Islamic economic philosophy adopted or adapted the ancient economic philosophical legacy; particularly, from Bryson, whose work was available in the tenth century in anonymous Arabic translation. These philosophical texts influenced Muslim educational and economic monographs (Cahen, 4: 690; Rosenthal 1970: 284- 5); especially Persian works on slaves, servants and merchants (Esside 1995: 217- 228). In those days, free men could not easily perform the menial tasks of the family and the state. The family is a microcosm of the social function of the state, and therefore operates on the same principles as the state. Since servants are vital to the smooth functioning of the family and society, man should be grateful to God for their work, and should always treat them with kindness and benevolence. The master should know that his servants suffer of exhaustion and fatigue as he does. He should therefore be just towards them (Esside 1995: 217).