Ibn Khaldun and Confucius: a preliminary comparative analysis introduction between 'Asabiyyah and Wu Lun

Abstract

How the Islamic and Chinese philosophical traditions relate to one another is a subject of much study. However, such studies are few and are in between due to the obvious difficulties involved. Comparing two different civilizations often results in and sometimes requires generalizations. The more generalizations made the more academically risky the comparative analysis becomes. Nevertheless, while some are found wanting, others are useful for a clearer understanding. Like any generalizations deep comparative analysis across civilizational thought, comparing Islamic Thought and Philosophy or elements thereof with counterparts in the Chinese religio-philosophic radition is wrought with difficulties and pitfalls. And yet, it is such comparative analysis that is both lacking as much as it is sorely needed in a truly globalized world. The responsible intent of such comparative analysis is not merely to act as bridges across peoples of different worldviews but also contributing to a more peaceful world that understands itself that much better. This paper is intended to contribute towards such a direction while specifically looking at points of differences and similarities between the ideas of Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406 C.E./732-808 A.H.) and Confucius (551 - 479 B.C.E.). Indeed, there are many questions yet to be explored. Are Ibn Khaldun's ideas about the rise and fall of civilizations and the right of governance similar to the Confucian idea of Tian Ming (Mandate from Heaven) and the cyclical Chinese cosmology that governs the Chinese Mind? Where can one find parallelisms between Ibn Khaldun's ideas and in the different strands of Chinese thought that spans the Moists, the Confucian, the Legalists as well as the Taoist schools of thought? Clearly some measure of focus is in order for we are here speaking of two great intellectual giants of two different worlds.