Philosophers from Islam

5. Ibn Khaldun (1332--1406): The Father of Modern Historiography and Sociology

The final surname that should be noted is Ibn Khaldun, who was a Tunisian historian, sociologist, and economist. Unlike his predecessors, who focused maximum attention on metaphysical philosophy, Ibn Khaldun focused maximum attention on the philosophy of social science and history.  His magnum opus, The Muqaddimah, is quoted often to be one of the most seminal works in human thought.

'Asabiyyah, social solidarity being the primary reason for a civilization's emergence and decline, is introduced by Ibn Khaldun in the Introduction.

He speculates that a dynasty or kingdom is established due to a tight feeling of group solidarity, peaks to its greatest glory, and subsequently breaks up as the solidarity is lost.

This theory is quite contemporary and is even regarded as being pre-Western sociological thought, like that of Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim. Besides, Ibn Khaldun wrote about politics, education, and economics.  He maintained the necessity of cooperation among individuals in society in the establishment of civilization and admitted that social development is influenced by geographical and climatic conditions.  His contributions render him the father of modern social science.