Politics in Ibn Khaldun: An Analytical Study

Abstract

The research aims to analyze Ibn Khaldun’s political thought through the theoretical foundations he built for understanding the state and authority, and to assess the realism of his method in explaining the emergence and stages of states through asabiyyah (social cohesion) and religion. It also discusses his views on types of governance and the constitution of rulers, while evaluating the applicability of this theoretical framework in the contemporary era. The study relied on a descriptive-analytical approach to read Ibn Khaldun’s texts and analyze the opinions of modern Arab scholars. It concludes that Ibn Khaldun sees the state as a social necessity resulting from human association and urbanization, and that authority represents a natural restraint to preserve order and prevent injustice and aggression. He considers asabiyyah the driving force behind the formation and development of the state; its meaning is not limited to kinship but includes marriage alliances, pacts, and loyalty, and its weakening leads to the erosion of the state. Religion is highlighted as a unifying and complementary factor to asabiyyah, forming a religious solidarity that protects religion and its sacred values. The study traces the life cycle of the state according to Ibn Khaldun, which begins with emergence and strength, then flourishes before weakening and collapsing due to extravagance, luxury, and moral corruption. Legitimate rule is considered the most complete form of governance because it combines reason and Sharia and achieves the interests of both this world and the hereafter. The value of governance is determined by its adherence to justice and legitimacy. Ibn Khaldun’s constitution for rulers links authority to ethics and religious commitment through principles such as piety, justice, consultation, caring for the poor, and attention to the army and scholars. Thus, Ibn Khaldun offers a historical-social political theory that can be used to understand contemporary issues of governance in mo