IBN KHALDUN’S THEORY OF CIVILIZATION AND ITS RELEVANCE TO CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC THOUGHT

Abstract

Ibn Khaldun’s theory of civilization, particularly outlined in his seminal work Muqaddimah, presents a multidimensional understanding of historical development, social cohesion (ʿasabiyyah), governance, and moral decline. This study explores the core concepts of Ibn Khaldun’s thought and evaluates their relevance within contemporary Islamic intellectual discourse. With rising debates over governance, economic justice, and the collapse of communal solidarity in modern Muslim societies, this paper argues that Ibn Khaldun’s cyclical model of civilizational rise and fall offers profound insights for today’s scholars and policymakers. The article utilizes comparative analysis, modern interpretations, and Islamic theoretical frameworks to present a recontextualized view of his work.