Ibn Khaldūn's social thought on Bedouin and hadar

Abstract

Through the framework of modern sociological theory equipped with methods of historical and sociological interpretation of the text, this study attempted to explain Ibn Khaldūn's social thought, especially the Bedouin and hadar, in 'ilm al-'umrān. Ibn Khaldūn's idea on social importance was about the bedouin and hadar community along with their social solidarity. Both communities had their respective characteristics. Nomadic society which was identical to the bedouin community had a social structure and specificity as tendency in virtue, warm relationship, and uniformity, while hadar society had a structure and social peculiarities such as pluralist, pragmatic, and hedonists. In terms of lifestyle, bedouin society looked more dynamic than hadar. Bedouin way of life was characterized by moving from one place to another, and this made this community smart in formulating the vision, mission, programs, and targets to be achieved in life. Bedouin specificity was reflected in their lives' readiness and supplies, one thing that was not visible in the community of hadar. Meanwhile, with their prosperity, hadar people were busy with urban activity and civil society development. Ibn Khaldūn had sought to understand human being and his existence individually or socially through 'ilm al-'umrān. His social methodology reflected his overall views through observation of social reality in a comprehensive manner. The author argued that Ibn Khaldūn's social methodology that combined data and social facts with religion could be a reference and served as an example of a comprehensive approach. Ibn Khaldūn's another important idea was on the development of community intelligence which included three stages: tamyīzī, tajrībī, and nazārī.