by Ibn Khaldūn
“Al-Muqaddimah” (المقدمة) is the prolegomena to Ibn Khaldun’s larger universal history, Kitāb al-Ibar (كتاب العبر). Completed in 1377 CE (approx. 779 AH) while Ibn Khaldun was in seclusion at Qalʿat Ibn Salamah near Frenda, Algeria, this groundbreaking work revolutionized historical writing. It is among the earliest texts to introduce a rational, scientific approach to the philosophy of history and sociology. Ibn Khaldun formulates pioneering theories on social cohesion (‘asabiyyah), economic patterns, and the cyclical rise and fall of civilizations. The Al-Muqaddimah critically examines historical sources and integrates insights from various scientific disciplines, marking a significant departure from traditional annalistic chronicles and laying the foundations for modern historiography.
