a Translation and Descriptive Analysis of the Chapter on Theology in the Muqaddimah of Ibn Khaldun.

• Main Author: Nettler, Ronald L.
• Other Authors: Adams, Charles J. (Supervisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1968
• Subjects: Islamic Studies.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=108886

Our purpose is two-fold: l) to elucidate and discuss Ibn Khâldün's attitudes towards theology. 2) to analyze and discuss Ibn Khaldun's style. Our analysis has been carried out against the background of Muhsin Mahdi's studies of Ibn Khâldün's work, especially Mahdi's thesis of the philosophic foundation of the Muqaddimah and Ibn Khaldun's "exoteric-esoteric" style. Our findings are as follows: 1) In Ibn Khaldün's opinion, theology should exist only for purposes of defence of the faith, and cannot legitimately incorporate philosophical ideas and methods. 2) Philosophy and revealed religion are equally valid, each in its own sphere. However, any attempt to mix the two approaches (as was done by the later Muslim theologians) is invalid. 3) The basic religious obligations of Islam are to be fulfilled in a personal commitment; philosophical reason is not involved here. 4) Ibn Khaldun expresses these ideas through a highly complicated "exoteric-esoteric" style.