Ibn Khaldun, a scholar from the 14th century, penned the Muqaddimah, a groundbreaking work on history and society. Born in Tunisia to a family originally from Yemen, Ibn Khaldun's life was marked by extensive travel across North Africa and Spain, serving in various government roles. These experiences shaped his worldview, making him a truly cosmopolitan intellectual.

One of the defining features of Ibn Khaldun's work is his dual identity as a jurist and a litterateur. His training in Islamic jurisprudence and the verification of hadiths, religious reports, was complemented by his appreciation for the subtleties of language and the cultural role of poetry. This unique combination of skills allowed him to bring fresh perspectives to the study of history.

In the Muqaddimah, Ibn Khaldun makes a clear distinction between khabar, or historical events, and hadith. While the authority of hadith comes from the reliability of those who transmit them, khabar can be verified through external evidence. This distinction elevates khabar as a valuable source for studying human civilization.

Ibn Khaldun introduces 'asabiyyah, a concept referring to group feeling or social cohesion. This mutual solidarity is what enables a group to gain power and establish a dynasty. According to Ibn Khaldun, 'asabiyyah plays a crucial role in the rise and fall of civilizations.

He also explores the conflict between nomadic desert civilizations, referred to as badawa, and urban sedentary ones, known as hadara. He perceives history as a cycle alternating between a rough, primitive life and a refined, urban existence. His work delves into how religious, state, and scientific aspects evolve in relation to each other.

In essence, the Muqaddimah offers a revolutionary perspective on history through the lens of Islam. By drawing on both traditional knowledge and innovative analysis, Ibn Khaldun created a new science focused on human social organization.