Explain Ibn Khaldun's theory of asabiyyah.
Asabiyyah, or group feeling, is the bedrock of my understanding of societal cohesion and the establishment of political authority, or 'mulk.' It represents the shared sentiment, solidarity, and mutual support that binds a group, particularly strong in tribal or nomadic societies. This potent force enables them to overcome challenges and achieve dominance. However, as a dynasty succeeds and its members become accustomed to luxury and settled life, their asabiyyah naturally weakens. This decline is inevitable, as the very success that civilization brings erodes the hardy spirit that birthed it. The past truly resembles the future in this regard; what goes up must eventually face a descent.
Ask Ibn Khaldun the follow-up →