Sociology Before Sociology: A Comparative Analysis of Ibn Khaldun’s Concepts and Classical Sociological Thought

Abstract

This paper examines Ibn Khaldun’s thought as a pre-sociological foundation and analyzes its multifaceted significance for the development of both classical and contemporary sociology. The main premise is that Ibn Khaldun’s masterpiece Al-Muqaddimah should not be regarded merely as a historical or philosophical text, but as a theoretical framework that anticipates key sociological concepts, methods, and questions. Special attention is given to his concept of asabiyyah – social cohesion, solidarity, and the strength of collective action – which serves as a central element for understanding the dynamics of social change. By comparing Ibn Khaldun’s ideas with Durkheim’s theory of mechanical and organic solidarity, Marx’s dialectic of class struggle, and Weber’s notion of rationalization and the “iron cage”, the paper highlights the profound anticipatory dimensions of his thought. His methodological innovation, empirical orientation, and systemic view of society position him among the pioneers of social sciences. Beyond its historical relevance, Ibn Khaldun’s theory provides valuable insights for interpreting modern social crises, inequalities, and processes of disintegration, thereby reaffirming its universal, timeless, and interdisciplinary significance.