Ibn Khaldun: The genius of agricultural thought in the Islamic world 
?Who is Ibn Khaldun
Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406) is one of the greatest scholars and thinkers in history
Islamic, born in Tunisia and lived during a period of major social and political transformations in the Islamic world. Ibn Khaldun is known for founding sociology and the philosophy of history, but he also made important contributions to the understanding of economics and agriculture.
His contributions to agriculture:
Ibn Khaldun was not only a historian and philosopher, but also a careful analyst of the economic and agricultural developments of his time. In his famous introduction, “Ibn Khaldun’s Introduction,” he dealt in-depth with the relationship between agriculture, economy, and society, emphasizing the importance of agriculture as a fundamental pillar of the economies of countries and civilizations.
Ibn Khaldun’s ideas about agriculture:
Agriculture as the basis of the economy:
Ibn Khaldun emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of the economy, as agricultural productivity is linked to political and social stability. In the introduction, Ibn Khaldun says:
“Plowing is the basis of urbanization. That is why it was the basis of livelihood. Peasants were the creatures most in need of leadership and politics because they could not live without a mosque that would protect and defend them.”
This means that peasants need political and legal protection to secure their lives and livelihoods, which emphasizes the importance of agriculture in building civilizations.
The importance of the environment and climate:
Ibn Khaldun pointed out that climate and environmental changes directly affect agricultural production, and thus the stability of societies. In the introduction, he says:
“Moderate regions are more suitable for livelihood and more abundant in good things, even if their conditions vary between rich and poor according to the difference in mountains, seas, and wastelands.”
Here Ibn Khaldun explains how the nature of regions affects the quality of life and agricultural productivity, noting that a moderate climate is most suitable for agricultural development.
The role of human labor:
Ibn Khaldun stressed that human labor is a crucial factor in increasing agricultural productivity. He believed that encouraging innovation and developing labor skills in agriculture could lead to sustainable development. In the introduction, he says:
“Humanitarian work is the reason for abundant livelihood. The more a person works hard, the more he earns his livelihood.”
This quote reflects Ibn Khaldun's belief that human effort and innovation are the key to economic prosperity.
The impact of Ibn Khaldun on agricultural thought:
Through his ideas, Ibn Khaldun influenced economic and agricultural thought in the Islamic world and beyond. Even today, his theories on agricultural economics and social stability are still studied and discussed in academic circles.
Ibn Khaldun was not only a historian or philosopher, but also a pioneering thinker in understanding the relationship between agriculture, economics, and society. Through his vision, he laid the foundations for a deeper understanding of economic and social developments, which continues to inspire researchers and thinkers around the world.
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