political fragmentation and cultural diversity 275understanding, “all sciences, laws, rules and principles, including the
divine rules and religious doctrines that aim at the perseverance of
civilisation”.
Interestingly enough, Ibn-Khaldùn provided an explanation of the
concept of civilization which he adopted in his writing. To him it
means, “That human beings have to dwell in common and settle
together in cities and hamlets for the comforts of companionship and
for the satisfaction of human needs, as a result of the natural dis-
position of human beings towards co-operation in order to be able
to make a living”. This concept of civilisation, to him, is not nec-
essarily exclusive to sedentary conditions as found in “cities, villages,
towns, and small communities that serve the purpose of protection
and fortification by means of walls”. It can also include Bedouin
civilisation such as, “what can be found in outlying regions and
mountains, in hamlets near pasture in far away regions at the fringe
of desert land”.
The focal point of Ibn-Khaldùn’s attention was therefore the exis-
tence of communities, regardless of whether they were inside towns
and cities, or situated at the fringe of deserts in oasis or at the bot-
tom of mountains. To him, seemingly, living in community is the
basis for establishing a civilisation. Living in communities requires
communication and cooperation, which lead to economic integra-
tion that results in its turn in human comfort and companionship
and the satisfaction of human needs. He, consequently, presented
his discussion in his book in six different chapters:
Human civilisation in general, it’s various kinds, and the portion
of the earth that is civilized
Bedouin civilization including untamed tribes and nations
Ruling dynasties, the caliphate, royal authority, and ranks of flulňns
Sedentary civilization, countries and cities
Crafts, ways of making a living, means of earnings
Sciences, their acquisition and learningIbn-Khaldùn’s Economic Thoughts
Economic integration
At the outset Ibn-Khaldùn confirmed the need for economic inte-
gration as a basic ingredient for a societal living. He gave an exam-
ple, once more like those before him, from making bread—a process