Educational Philosophy of Ibn khaldun and its relevance to contemporary system of Education in India

Ibn khaldun’s is the most prolific figure in the field of anthropology, politics, law, economics, philosophy, history, sociology, geography, education and pedagogy. In the field of philosophy of history and sociology he is second to none; he is one of those luminaries who contributed so richly to the understanding of civilization and education that impact of his contribution is relevant even in contemporary times. He came from a family of scholars and political background. He would succeed in the domain of scholarship so much than in any other domain. He has to his credit many varied educational philosophical research works in the form of great books. His name is Abdurrahman bin Mohammad bin Mohammad bin Mohammad bin al Hassan bin Jabir bin Mohammad bin Abraham bin Abdurrahman bin Ibn khaldun. His ancestry according to him originated from Hadramut, Yemen. He also traced his ancestors through another genealogy as supplied by Hazzim, using his grandfather who was first to enter Andulluasa back to wail Ibn hajar one of the oldest Yemenite tribe. In either case, the genealogy points to his Arab origin although scholars’ do question the authenticity of both reports due to the political climate at the time of these reports. Ibn khaldun was born in Tunis on Ramadan first 732 Hijri (May 27, 1332 C.E) and died in Cairo (1406 C.E), he learned first at the hands of his father who was a scholarly person who was not involved in politics like his ancestors, he memorized the holy Quran by heart, learned grammar, jurisprudence, hadith, rhetoric, philosophy and poetry. He continued his studies until the age of 19, when the great plague would sweep over the lands from Samarqand to Mauritania. It was after this plague that Ibn khaldun would receive his public assignment and started his political career which changed his life in 1352 (713 A.H). Abu Zaid, the Emir of Constantine marched his forces on Tunis. Ibn khaldun escaped from Tunis and settled in Fez (Capital of Morocco). Here Ibn khaldun was imprisoned than later released. He escaped from Morocco to Spain where Ibn khaldun got the position of the secretary, the repository of his confidence( Amin –As-Sir) here Ibn khaldun started again scholarly works in 1364 C.E. (766) A.H Ibn khaldun left Granada from Bougie North Africa. At the age of 32, Ibn khaldun arrived Bougie, then he retired to a far out post south of Constantine, Fort Salam where he enjoyed peaceful existence and would begin to write down his famous Muqqaddimah and first version of his universal history at the age of 45 years . But political forces at work everywhere against him, at last he left North Africa forever and went to Egypt. Here he would enjoy the favors of the sultan. He would be appointed as millad judge on the sultan’s whim and anger. He would fare well try to fight corruption and favoritism, but soon he would be relieved of his duty. Meanwhile he met misfortune when the ship carrying his family and belonging would sink in a storm. It was then he took permission to go to the pilgrimage to the holy lands. He returned back and was appointed to a teaching position in the newly built school ‘Bein-Al–Qassrein’, he gave lectures on Hadith particularly Imam Malik’s Muwatta. He got appointed to Beibrs Sufi institute with good salary. Ibn khaldun during the time of disturbance in Egypt devoted his time to lecturing and studying as well as completing his universal history. After Yulbugas revolt in Egypt he wrote about Asabiyah and its role in the rise and fall of states. He wrote his introduction to his book of universal history in a Span of five months. This impressive document is a gist of his wisdom and hard earned experience. He also wrote “Lubabul Muhasal” and “Allaq Li-I-Sultan” on theology and logics. He died on 1406 C.E. (806) A.