Principles of sustainable development in Ibn Khaldun’s economic thought

Abstract

Muslim countries often in world conferences relating to sustainable development team up with non-Muslim countries, following principles that may or may not have legitimacy in terms of their social and cultural beliefs. Policy on alien principles may fail. Can Muslim Countries have their own principles to guide them in achieving sustainable development? This article focuses on the nature of pursuable development in the economic model of Ibn Khaldun. The author cursorily examines Ibn Khaldun famous work al-Muqadimmah, as well as the interpretations of his work offered by contemporary scholars. This article reinterprets those views and concludes that the economic growth theory of Ibn Khaldun suggests sustainable development if one opts for a moderate rate of integrated development. Ibn Khaldun‟s theory of development runs towards the same direction as that of Basic Needs, Dematerialisation, and de-growth in our time. Overconsumption, corruption of morality, and the greed for luxury are recognised the indicators of fall of civilisations which are taken here to be the indicators of unsustainable development. His views can guide Muslim countries in drafting development policy and also can be used by educators for promoting sustainable development in Muslim Countries.