On the Rise & Fall of Civilizations - Part 1 [Translated Extract]
Part one of Ibn Khaldun's Muqaddimah, chapter three: it is the nature of political states to seek luxury once conquest brings prosperity.
Chapter 3. Part 11:
It is the Nature of Political States to Seek Luxury
This is because when a nation conquers and takes possession of what was in the hands of another, its riches and prosperity grows, as does the number of things its people are accustomed to. They now desire beyond the basic necessities and its associated coarseness. Now they have wants and desire luxuries and embellishments. They come to adopt the customs and mindsets of their predecessors. What was once considered luxury ends up being as essential as the basic necessities. They incline towards opulence in their foods, clothes, furnishings, and utensils. They take pride in these things and compete with other nations to boast of their gourmet foods, elegant garments, and delightful mounts. Succeeding generations continue to vie with previous ones in this until the end of the dynasty. According to the power of the state, so will be their share in such riches and in the luxuries they will be able to attain. It will continue in this way until the state reaches the limit possible for it, based on its power and the habits its people have grown accustomed to. This is the practice of Allah with His slaves, and Allah, Most High, knows best.
Chapter 3. Part 12:
It is the Nature of Political States to Incline towards Meekness and Dormancy
This is because a nation does not acquire power and authority except by demanding it. And the purpose in demanding something is to seek to overpower and have authority (over others who are competing for the same). But when the goal is achieved, the struggle for it ceases. As the poet says:
I marveled at time’s relentless battle between me and itself,
Once it wound up our affair, it fell into tranquil slumber.
Once they have acquired power, they naturally abandon the discomforts which they were burdened with in attaining it. Instead, they prefer comfort, dormancy, and meekness. They return to seeking the fruits of power, of buildings, homes, and garments. They build castles, control the flow of water, plant gardens, enjoy what this lowly world has to offer, preferring comfort over struggles, become fussy and meticulous in their choice of clothing, food, utensils, and furnishings as much as they can. They become habituated to these practices and following generations inherit this from them. The cycle perpetuates amongst them until Allah announces His command, and He is Best of those who judge. And Allah, Most High, knows best.
- Excerpt from Ibn Khaldun’s Muqaddimah. Translated by Omer Siddique.
Part 2 here.
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Originally published on the Dhikr Substack.