Muqaddimah (Ibn Khaldun)

The Muqaddimah, written by Ibn Khaldun, is a foundational book in social science that explores the rise and fall of civilizations. It examines how cultures develop, thrive, and eventually decline, emphasizing the importance of factors like economic activity, social cohesion, leadership, and environmental conditions. Ibn Khaldun introduces the idea of 'asabiyyah'—social solidarity—as key to a nation’s strength. The work blends history, sociology, and philosophy to understand human societies’ dynamics, providing timeless insights into the cycles of civilizations and the factors that influence societal change.