ʾIbn Khaldūn’S Insights on Music as a Craft Perceived Within Islamic Culture

Abstract

Ibn Khaldūn, being a philosopher of history, likely places his more plausible ideas in the context of the development of societies and civilisations and seems more like an observation about one potential source of music (Ghina) rather than a comprehensive theory about music in general and harmony effect of music in specific. ʾIbn Khaldūn did not directly address the legal aspects of music, but his inclusion is indicative of his rational perspective. He viewed humans as social beings inherently inclined toward goodness. In this context, he believed that individuals should seek to fulfil certain natural desires during their leisure time. These desires could include the need for healthy relaxation, the thirst for knowledge, and the enjoyment of music. ʾIbn Khaldūn considered such longings (desires) to be entirely reasonable, but this should be achieved by having good intentions when pursuing these desires. Crafts and sciences result from human thinking ability, which sets us apart from animals. On the other hand, the desire for food is rooted in our animal and nutritive instincts. Food comes first because it’s essential, and the sciences and crafts develop. The refinement of these skills and their purpose, shaped by the desires for luxury and wealth, corresponds to the level of advancement in a particular society. ʾIbn Khaldūn’s discussion of music among the crafts may be attributed to his focus as a historian. He is primarily interested in the practical aspects of music, such as its creation, performance, and consumption within society at specific stages of its development. This emphasis on the craft aspect aligns with his historical perspective. This understanding of music’s origin and development is crucial; when a society accepts to integrate, music is associated with society like a basic need, but at specific phases of its evolution, music is produced, heard, and enjoyed in society. When society begins to disintegrate, music is the first element discarded as an unnecessary excess. Luxuries are typically the first to be relinquished in times of societal decline.

Keywords: Craft of music, civilisation development, societal advancement, luxury integration, societal decline.