Ibn Khaldūn’s Historiographical Method of Pedigree Charting of the Ruling Families: Innovative or Traditional?

Abstract

Objectives: This study questions the source from which the historian Ibn Khaldūn derives his method of pedigree charting of the ruling families and its inclusion in historical writing. The study also explores whether this method was prevalent before or out of his unique novelty since he, in passing, hinted in equivocation to a similar model conducted by Rashīd Al-Dīn al-Hamadhāni (d. 718 AH).

Methods: The study used the descriptive and historical approaches. The descriptive approach was used to observe the research problem, present suggestions and hypothesis for its occurrence, and provide models and evidence that support the suggested hypotheses or refute them. The historical approach was employed to revise data related to pedigree charting and collecting them from classical Arabic books and manuscripts that support the suggested hypotheses.

Results: The research results showed that the pedigree charting is common in the Arab and Islamic heritage, especially in the recording of genealogies. Therefore; the work of it was not an invention that can be attributed to Ibn Khaldūn or his predecessor i.e. the historian Rashid Al-Din al-Hamadani, but rather to include the pedigree charting in historical writing as an aid and servant to it, revealing the ages of the ruling dynasties and the succession of their members to rule. The study also showed the error of the reference made by Ibn Khaldūn about Rashid Al-Din’s genealogical trees, which he released without knowing of Rashid Al-Din’s work and his historical achievement.

Conclusions: The study recommends the necessity of paying greater attention to the historical part of Ibn Khaldūn’s history which was not given enough attention. The study also recommends the necessity of investigating of his pedigree charts, his way of drawing and its historical importance.