Zhilwan Tahir | International Islamic University Malaysia (original) (raw)
Papers by Zhilwan Tahir
International Journal of SocialScience, Management and Economics Research, 2024
This article explores the central historiographical debate between cyclical and linear perspectiv... more This article explores the central historiographical debate between cyclical and linear perspectives of historical progress, focusing on the contributions of Ibn Khaldun, Hegel, and Toynbee. Ibn Khaldun's cyclical theory emphasises the rise and fall of civilisations driven by social cohesion
(Asabiyyah), economic factors, and moral dynamics. Hegel, in contrast, presents a linear, teleological progression of history guided by the realisation of freedom and rationality through dialectical processes. Toynbee offers a hybrid model, blending cyclical challenges with potential linear advancements, emphasising creative responses to crises. The comparative framework examines their views on the nature of progress, the driving forces of change, and the patterns of rise and decline in civilisations. Ibn Khaldun’s focus on internal cohesion and leadership is juxtaposed with Hegel’s deterministic progression and Toynbee’s adaptive flexibility. Integrating insights from modern thinkers, this study highlights how these perspectives inform contemporary issues like nationalism, globalisation, and governance. By analysing these paradigms, the article demonstrates the enduring relevance of cyclical and linear approaches in understanding historical evolution and societal transformation.
MAQOLAT: Journal of Islamic Studies, 2024
This paper explores the pivotal role of Islam and Muslim scholars in advancing the science of his... more This paper explores the pivotal role of Islam and Muslim scholars in advancing the science of history from the early days of Medina to the flourishing intellectual centre of The House of Wisdom. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of historical methodologies,
preservation of historical knowledge, and cultural essence in both pre-Islamic and Islamic realms. Employing a qualitative research approach, the paper analyzes various genres of Islamic historical writing, including Tabaqat, Tarajim, geographical history, and universal history, as well as the methodologies used in documenting and analyzing historical events, such as logical interpretation, natural law interpretation, and speculative interpretation. Through an examination of libraries, scholars, and the transmission of historical knowledge, the paper highlights the enduring legacy of Islamic historiography and its impact on subsequent historiographical traditions. The research findings underscore the significance of Islamic historiography in shaping our understanding of the past and its ongoing relevance in modern academic research. The study contributes to the field by detailing the specific methodologies and analytical frameworks developed by Muslim historians, offering a nuanced perspective on historical processes, and suggesting avenues for future research to further explore the rich heritage of Islamic historical scholarship.
Al-Shajarah, 2023
The article examines and discusses temporal and geographical forces shaping Ibn Khaldun's theory'... more The article examines and discusses temporal and geographical forces
shaping Ibn Khaldun's theory's relevance and application in modern
societal dynamics. The report provides the critical biographies of Ibn
Khaldun to understand better the thinker’s philosophical
perspectives on history and civilization. The study explains how
historical context shapes Ibn Khaldun’s thought. Moreover, the study
argues that Ibn Khaldun had a theory on the development and
collapse of states and civilizations relevant to modern societal
dynamics. Besides, it evaluates Ibn Khaldun’s concepts and relates
them to the present day. This study claims that Ibn Khaldun's
perspectives on history, society, and civilization are less subjective
and more rational. Further, this study examines the impact of
leadership qualities and the influence of ‘asabiyyah and cycle
patterns and Ibn Khaldun’s reflections on the socio-economic
complexity of the modern world. Ibn Khaldun’s interpretations and
definitions of history and civilization resulted in significant
innovation in human science. The study adopts qualitative research
techniques to achieve its objectives. Ibn Khaldun had a
multi-dimensional outlook on civilization and history and the way
history develops. This study argues that his multidimensional
approach to history deserves a new analytical study.
IIUM JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND CIVILISATIONAL STUDIES, 2023
This research article examines the comparative perspectives of Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler re... more This research article examines the comparative perspectives of
Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler regarding the progression of history and
the advancement of civilisations. This article aims to argue that Ibn Khaldun
and Oswald Spengler shared a similar perspective on the progression and
decline of nations and civilisations. At the same time, they had different
perspectives as they lived in distinct historical periods. The study posits that
their perspectives on history, society and civilisation are characterised by a
reduced level of subjectivity and a greater emphasis on rationality. The analysis reveals that despite their shared cyclical historical patterns, there exist notable disparities on the mechanisms behind the growth of civilisations and the conceptualisation of civilisation’s lifespan. The interpretations and definitions of history and civilisation put forward by Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler have had a profound impact on the field of human sciences, fostering notable advancements. To attain a high level of accuracy, this study uses qualitative research techniques as a means to accomplish its aims. Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler possessed a comprehensive perspective of culture and history and the processes through which history unfolds. When discussing history, individuals tend to adopt a particular perspective and contemplate on the various facets
This paper examines the impact of religion on civilization through the perspectives of two promin... more This paper examines the impact of religion on civilization through the perspectives of two prominent scholars, Ibn Khaldun and Arnold Toynbee. The paper provides an overview of Toynbee's theory of comparative civilizations, highlighting his emphasis on the comparability of diverse societies and his rejection of the notion of inherent superiority or inferiority among civilizations. The paper also explores Ibn Khaldun's cyclical theory of the rise and fall of civilizations, which emphasizes the role of religion in shaping the fortunes of societies. This study utilizes a comparative methodology to analyze the viewpoints of Ibn Khaldun and Arnold Toynbee on the impact of religion on civilization. The work 107 Zhilwan Tahir, Abdulwahed Jalal Nuri Examining the Impact of Religion on Civilization: Insights from Ibn Khaldun and Arnold Toynbee's Theories explores the perspectives of individuals on social unity, governing systems, and the development of culture. It utilizes knowledge from their writings and historical circumstances to clarify the complex connection between religion and human communities. The paper investigates the impact of religious beliefs on the rise and fall of civilizations, drawing on insights from both Toynbee and Ibn Khaldun. It examines how religion has influenced the development of civilizations, including its role in shaping cultural values, political structures, and economic systems. The paper also explores how religion has contributed to the decline of civilizations, including through religious conflicts and the erosion of social cohesion. Overall, the paper provides a comparative analysis of the role of religion in civilization and society, drawing on the insights of two influential scholars. It highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between religion and civilization, and how religious beliefs have shaped the fortunes of societies throughout history.
Books by Zhilwan Tahir
Generis Publishing, 2024
This book explores the theories of Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler through a comparative analysis... more This book explores the theories of Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler through a comparative analysis approach to understand their perspectives within their respective contexts and theoretical frameworks. His focus on the unity within societies and the importance of leadership in maintaining social balance shows a practical perspective on how societies function. In contrast to this viewpoint is Spengler’s take on civilisation theory from a standpoint. During the aftermath of World War I in Germany, he viewed history as the progression of identities where each civilisation possesses its distinctive core and follows an inevitable course of growth and decline. Spengler’s methodology may have been less reliant on evidence; however, his concept of destiny" struck a chord with his peers and future generations alike who were searching for significance amidst the apparent decline of civilisation.
International Journal of SocialScience, Management and Economics Research, 2024
This article explores the central historiographical debate between cyclical and linear perspectiv... more This article explores the central historiographical debate between cyclical and linear perspectives of historical progress, focusing on the contributions of Ibn Khaldun, Hegel, and Toynbee. Ibn Khaldun's cyclical theory emphasises the rise and fall of civilisations driven by social cohesion
(Asabiyyah), economic factors, and moral dynamics. Hegel, in contrast, presents a linear, teleological progression of history guided by the realisation of freedom and rationality through dialectical processes. Toynbee offers a hybrid model, blending cyclical challenges with potential linear advancements, emphasising creative responses to crises. The comparative framework examines their views on the nature of progress, the driving forces of change, and the patterns of rise and decline in civilisations. Ibn Khaldun’s focus on internal cohesion and leadership is juxtaposed with Hegel’s deterministic progression and Toynbee’s adaptive flexibility. Integrating insights from modern thinkers, this study highlights how these perspectives inform contemporary issues like nationalism, globalisation, and governance. By analysing these paradigms, the article demonstrates the enduring relevance of cyclical and linear approaches in understanding historical evolution and societal transformation.
MAQOLAT: Journal of Islamic Studies, 2024
This paper explores the pivotal role of Islam and Muslim scholars in advancing the science of his... more This paper explores the pivotal role of Islam and Muslim scholars in advancing the science of history from the early days of Medina to the flourishing intellectual centre of The House of Wisdom. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of historical methodologies,
preservation of historical knowledge, and cultural essence in both pre-Islamic and Islamic realms. Employing a qualitative research approach, the paper analyzes various genres of Islamic historical writing, including Tabaqat, Tarajim, geographical history, and universal history, as well as the methodologies used in documenting and analyzing historical events, such as logical interpretation, natural law interpretation, and speculative interpretation. Through an examination of libraries, scholars, and the transmission of historical knowledge, the paper highlights the enduring legacy of Islamic historiography and its impact on subsequent historiographical traditions. The research findings underscore the significance of Islamic historiography in shaping our understanding of the past and its ongoing relevance in modern academic research. The study contributes to the field by detailing the specific methodologies and analytical frameworks developed by Muslim historians, offering a nuanced perspective on historical processes, and suggesting avenues for future research to further explore the rich heritage of Islamic historical scholarship.
Al-Shajarah, 2023
The article examines and discusses temporal and geographical forces shaping Ibn Khaldun's theory'... more The article examines and discusses temporal and geographical forces
shaping Ibn Khaldun's theory's relevance and application in modern
societal dynamics. The report provides the critical biographies of Ibn
Khaldun to understand better the thinker’s philosophical
perspectives on history and civilization. The study explains how
historical context shapes Ibn Khaldun’s thought. Moreover, the study
argues that Ibn Khaldun had a theory on the development and
collapse of states and civilizations relevant to modern societal
dynamics. Besides, it evaluates Ibn Khaldun’s concepts and relates
them to the present day. This study claims that Ibn Khaldun's
perspectives on history, society, and civilization are less subjective
and more rational. Further, this study examines the impact of
leadership qualities and the influence of ‘asabiyyah and cycle
patterns and Ibn Khaldun’s reflections on the socio-economic
complexity of the modern world. Ibn Khaldun’s interpretations and
definitions of history and civilization resulted in significant
innovation in human science. The study adopts qualitative research
techniques to achieve its objectives. Ibn Khaldun had a
multi-dimensional outlook on civilization and history and the way
history develops. This study argues that his multidimensional
approach to history deserves a new analytical study.
IIUM JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND CIVILISATIONAL STUDIES, 2023
This research article examines the comparative perspectives of Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler re... more This research article examines the comparative perspectives of
Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler regarding the progression of history and
the advancement of civilisations. This article aims to argue that Ibn Khaldun
and Oswald Spengler shared a similar perspective on the progression and
decline of nations and civilisations. At the same time, they had different
perspectives as they lived in distinct historical periods. The study posits that
their perspectives on history, society and civilisation are characterised by a
reduced level of subjectivity and a greater emphasis on rationality. The analysis reveals that despite their shared cyclical historical patterns, there exist notable disparities on the mechanisms behind the growth of civilisations and the conceptualisation of civilisation’s lifespan. The interpretations and definitions of history and civilisation put forward by Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler have had a profound impact on the field of human sciences, fostering notable advancements. To attain a high level of accuracy, this study uses qualitative research techniques as a means to accomplish its aims. Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler possessed a comprehensive perspective of culture and history and the processes through which history unfolds. When discussing history, individuals tend to adopt a particular perspective and contemplate on the various facets
This paper examines the impact of religion on civilization through the perspectives of two promin... more This paper examines the impact of religion on civilization through the perspectives of two prominent scholars, Ibn Khaldun and Arnold Toynbee. The paper provides an overview of Toynbee's theory of comparative civilizations, highlighting his emphasis on the comparability of diverse societies and his rejection of the notion of inherent superiority or inferiority among civilizations. The paper also explores Ibn Khaldun's cyclical theory of the rise and fall of civilizations, which emphasizes the role of religion in shaping the fortunes of societies. This study utilizes a comparative methodology to analyze the viewpoints of Ibn Khaldun and Arnold Toynbee on the impact of religion on civilization. The work 107 Zhilwan Tahir, Abdulwahed Jalal Nuri Examining the Impact of Religion on Civilization: Insights from Ibn Khaldun and Arnold Toynbee's Theories explores the perspectives of individuals on social unity, governing systems, and the development of culture. It utilizes knowledge from their writings and historical circumstances to clarify the complex connection between religion and human communities. The paper investigates the impact of religious beliefs on the rise and fall of civilizations, drawing on insights from both Toynbee and Ibn Khaldun. It examines how religion has influenced the development of civilizations, including its role in shaping cultural values, political structures, and economic systems. The paper also explores how religion has contributed to the decline of civilizations, including through religious conflicts and the erosion of social cohesion. Overall, the paper provides a comparative analysis of the role of religion in civilization and society, drawing on the insights of two influential scholars. It highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between religion and civilization, and how religious beliefs have shaped the fortunes of societies throughout history.
Generis Publishing, 2024
This book explores the theories of Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler through a comparative analysis... more This book explores the theories of Ibn Khaldun and Oswald Spengler through a comparative analysis approach to understand their perspectives within their respective contexts and theoretical frameworks. His focus on the unity within societies and the importance of leadership in maintaining social balance shows a practical perspective on how societies function. In contrast to this viewpoint is Spengler’s take on civilisation theory from a standpoint. During the aftermath of World War I in Germany, he viewed history as the progression of identities where each civilisation possesses its distinctive core and follows an inevitable course of growth and decline. Spengler’s methodology may have been less reliant on evidence; however, his concept of destiny" struck a chord with his peers and future generations alike who were searching for significance amidst the apparent decline of civilisation.