Medieval Muslim Political Thought and the Path to SDG 16: Insights on Good Governance from Al-Mawardi and Ibn Khaldun’s thoughts

Abstract

This study examines two medieval Muslim political theorists, Al-Mawardi and Ibn Khaldun's, interpretations of the idea of good administration. Despite having worked on different topics for vastly different lengths of time, the two scholars agreed that society's welfare depended on effective government. Al-Mawardi in "Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniyyah" felt that the ruler should have virtues like justice, wisdom, and piety, however Ibn Khaldun in "Muqaddimah" placed emphasis on social cohesiveness, economic growth, and community welfare. Their thoughts offer insightful viewpoints on the requirements for good governance and the approaches that still apply today. The Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG-16) of the UN seeks to foster inclusive, democratic, and transparent institutions as well as serene and peaceful society. The SDG-16's guidelines for good governance, emphasize the value of moral leadership and moral behavior in a leader and the significance of institutions that serve the common good, are found to be consistent with the theories of both expert. Through descriptive and analytical study it is concluded that the principles of good governance laid out in the SDG-16 align with the ideas of both scholars, highlighting the importance of ethical behavior and moral values in a ruler and the importance of institutions that cater to the public good. Policymakers and academics may advance good governance and stability in modern societies by taking note of these known scholars' insights.