Ibn Khaldun's envisagement of Prophet Muhammad

Ibn Khaldun (d. 808/1406) holds a significant place as a versatile scholar in the Islamic world and particularly in contemporary social science research. Continuing to be a subject of discussion in the field of intellectual construction with his holistic concept of the science of civilization, he serves as a source for new research. In this context, the study focuses on Ibn Khaldun's perspective and constructed thought system regarding the life, mission, and personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In simpler terms, the starting point of this study is the question, 'If Ibn Khaldun were to write a biography (siyer), what kind of biography would he write?' Additionally, questions such as 'What was Ibn Khaldun's understanding of Prophet Muhammad? How did he perceive the life, prophethood, and human-society relationship of Prophet Muhammad?' turn the research into a dialectical exploration. Another important aspect of the study is its opportunity to explore the epistemic source of Ibn Khaldun's scientific and scholarly expressions in evaluating his claims and views. This study reveals a portrait of Ibn Khaldun shaped not around the concepts of modern social sciences or sociology but rather drawing from Islamic sciences such as history, exegesis, hadith, and jurisprudence. An approach is proposed that presents his ideas with a "metaphysical acceptance" and as a "Muslim scholar." The research method is person-centered reading; it does not adopt a comparative approach, and the reliability and validity of the narratives it includes are not discussed among other biographers. Comprising an introduction and three sections, the thesis discusses in the first section Ibn Khaldun's life and scientific personality, emphasizing aspects that need to be evaluated particularly as a Muslim scholar. The second section delves into Ibn Khaldun's categorization of Prophet Muhammad's signs of prophethood, such as his knowledge of the unseen, possessing infallibility, being known for his truthfulness, being known by his lineage, and aspects related to his miraculous nature. The third section explores Ibn Khaldun's perception of Prophet Muhammad in the context of his human relationships, focusing on his invitation to monotheism and justice, as well as his role in constructing social structure. The conclusion summarizes the insights from both sections in bullet points. Throughout the study, references to the Arabic originals of Ibn Khaldun's works are made. Classic Islamic history sources and various texts in Turkish and different languages are consulted within the relevant topics. In conclusion, it is hoped that the doctoral thesis will contribute to a qualified and comprehensive understanding of Ibn Khaldun, both in terms of siyer studies and person-centered readings. Keywords: Probhet Muhammad, İbn Khaldun, Envisagement.