The Conditions of the Renaissance’ and the Theory of Malek Bennabi on the Driving Force of History

"In this study, we look for a fundamental question in the analysis of Malek Bennabi, relating to the concept of civilization, namely “the religious idea,” which is considered to be the dominant factor in the movement of history. Indeed, this “idea” could be seen as an extension of Ibn Khaldun’s theory of “Asabiyah (tribal cohesion),” at all steps of the state from its formation to its decline. Bennabi’s idea also seems to take into consideration and cover Western theories on the philosophy of history, especially those who adopted the concept of dialectical movement of history, either in terms of Hegelian idealism or historical materialism. It is also in connection with the principle of the “golden mean” of Toynbee, in his theory on civilization’s emergence between challenge and response. The approach adopted in this paper is based on comparison and analysis of some of the most important theories and doctrines, referring to the fact that the religious idea is a powerful energy that activates the elements of civilization and its composition, which was expressed by Malek Bennabi by saying: “Change yourself to change history.” The religious idea as a driving force is linked to practical logic, because it stands out from it or subsides when it is suppressed. This is a diagnosis of the reasons for degeneration and identification of the factors of the Renaissance."