Chapter Four is dealing with the Khaldunian historiosophy. The author of the Muqaddima devoted it to the science of society, which had to constitute the final criterion of the truth and validity of historical knowledge. He writes about the science of 'umran , that God made him acquainted with it without the help of Aristotle. In fact, the starting point of our thinker's contemplations was the known Aristotlesian assertion that the human being is a social creature whereas the association of people into society is compatible with the individual's natural needs. However, the achievement of requirements and defence against aggression assumes participation and cooperation of greater numbers of human beings.
Society is therefore indispensable for mankind.
Umran as a science deals with 'umran as a phenomen of the associations of Man, the creator of history, within collectives. Human communities appear in different degrees in various parts of the Earth. This state of things has its specific cause and exerts influence upon people - their nature, moral values and customs. These were the place of religious messages, kingly authorities, dynastic states, law codification, great towns, science and crafts. When they face shortage of maintenance means, they invade those who have them.