Ibn Khaldun's Circle of Power "The world is a garden the fence of which is the dynasty (al-dawla). The dynasty is an authority (sultan) through which life is given to good conduct (al-Sunna). Good conduct is a policy (siyasa) directed by the ruler (al-malik). The ruler is an institution (nizam) supported by the soldiers. The soldiers are helpers who are maintained by money. Money is sustenance brought together by the subjects (al-ra'iyya). The subjects are servants who are protected by justice. Justice is something familiar and through it the world (al-'alam) perists. The world is a garden..."