Correct Option
The correct option is Islamic legal tradition.
Explanation
Ibn Battuta (1304-1369) was a Moroccan traveler and scholar who visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His accounts serve as a primary source for understanding the socio-political conditions of 14th-century India.
Detailed Analysis:
- Ibn Battuta was born in Tangier into a highly respected and educated family. His family was renowned for its expertise in Islamic legal tradition or shari‘a.
- He received a literary and scholastic education at a young age, consistent with his family's background in religious law.
- It was precisely because of his expertise in Islamic law that Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq appointed him as the Qazi (judge) of Delhi. He served in this judicial capacity for several years before proceeding as the Sultan's envoy to China.
Key Takeaway: Ibn Battuta’s family was distinguished by their mastery of shari‘a (Islamic law), a qualification that enabled him to hold judicial positions, such as the Qazi of Delhi, during his extensive travels.