Al-Ghazali (الغزالى)
Overview
Al-Ghazali, full name Abū Ḥamīd Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Ghazali (in Arabic: الغزالى), was a preeminent Sunni Muslim theologian, philosopher, jurist, and mystic of Persian descent. He is often referred to by the honorific Ḥujjatu ʾl-Islām, meaning “the Proof of Islam.” He was born in A.H. 450 (A.D. 1058) in Tūṣ, in present-day Iran, and passed away in A.H. 505 (A.D. 1111) in the same city.
Etymology
- Arabic: الغزالى (Al-Ghazali)
- Turkish: Gazali
Early Life and Education
Al-Ghazali was born in the city of Tūṣ in the Khorasan region. After losing his father at a young age, he and his brother were placed under the care of a Sufi teacher. He received his primary education in Tus and later moved to Naisāpūr to study under Imam al-Juwayni, a prominent theologian of the time.
Career
He eventually took a position as a professor in the Nizamiyyah College in Baghdad, where he became renowned for his profundity and eloquence in teaching. Despite his success, Al-Ghazali experienced a profound spiritual crisis that led him to abandon his academic career temporarily to seek solace in Sufism.
Major Works
Iḥyāʾu ʿUlūmi ʾd-Dīn (إحياء علوم الدين)
Al-Ghazali’s magnum opus, the “Revival of Religious Sciences” (Iḥyāʾu ʿUlūmi ʾd-Dīn), is considered one of the most important works in Islamic thought. The book spans several volumes and covers a multitude of subjects including theology, jurisprudence, ethics, and spirituality. It aims to revive the religious sciences by purging them of complacency and errors.
- Arabic: إحياء علوم الدين
- Turkish: İhyâ-u Ulûmiddîn
Contributions to Islamic Thought
Al-Ghazali played a pivotal role in reconciling Sufism with mainstream Sunni Islam. His works helped to bridge the gap between the legalistic approach of jurists and the esoteric approach of mystics. He is also credited with challenging the philosophers of his time, particularly through his work “Tahāfut al-Falāsifah” (The Incoherence of the Philosophers).
Influence and Legacy
Al-Ghazali’s influence extends far beyond his lifetime, affecting not only Islamic thought but also various aspects of western philosophy and theology. His emphasis on ethics, spirituality, and skepticism has made a lasting impact on both Islamic and global intellectual history.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Al-Ghazali’s Path to Sufism: His Deliverance from Error” by Richard Joseph McCarthy
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” translated by Michael E. Marmura
- “Al-Ghazali on the Ninety-nine Beautiful Names of God” translated by David B. Burrell and Nazih Daher
Takeaways and Conclusion
Al-Ghazali remains one of the most influential figures in Islamic history, revered for his efforts to revive the spirituality and ethics of Islamic practice. His works continue to be studied for their profound philosophical and theological insights.
Conclusion
Al-Ghazali’s life and contributions epitomize the rich intellectual and spiritual heritage of Islam. His synthesis of jurisprudence, theology, and mysticism offers invaluable lessons for contemporary scholarship and practice.
This entry provides a comprehensive overview of Al-Ghazali’s life, work, and enduring influence, enriching our understanding and appreciation of his contributions to Islamic thought.
