Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

His name was Abu Hamid Ibn Muhammad al-Tusi al-Shafi al-Ghazali and he was honoured with the title of “Hujjatul Islam”, “Proof of Islam”. He was born in 1058 CE (450 AH) in the town of Tabran in the district of Tous in the province of Khurasan (Iran). His father was a cotton merchant and therefore he is referred to as Ghazali.

 His early education was from local teachers, in his home town. He then moved to Jurjan (near the Caspian Sea) and studied under Imam Abu Nasr Ismaeli. The method of teaching was didactic, the teacher would deliver the lecture and the students took notes and compiled them. The young Ghazali was a brilliant student with an incisive wit and sharp intellect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who was Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali?

Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058–1111 CE) was one of the most influential scholars in Islamic history. He was a theologian, jurist, and mystic known as “Hujjat-ul-Islam” (Proof of Islam). Imam Ghazali’s works on Islamic spirituality, philosophy, and theology (like Ihya’ Ulum al-Din) have shaped Islamic thought for centuries.

2. What kind of books did Imam al-Ghazali write?

Imam al-Ghazali wrote on a wide array of subjects. His most famous work, Ihya’ Ulum al-Din (“The Revival of the Religious Sciences”), is a comprehensive text on inner purification and ethics. He also wrote Tahafut al-Falasifah (Incoherence of the Philosophers) critiquing philosophers, books on jurisprudence (Fiqh), and works on creed. Many of his books blend practical religious advice with profound spiritual wisdom.

3. Why is Imam al-Ghazali so highly regarded in Islam?

Imam al-Ghazali is celebrated for bridging the gap between the outward practice of Islam and inner spirituality. At a time of intellectual turmoil, he refuted extreme philosophical ideas and re-grounded Islamic scholarship in both reason and spirituality. His teachings helped renew and reform the practice of Islam, emphasizing sincerity, humility, and the purification of the heart along with legal observance.

4. Are Imam al-Ghazali’s works still relevant to modern Muslims?

Absolutely. Imam al-Ghazali’s insights into human behavior, ethics, and the struggles of the heart are timeless. Modern Muslims turn to his works (often available in translation) to gain guidance on issues like overcoming arrogance, managing anger, staying sincere in worship, and balancing worldly life with spirituality. His advice is very practical and resonates even in today’s context.

5. Can you name some works by Imam al-Ghazali available at ilmStore?

ilmStore offers several of Imam al-Ghazali’s works in English. For example, “Al-Ghazali’s Adapted Summary of Ihya Ulum al-Din” (which presents the forty principles of the Ihya in a concise form) and “O Son! (Ayyuhal Walad)” – a short book of counsel from Imam Ghazali to his student. These books encapsulate Ghazali’s wisdom and are great starting points for readers.