• Ghazali’s The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya)
  • Ghazali’s The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya)
  • Ghazali’s The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya)

Ghazali’s The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya)

Complete Arabic Text with Facing English Translation

by Imam Abu Hamid al-GhazaliTranslated by Mashhad Al-AllafPublisher: White Thread Press

4.4 7 reviews
“This welcomed translation provides Ghazali’s manual The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya) to serious students, seekers, and scholars and combines contemporary fluency with respect for sacred Islamic tradition.”
— Marcia Hermansen, Loyola University, Chicago· Read all 2 endorsements

Imam Ghazali’s Bidayat al-Hidaya (The Beginning of Guidance) is a highly motivational manual detailing the fundamentals of acquiring guidance through God-consciousness (taqwa). Imam Ghazali argues that just as there is an end to this noble objective there is also a beginning to it, which must be made firm for one to achieve success.

Read the full description

Book details

Format
Paperback
Publisher
White Thread Press
ISBN
9781933764061

Watch & shop

Watch this book

Tap to watch, swipe up for more videos.

All videos

What scholars are saying

  • This welcomed translation provides Ghazali’s manual The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya) to serious students, seekers, and scholars and combines contemporary fluency with respect for sacred Islamic tradition.

    Marcia HermansenLoyola University, Chicago
  • An excellent translation of an important book on the fundamentals of Muslim piety and etiquette. With an accessible English translation alongside the original Arabic text, this introductory work will be useful for readers interested in exploring the realities of Islamic... Read more

    An excellent translation of an important book on the fundamentals of Muslim piety and etiquette. With an accessible English translation alongside the original Arabic text, this introductory work will be useful for readers interested in exploring the realities of Islamic piety, students of Arabic and educators alike.

    Jonathan AC BrownUniversity of Washington

About this book

Imam Ghazali’s Bidayat al-Hidaya is a highly motivational manual detailing the fundamentals of acquiring guidance through God-consciousness (taqwa). Imam Ghazali argues that just as there is an end to this noble objective there is also a beginning to it, which must be made firm for one to achieve success. He then goes on to expound the fundamentals of this “beginning.” While being concise and to-the-point the manual is laid out in the form of a detailed daily timetable providing the reader strong inspiration and much heart-rending counsel. The three sections of this book are on obedience, refraining from disobedience, and the etiquette of companionship with the Creator and with creation. One of Imam Ghazali’s final works, it embodies a lifetime of learning, experience, and spirituality and can be taken as an introduction to his larger works.

This translation published for the first time with facing Arabic text also includes many notes and transliteration for the supplications contained within.

Reader reviews

4.4 / 5.0

7 reviews

Reviews from verified ilmStore customers.

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
86%
(6)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
14%
(1)
T
Tausif Arif
Good Print with outstanding packing thanks

Good Print with outstanding packing thanks.

Tausif Arif review photo
S
Syed Ali Hannan Mujtaba
Product Still

Product Still undelivered

A
Anbareen Obied

The book is on basic habits which we learn in our childhood or younger stage of life. This book is good for the converts who wants to learn the daily practices. It wasn't very helpful for me as a born and practicing Muslim.

A
Anonymous
Great

Great

M
Masoom
Ghazali’s The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya).

The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya) by Imam Al-Ghazali is a concise spiritual manual that serves as an introduction to living a life in accordance with Islamic teachings. Imam Al-Ghazali divides the book into two main parts: obedience to Allah through proper conduct in daily routines (such as prayer, eating, and social interactions), and avoidance of sins by guarding the heart, tongue, and actions. The book emphasizes sincerity, self-discipline, and constant remembrance of Allah. It is a practical guide for anyone seeking to purify the soul and draw closer to their Creator.

12

More by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

See all 10

More from White Thread Press

See all 16

Frequently asked questions

What is Imam Ghazali's "Beginning of Guidance" (Bidayat al-Hidaya) about?
It's a classic motivational manual detailing how to acquire guidance through God-consciousness (Taqwa), structured as a practical daily timetable covering obedience, avoiding sin, and proper etiquette.
Who wrote "Bidayat al-Hidaya"?
The original text was written by the renowned Islamic scholar Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali.
What are the main sections of this book?
The book is divided into three main sections: acts of obedience, refraining from disobedience, and the etiquette of companionship with God and His creation.
Is this book suitable for beginners in Islamic practice?
Yes, it details the fundamentals of acquiring guidance and is considered an introduction to Imam Ghazali's larger works, making it suitable for those seeking a firm beginning in piety.
Does this edition include the original Arabic text?
Yes, this edition published by White Thread Press includes the complete Arabic text alongside the English translation, notes, and transliteration for supplications.
Who translated and edited this specific edition?
This edition was translated by Mashhad Al-Allaf and edited by Shaykh Dr Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yusuf Mangera.
What is the core message of "The Beginning of Guidance"?
The core message is that true guidance is achieved through developing God-consciousness (Taqwa), which requires adherence to obedience, avoidance of sin, and proper conduct in all relationships.