Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (462-505 AH /1058-1111 CE)
Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, theologian, jurist, logician and mystic, was born and died in Tus in Central Asia, but spent substantial periods of his life in Nishapur where he studied with the Imam al-Haramayn, al-Juwayni, and in Baghdad, where he taught as professor at the famous Nizamiyya college. His fame was widespread and his students numerous. In the year 488/1095, Ghazali experienced a period of inner strugle, described in his autobiographical work, al-Munqidh min al-dalal, during which he went from skepticism through hypocritical belief to profound spiritual sincerity. He subsequently renounced his teaching and devoted himself to preparing to meet his Lord. Ghazali left Baghdad and traveled to Mecca, Syria and Jerusalem. He led a life of Sufi retreat until, having been pressed by the vizier Nizam al-Mulk (founder of the Nizamiyya) and by fellow mystics, he returned to teaching. Ghazali is credited with having reconciled the exoteric and esoteric dimensions of Islam, which had, over the years, grown further and further apart due to excesses on both sides, and for his defense of Sunni orthodoxy against heresies and against philosophical principles which were unacceptable to Islam. Ghazali was a prolific writer, but the work that he is most famous for is the celebrated Ihya' Ulum al-Din or Revival of the Religious Sciences. It is perhaps due to this work of monumental significance to the Islamic world, that he earned the title "Hujjat al-Islam", "the Proof of Islam".
(Adapted From: The Islamic Texts Society)
Over the next several months, One Ummah Network will be publishing the entire Ihya 'Ulum Ad-Deen of Imam Al-Ghazali on the web. There are a total of 40 books, and we will publish one book at a time until the work is complete, insha'Allah. If you would like to assist us in this project, or if you have any questions, please contact support@1ummah.net