Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Biography of Abu Hamed Imam Mohammad al-Ghazali [MABH] (Part 19)
Imam Ghazali (MABH) and Criticism of Corruption in the Seljuk Monarchy
Imam Ghazali (MABH) did not miss any opportunity to express the truth and criticize the government court during the Seljuk reign, especially the great ministers and sultans of this era. One of the most prominent letters that Imam Ghazali (MABH) wrote in this regard was addressed to Muhammad bin Malik Shah Seljuq, the greatest king of the time. In this letter, Imam Ghazali (MABH) reminds the rulers of their responsibilities and advises them to be pious and respect the rights of the people. He knew that fundamental reforms were only possible through reforming the ministers and executive officials. For this reason, Imam Ghazali (MABH) paid more attention to the ministers in his writings and made them aware of their responsibilities.
Imam Ghazali’s Advice to Ministers: Reforms at the Level of Executive Officials
At that time, the ministers were responsible for executive duties in eastern governments, particularly in the Seljuk monarchies. The policies and actions of the government were mostly carried out through them. Imam Ghazali (MABH) was well aware of this fact, so in his letters, he emphasized reforms especially to the ministers. In his letters to the ministers, in addition to mentioning moral and religious principles, he also referred to tax corruption, oppression in tax collection, and the economic problems of the people. In one of his important letters to Fakhr Al-Mulk, Imam Ghazali (MABH) strongly criticized the oppression and corruption in the cities and specifically referred to the oppression imposed on the people in tax collection. In this letter, Imam Ghazali (MABH) tells Fakhr Al-Mulk that during his reign, oppression and corruption had reached such a level that people were forced to sell their grain and food for fear of the rulers’ oppression.
Criticism of Oppression in the Monarchy and Tax Policies
In these letters, Imam Ghazali (MABH) explicitly criticized the oppression and tax corruption, calling on the ministers to undertake immediate reforms. He wrote that in the past, people were forced to sell their grain out of fear of the rulers’ oppression, and some of the oppressors apologized to the oppressed. However, now that a new government has come, the people have hope for reform. Imam Ghazali (MABH) always emphasizes in these letters that reforms must begin at the ministerial level because if the ministers continue to commit corruption, no reform will be possible in the country.
Imam Ghazali’s Courage in Criticizing the Rulers: Writing Clear and Reckless Letters
Imam Ghazali (MABH) never refrained from stating the truth and openly criticizing the rulers and officials throughout his life. This courage was evident not only in his writings but also in his direct dealings with the rulers and ministers. In one of his letters to Mujir al-Din, Imam Ghazali (MABH) strictly criticizes the widespread corruption and oppression of the rulers, calling on the ministers for immediate reforms. He specifically refers to the oppression and corruption of his time, stating that such oppression was not seen in the past. Imam Ghazali (MABH) warns the ministers that if these oppressions continue, they and all those who cooperate in supporting oppression and corruption will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment.
Imam Ghazali’s Letters: Influential in the Fight Against Government Corruption
The letters of Imam Ghazali (MABH), especially those he wrote to Seljuk ministers and rulers, are known as examples of his courage in speaking the truth and influencing rulers and officials. In these letters, Imam Ghazali (MABH) clearly condemns the corruption of the tax system, the oppression of the government, and the pressure on the people, calling on ministers to implement immediate reforms. He particularly emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of the people, preventing oppression and corruption, and establishing a fair tax system. In these letters, Imam Ghazali (MABH) clearly states that reforms at the ministerial level can have positive effects on the entire country.
Imam Ghazali’s Advice to Fakhr Al-Mulk and Mujir Al-Din: Pay Attention to People’s Rights
In his letters to Fakhr Al-Mulk and Mujir Al-Din, Imam Ghazali (MABH) paid special attention to the economic and social situation of the people, asking the ministers to take steps to improve their conditions. In a letter to Fakhr Al-Mulk, he wrote that in the past, people were forced to sell their grain and food due to the oppression of the rulers, and in these circumstances, the ministers should think about fundamental reforms. Imam Ghazali (MABH) also strongly criticized government corruption in a letter to Mujir Al-Din and urged the ministers to stop oppression and corruption, working to improve the country’s conditions. In these letters, Imam Ghazali (MABH) warned the ministers that if reforms were not carried out, not only the government but also the entire society would soon face problems and social crises.
Imam Ghazali’s Letters: Reformist Models in the World of Politics and Governance
Imam Ghazali’s letters to the Seljuk sultans and ministers are examples of reformist efforts in the world of politics and governance. He constantly called on the rulers and ministers to stand against oppression and corruption and strive for social welfare and justice. These letters are regarded not only for their time but also for all periods of history as examples of courage, honesty, and compassion for the people. Imam Ghazali always emphasized that reforms should begin from within the government system and that reforming the rulers and ministers would lead to reforming the entire country.
Other Classes of Muslims
In addition to addressing scientific and jurisprudential issues in his writings—especially in the book Ihya’ Ulum al-Din—Imam Ghazali (MABH) paid special attention to the general state of society and the social status of the people. He carefully and comprehensively examined the lives of the common people and their social and religious problems. Imam Ghazali (MABH) considered the common people a part of Islamic society that was severely affected by incorrect behaviors and habits.
Considering the General Condition of the People
In view of his scientific and personal position, Imam Ghazali (MABH) was not negligent in studying scientific issues but also examined the social and cultural conditions of society. He inquired carefully into the common sins and innovations in society in Ihya’ Ulum al-Din. These sins, which were known as habits at that time, were religiously and morally incorrect and impermissible. Many people considered them acceptable due to ignorance.
Criticism of Social Sins and Innovations
Imam Ghazali (MABH) specifically mentioned social sins in a chapter in this book. These abominations include things that were common in people’s daily lives, such as in markets, streets, mosques, baths, and even festive gatherings and invitations. In this chapter, he examined these practices in detail. For instance, Imam Ghazali (MABH) refers to the ceremonies and celebrations held at that time, which included un-Islamic customs and abominations seen either secretly or openly.
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