The Biography of Abu Hamed Imam Mohammad al-Ghazali [MABH] (Part 24)
Analyzing the Position of the Book “Ihya’ Ulum al-Din” in Islamic Reform and Education
The book “Ihya’ Ulum al-Din” by Imam Muhammad Ghazali (MABH) is one of the most influential works in the history of Islamic sciences. It is not only a critical work on the scientific and religious situation of its time but also a comprehensive work on the reform of the individual and society. In this book, Imam Ghazali (MABH) has compiled a collection of religious, jurisprudential, ethical, and educational teachings that can be considered a comprehensive encyclopedia in the field of self-purification and spiritual conduct.
In compiling this work, the author has aimed to provide a comprehensive guide for truth seekers, religious educators, and all those on the path of individual and social reform. Therefore, this book is not limited to theoretical issues but emphasizes the practical dimensions of religion and how it affects the human soul and mind.
For this reason, Ihya’ Ulum al-Din is not just a jurisprudential or theological book but a living and influential work in the spiritual and educational reform of Muslims. In this article, we will examine the characteristics of this book, its effects on readers and thinkers, as well as its strengths and challenges.
1. Ihya Ulum al-Din: A Work Beyond Criticism and Explanation of Its Educational Principles
“Ihya Ulum al-Din” should not be considered just a critical book; rather, it is a comprehensive work on Islamic reform and education. Imam al-Ghazali (MABH) took a holistic approach in writing this book and aimed to provide a work that would be useful not only for individuals seeking truth but also for educators, preachers, and those involved in education and preaching, to guide society.
He has categorized Islamic teachings into four basic sections in this book:
1. Religious beliefs
2. Jurisprudence and practical rulings
3. Purification of the soul and moral reform
4. Benefaction and Sufism
This division demonstrates that Ihya Ulum al-Din is more than a jurisprudential work; it also pays attention to the internal and moral dimensions of religion. One of the prominent features of this book is its ability to go beyond abstract theories and address the practical reform of human life. Imam Ghazali (MABH) raises moral and educational issues in a manner that allows the reader not only to gain a deeper understanding of religious concepts but also to feel they have embarked on the path of internal and spiritual reform by reading this book.
The Role of Jurisprudence in the Ihya Ulum al-Din and the Influence of the Shafe’i School
One important point about this book is that Imam Ghazali (MABH), as a Shafe’i jurist, utilized only Shafe’i jurisprudence in the jurisprudential discussions of this work. The reason is that during his time, Shafe’i jurisprudence had reached its peak, and Ghazali (MABH) was considered one of the greatest jurists of this school.
However, it should be noted that Ihya’ Ulum al-Din is more than just a jurisprudential book, and many of its teachings can also be applied by followers of other Islamic schools.
2. The Impact of Ihya’ Ulum al-Din on Readers and Scholars
One significant feature of Ihya’ Ulum al-Din is its profound impact on Islamic readers and scholars. Many scholars and sheikhs, including Maulana Shebeli and other Sufi thinkers, have been influenced by this book.
Each sentence of this book, like a surgical blade, cuts through the veils of negligence, and each word possesses a transformative effect that touches the heart. This impact is not solely due to the rich content of the book but also stems from the author’s emotional state during its composition. Imam Ghazali (MABH) was at the peak of his spiritual and moral transformation while writing this work, and this state is reflected in his words.
The Impact of Ihya’ Ulum al-Din on the Soul and Mind of Readers
One aspect of the impact of this book is that it creates a state of intense asceticism in the reader. In many cases, readers have abandoned worldly pursuits and leaned towards extreme asceticism after engaging with this book. The fear and greatness of Allah are depicted in such a manner that they cast a shadow over everyday affairs, even influencing individuals’ jobs.
As a result, many sheikhs do not recommend this book to beginner seekers, fearing that individuals without a proper understanding of moderation may be led to extreme and unbalanced asceticism. They assert that, to achieve a balanced understanding of religion, one must also study the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and his hadith, as well as be guided by balanced mentors and role models.
3. Imam Ghazali (MABH): Jurist, Theologian, Sufi, and Moral Thinker
Imam Ghazali (MABH) was not only a prominent jurist and a skilled theologian, but also a profound thinker in the field of ethics and Islamic moral philosophy. In his works, particularly in Ihya’ al-Uloom al-Din, he analyzed moral and psychological issues with such precision that no research on the history of Islamic morality would be complete without reference to this book.
Studies conducted by researchers such as Dr. Yousef Musa, a professor at Cairo University, on the relationship between Islamic ethics and Greek philosophy demonstrate that Ihya’ Ulum al-Din holds a unique position in this field. This book not only addresses theoretical issues but also provides valuable discussions on heart diseases, psychological qualities, and their influence on human behavior.
In short, it can be said that Ihya’ Ulum al-Din is one of the enduring masterpieces of Islamic thought that, beyond being jurisprudential or mystical, offers a comprehensive guide for individual and societal reform. This book has profoundly impacted its readers and has prompted many toward spiritual transformation. However, given its specific spiritual atmosphere, it is crucial to consider sources such as the Prophet’s biography and hadiths alongside this work to maintain balance and moderation in religious education.
