Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Biography of Abu Hamed Imam Muhammad al-Ghazali [MABH] (Part 29)
Introduction
Throughout the history of Islamic thought, figures have emerged who have had a profound impact not only on their time, but also on subsequent generations. These figures have been able to shape intellectual currents and strengthen scientific and religious foundations due to their scientific comprehensiveness, ability to analyze complex issues, and depth of insight. One of the most brilliant of these figures is Imam Muhammad ibn Muhammad Ghazali Al-Tusi, (MABH).
He emerged as one of the prominent thinkers of the Islamic world in the fifth century AH, when Islamic sciences had reached their highest point of development but were also facing numerous intellectual challenges. At that time, philosophical schools influenced by Greek thought, such as the philosophy of the Mashai and Neoplatonist, had spread among Muslim thinkers and had created a kind of confrontation between reason and revelation. On the other hand, different theological movements, such as the Ash’arites, Mu’tazilites, Matridis, and other theological sects, each tried to present their beliefs as the truth. In such an environment, Imam Ghazali, created a new path in theology that both benefited from reason and emphasized revelation with his mastery of various sciences and a deep understanding of philosophical and theological debates.
Imam Ghazali’s position in theology and the reform of religious thought
Theology, as a science that explains and defends Islamic beliefs, had reached a critical point during Imam Ghazali’s time. Groups such as the Mu’tazilites strongly emphasized extreme rationalism and, in some cases, interpreted religious texts in accordance with their own rational foundations. In contrast, the Ash’arites relied more on narrations and rejected some rational arguments. Meanwhile, Imam Ghazali, using the principles of Ash’arite theology, but with a critical approach to philosophy, tried to create a balance between reason and narration.
He specifically criticized the views of the Masha’i philosophers in the book Tahafat al-Falasifah, and showed that some of their topics, such as the precession of the world, divine knowledge of details, and the bodily resurrection, were incompatible with the teachings of revelation. In this book, he argued that although reason can have a limited understanding of metaphysical matters, but it cannot independently discover the ultimate truth without the guidance of revelation. This approach of Imam Ghazali played an important role in the development of theology and strengthening its position against philosophical schools.
Imam Ghazali’s spiritual crisis and withdrawal from teaching
One of the most important and influential events in Imam Ghazali’s life was his spiritual and doctrinal crisis. He suffered from a kind of inner doubt at the height of his scientific fame, when he was the head of the Nizamiyya Madrasa in Baghdad. He felt that many of his scholarly and teaching activities were not out of sincerity in religion, but rather to gain fame and social status. This feeling led him to suddenly abandon teaching and set out on a journey in search of peace and spiritual certainty.
He described this crisis in detail in his book, Al-Munqiz Min Al-Zilal, and explained how he spent years searching for truth and studying various schools of thought, from philosophy and theology to Sufism. After this period, Imam Ghazali became convinced that the only way to salvation and happiness was to follow the revealed teachings and to improve the inner self. This intellectual transformation changed his path in life and made him one of the most important religious reformers.
People’s Insistence on His Return to Teaching and Imam Ghazali’s Apology
After Imam Ghazali’s retirement from teaching, many students, scholars, and even the rulers of the time repeatedly asked him to return to teaching. The Baghdad Nizamiyya School and other academic centers were still thirsty for his knowledge and teaching methods, but he did not accept these requests until he reached complete inner certainty.
When Imam Ghazali returned to teaching after years of seclusion, he was no longer the same person he had been. This time, he not only taught theoretical sciences, but also tried to guide his students towards internal reform and spiritual development. This change was also reflected in his works and led to the writing of books such as Ihya’ Ulum al-Din, which we analyzed in the previous section.
The final years of Imam Ghazali’s life and his death
After years of teaching and writing scientific works, Imam Ghazali decided to distance himself from formal scientific environments once again and return to his hometown in Tus. During this time, he devoted himself to educating students, worshipping, and writing. He no longer sought fame or academic status, but his sole goal was to purify religion and explain the truth to people. Finally, he passed away in 505 AH, while still engaged in teaching and thinking.
Imam Ghazali’s Distinguished Characteristics: Sincerity and High Effort
The two outstanding characteristics of Imam Ghazali that distinguished him from many scholars were sincerity in action and high effort in acquiring knowledge.
Sincerity in Action: He always paid attention to sincere intentions in all stages of his life, from teaching to writing and educating students. When he felt that fame was taking him away from the truth, he abandoned it without hesitation and pursued spiritual certainty.
Great effort in acquiring knowledge: Throughout his life, Imam Ghazali never stopped learning and researching. He researched various sciences, from jurisprudence and theology to philosophy and Sufism, and was never satisfied with limited knowledge.
Imam Ghazali’s influences on the Islamic world
Imam Ghazali had a wide and lasting influence on Islamic thought. His ideas in the fields of theology, philosophy, Sufism, and ethics continued for centuries after him.
In the field of theology, he founded a school that balanced reason and revelation.
In philosophy, he made a serious criticism of philosophers that even influenced European philosophical thought.
In ethics and Sufism, he played an important role in reforming Sufism and returning it to the principles of the Quran and Sunnah.
In short, Imam Ghazali was a rare example of a scholar who was able to create a unique balance between reason and revelation, philosophy and religion, Sufism and jurisprudence. His ideas are still alive, and his works have inspired thinkers throughout the Islamic world and even in the Western world.
Continues…
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