Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Biography of Abu Hamed Imam Mohammad al-Ghazali [MABH] (Part 33)
Conclusion
Imam Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on him), the greatest Muslim thinker in the fifth century AH and one of the most influential figures in the history of Islam, played an important role in shaping religious and philosophical ideas. His biography and life reflect a profound intellectual and spiritual transformation, that was in search of truth and answers to complex religious and philosophical issues from childhood to his scientific and social maturity.
Birth, Childhood, and Education of Imam Ghazali (MABH)
Imam Ghazali (MABH) was born in Tus in 450 AH and had a great desire to study science from his childhood. His early education in Tus took place under the supervision of various professors, then he went to Baghdad to continue his studies, which was the scientific center of the Islamic world at that time. He benefited from the presence of great professors such as Imam al-Haramain al-Juwayni In Baghdad. His academic career was full of philosophical and theological explorations and questions, which ultimately led to the formation of his unique views in various scientific fields.
From seclusion to presence
One of the most prominent aspects of Imam Ghazali’s (MABH) life was his complex experience in the search for truth and spirituality. He was initially known as a prominent scholar in Baghdad; but after a while, he returned from the world of intellectuals and his passion for philosophy to seclusion in the heart of the desert and contemplation on religion and knowledge. This period of seclusion and revision of his worldview caused him to engage in a deeper search for truth and eventually return to the public arena with a new intellectuality.
Imam Ghazali’s renewed views on various sciences
He was able to examine and criticize Greek philosophy from an Islamic perspective, and in particular, he criticized Masha’i philosophy and the theories of Ibn Sina in his book “Tahafat al-Falasifah”. Al-Ghazali also reformed and clarified the foundations of jurisprudence and theology and brought about a serious transformation in the science of the principles of jurisprudence and the interpretation of hadith. These revisions in religious and philosophical sciences led to fundamental changes in the scientific atmosphere of the Islamic world.
Surgery of Philosophy
The book “Tahafat al-Falasifah” is known as one of Imam al-Ghazali’s intellectual masterpieces. In this work, he criticized Greek philosophy, especially in metaphysical issues and proving the existence of Allah. Ghazali believed that many philosophical teachings conflict with the principles of the Islamic religion and, cannot meet the spiritual and moral needs of man especially from a religious perspective. This work was a turning point in the history of Islamic philosophy and the criticism of rationalism.
The effect of “Tahafat al-Falasifah” and the attack on Batiniyah
Imam Ghazali, MABH, stood against deviant intellectual currents, especially the Batiniyah, and severely criticized them in his book “Fazayeh al-Batiniyah”. He challenged these groups, who presented personal and incorrect interpretations of religion, and warned Muslims to be vigilant against these incorrect interpretations of religion.
Scholars and Religious men
Imam Ghazali, MABH, always sought interaction with scholars and religious people and believed that scholars should benefit from reason and revelation in religious and social issues. He called on scholars to avoid superficiality and pay attention to the depth of religious issues in his works. One of his most important works, “Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din”, had a profound impact on the scientific and religious community, especially in the field of moral and spiritual education.
Rulers and Sultans
Imam Ghazali, MABH, lived during the Seljuk dynasty and had relations with various rulers such as Sultan Sanjar and other rulers. He advised the rulers to consult religious scholars in their decisions and establish Islamic justice in society. He also emphasized that the rulers should move towards realizing the religious and social goals of Islam.
Different Muslim Classes and Social Reforms
In addition to paying attention to intellectual and philosophical issues, Al-Ghazali also attached great importance to the social and economic issues of Islamic society. In his works, especially in “Ihya’ Ulum Al-Din”, he emphasized the need to pay attention to piety, good morals, and social justice, and believed that only through individual and social reform can a complete and Islamic society be achieved.
Reform and Educational Book
The book “Ihya’ Ulum Al-Din” was a great work in which Imam Ghazali, MABH, included moral and educational teachings in addition to scientific issues. This book had a great impact on Islamic societies, especially in the field of self-refining and personal education and is still used by Muslims in moral education.
Love of position and Self-Accounting
In many of his works, Imam Ghazali, MABH, pointed out the dangers of “love of position” and its negative effects on humans. He believed that man should always seek to calculate his own soul and avoid worldly pride and deception. This approach was repeated many times in his works, especially in “Ihya’ Ulum al-Din” and has been raised as one of the basic principles in personal education.
The impact of Imam Ghazali on the Islamic world
As a great Islamic thinker, Imam Ghazali (MABH) was able to present a combination of reason and revelation in his works that had a profound impact on the Islamic world and even on Western philosophy. His works are still considered in today’s world in ethical, religious and philosophical discussions, and his teachings are still applicable at various educational, religious and social levels. His impact on scientific and religious reforms is still evident in the Islamic world especially in the correct understanding of philosophy, theology, mysticism and Islamic jurisprudence.
Two outstanding Characteristics of Imam Ghazali
Imam Ghazali (MABH) had two outstanding characteristics: first, his unparalleled ability to combine reason and faith, and second, his emphasis on morality and the refinement of the soul on the path to knowing the truth and achieving human perfection. These characteristics led him to be recognized as a divine model in the history of Islam and the human world.
In summary, Imam Ghazali (MABH) was able to create a profound transformation in the Islamic world with his extensive works, especially in philosophy, theology, jurisprudence, and ethics, and his works are still known as an intellectual and religious basis for Muslims and even non-Muslim thinkers.
Continues…
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