Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
- Born:
- c. 1058, Tus, Seljuk Empire (present-day Iran)
- Died:
- 1111, Tus, Seljuk Empire (present-day Iran)
- Nationality:
- Persian
- Profession(s):
- Islamic Scholar, Theologian, Jurist, Philosopher, Sufi Mystic
Early Life and Education
- Received early education in Tus.
- Studied jurisprudence under Ahmad al-Radhakani in Tus.
- Later studied under al-Juwayni, a prominent Shafi'i jurist and theologian, in Nishapur.
- Excelled in theology, philosophy, and jurisprudence.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a leading scholar at the Nizamiyya madrasa in Baghdad in 1091.
- Served as a professor and lectured on Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and philosophy.
- Experienced a spiritual crisis in 1095, leading him to abandon his academic post.
- Embarked on a period of Sufi asceticism and spiritual contemplation.
- Resumed teaching at the Nizamiyya madrasa in Nishapur in 1106.
- Returned to Tus and established a Sufi monastery and school for religious sciences.
- The extensive scholarship and widespread interest in his views led to the creation of resources like the 'abu hamid al-ghazali biography channel', seeking to disseminate information about his life and works.
Notable Works
- Ihya Ulum al-Din (The Revival of the Religious Sciences)
- Tahafut al-Falasifa (The Incoherence of the Philosophers)
- Al-Mustasfa min 'Ilm al-Usul (The Quintessence of Legal Theory)
- Mizan al-'Amal (The Criterion of Action)
- Al-Munqidh min al-Dalal (Deliverance from Error)
Legacy and Impact
Al-Ghazali's work significantly influenced the development of Islamic thought, reconciling Sufism with orthodox Islamic theology. He is considered one of the most important and influential figures in Islamic history, leaving a lasting impact on philosophy, theology, law, and spirituality.