Description
Book SynopsisMany consider Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali the all-time greatest scholar of Islam. One of the great legal scholars of his time (1058-1111), he was, also, one of the foremost scholars of theology, philosophy and Sufism. In the realm of Sufism, his writings on the interrelation of law, theology and mysticism were central in establishing Sufism as a core dimension of Orthodox Islamic practice. Muslim communities all across the world today still base much of their practice of Islam on Ghazali's writings. Forty Foundations of the Religion is Ghazali's own summary of his magnum opus, The Revival of Religious Knowledge, which he described as the 'very essence of the knowledge of the Qur'an'. The Foundations are a brief and powerful summary of Islamic faith, worship, law and spirituality. This is the first publication of significant portions of the Foundations in English. Original translations of selected highlights are accompanied by insightful commentary that makes the core message of this great spiritual master relevant to anyone seeking a balanced understanding of Islam. This volume will ,also, attract those who are interested in Eastern spirituality, Sufism and interfaith dialogue. Foundations offers a concise and affordable alternative to the extensive (and expensive) translations of the original Revival of Religious Knowledge.
Trade ReviewIslamic spirituality can be a trying thing in the modern day. Ghazali on the Principles of Islamic Spirituality is a translated and annotated study of the work of this eleventh century Islamic scholar who discussed much fo the faith's early philosophy and theology, and whose work remains quite relevant even to the modern day. Sufism is a major element of orthodox Islam practices, and presents a great deal to consider. Ghazali on the Principles of Islamic Spirituality is a core addition to any community and library Islamic and general religious studies collection. * Library Bookwatch *
Table of ContentsForeword: Al-Ghazali and the Tradition of Islamic Renewal ix Introduction xv Al-Ghazali's Introduction 3 BOOK I The Science of Belief The First Foundation: Allah's Entity 9 The Second Foundation: His Sacredness 13 The Third Foundation: Allah’s Omnipotent Power 17 The Fourth Foundation: Allah’s Omniscient Knowledge 19 The Fifth Foundation: Allah’s Will 21 The Sixth Foundation: Allah’s Hearing and Seeing 25 The Seventh Foundation: Allah’s Speech 27 The Eighth Foundation: His Actions 29 The Ninth Foundation: The Last Day 33 The Tenth Foundation: Prophecy 37 Conclusion 39 BOOK II Outward Actions The First Foundation: Ritual Prayer 43 The Second Foundation: Poor Tax and Charity 51 The Third Foundation: Fasting 59 The Fourth Foundation: Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Mecca 63 The Fifth Foundation: Recitation of Qur’an 69 The Sixth Foundation: Regarding Remembrance of Allah Mighty and Majestic in Every State 79 The Seventh Foundation: Seeking the Permissible 85 The Eighth Foundation: Establishing the Rights of the Believers and Keeping Good Company 91 The Ninth Foundation: Commanding the Right and Forbidding the Wrong 99 The Tenth Foundation: Regarding Following the Sunnah 105 Conclusion: Regarding the Ordering of Your Litanies That Incline You Toward These Ten Foundations … 109 BOOK III Purification of the Heart The First Foundation: The Evils Related to Food 115 The Second Foundation: The Evils Related to Speech 121 The Third Foundation: Anger 131 The Fourth Foundation: Envy 135 The Fifth Foundation: Stinginess and Love of Wealth 141 The Sixth Foundation: Frivolity and Love of Prestige 151 The Seventh Foundation: Love of the World 163 The Eighth Foundation: Arrogance 171 The Ninth Foundation: Pride 181 The Tenth Foundation: Ostentation 187 Conclusion: The Entirety of [Blameworthy] Character Traits and the Places Where You Fall into Delusions with Regard to Them 205 BOOK IV Meritorious Character Traits The First Foundation: Repentance 213 The Second Foundation: Fear 219 The Third Foundation: Abstinence 225 The Fourth Foundation: Patience 233 The Fifth Foundation: Gratitude 241 The Sixth Foundation: Sincerity and Truthfulness 245 The Seventh Foundation: Reliance on Allah 257 The Eighth Foundation: Love 267 The Ninth Foundation: Contentment with Divine Destiny 281 The Tenth Foundation: Remembering Death and Its Reality, and the Categories of Spiritual Punishments 287 Conclusion 295 Epilogue 296 Notes 297 Selected Bibliography 300
