Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī

Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī (c. 450–505 AH) was a Shafi‘i jurist, theologian and spiritual author from Khurasan. Al-Munqidh min al-Ḍalāl recounts his search for knowledge and his spiritual journey.

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A Shafi‘i jurist and Ash‘ari theologian, he also wrote on philosophy and purification of the heart. Al-Munqidh min al-Ḍalāl presents his intellectual and spiritual journey. His work connects religious learning, everyday conduct and the cultivation of intention.

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He brings law and theology into dialogue with inner life. In the Iḥyāʾ, worship is examined alongside intentions and effects on character. His criticism of particular philosophical claims does not amount to rejecting all reasoning: logic also has a place in his work.

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Leaving teaching in Baghdad in 488 AH marked a turning point. Al-Munqidh min aḍ-ḍalāl retrospectively presents his search for certainty; it is an intellectual account rather than a daily diary. His works prompted commentaries, teaching uses and criticism.

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Choose a short chapter and identify the quality or practice it explores. Distinguish spiritual counsel, legal arguments and transmitted reports. Checking quotations against their sources helps avoid reading an isolated phrase out of context.

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