@welbeck11 can i has al-ghazali notes? :s
:L nws mate
Al-Ghazali
Biography
– Al-Ghazali (1058 – 1111) was a great thinker, an outstanding spiritual director.
– Known as ‘The Proof of Islam’ or the 11th century 'Mujaddid', for his synthesis of theology, philosophy, law and mysticism.
Contribution towards Islam
– Al-Ghazali provided insight or thought on the four major paths or strands of Islam (at the time):
o Ash’arite Theology (Sunni belief structure):
Principally expressed from his work on ‘Munqidh’ (The deliverer from Error).
Challenged the notion that the Qur’an was uncreated (he stated the Qur’an was created).
Questioned the anthropomorphic images in the Qur’an.
o Sufism (The mystical belief structure of Islam):
Al-Ghazali found himself drawn to Sufism because he believed that there was a limit to the knowledge that could be gained through rational means and that higher learning could only be achieved through mystical disciplines. To him, the sight of God would be the most satisfying thing, far more satisfying than being in Paradise.
o Isma’ilite theology (Shi’a belief structure):
Critiqued the relationship of knowledge to the teaching of the infallible Imam.
o Kalam theology OR Critique on Philosophy (Greek Philosophy):
The main Aristotelian philosophies he criticised included:
No resurrection for the body (opposes belief in eternal life).
Knowledge of Allah is limited to universal aspects (opposes the belief of Allah as omnipotent).
The world has existed for all time (opposes the belief of creationism).
Effect on Islam
– His prolific writing and highly regarded teachings have also ensured that he has had a considerable impact on the religion of Islam. For example: The Revival of the Religious Sciences known simply as the ‘Ihya’. The main aim of the Ihya was to show how careful observance of the duties imposed by the Shari’ah law was the basis of an authentic Sufi life.
– Al-Ghazali significantly contributed to the acceptance of Sufi practices in mainstream Islam. However, he was criticised by some scholars who called him a non-believer due to his focus on the personal revelations one encounters during Sufi mystical experiences and through dreams. He also criticised Sufism for some of its opposition to Shar'iah law.
– The capacity of Al-Ghazali to be at once critical and supportive of ways of thinking was one of his greatest attributes:
o Aristotelian philosophy suggests that if God knew all facts this would suggest a plurality in his essence. Al-Ghazali refuted this, arguing if God has knowledge of a person’s birth and death; there will be no change in eternal knowledge, even though the person’s life changes from moment to moment. Therefore, he taught that God does know all particulars and this does not suggest a plurality in essence. He used what the Qur’an says about God being all knowing: “To him belongs sovereignty and to him belongs praise, he gives life and he brings death; and he is able to do all things" (surah 64:1) to highlight God’s supremacy and ability to know all things.
