Al Ghaz L And The Qur N

This book is the first of its kind to focus entirely on the Qur’anic interpretation of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111), a towering figure of Sunni Islam. Martin Whittingham explores both al-Ghazali’s hermeneutical methods and his interpretations of particular Quranic texts, and covers al-Ghazali’s mystical, legal and theological concerns. Divided into two parts: part one examines al-Ghazali’s legal and Sufi theoretical discussions part two asks how these theories relate to his practice, analysing the only three of al-Ghazali’s works which are centrally concerned with interpreting particular Qur’anic passages: Jawahir al-Qur’an (The Jewels of the Qur’an); Al-Qist as al-mustaqim (The Correct Balance); and Mishkat al-anwar (The Niche for Lights). Providing a new point of access to the works of al-Ghazali, this book will be welcomed by scholars and students of Islamic studies, religious studies, hermeneutics, and anyone interested in how Muslims understand the Qur’an.

This book is the first of its kind to focus entirely on the Qur’anic interpretation of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111), a towering figure of Sunni Islam. Martin Whittingham explores both al-Ghazali’s hermeneutical methods and his interpretations of particular Quranic texts, and covers al-Ghazali’s mystical, legal and theological concerns. Divided into two parts: part one examines al-Ghazali’s legal and Sufi theoretical discussions part two asks how these theories relate to his practice, analysing the only three of al-Ghazali’s works which are centrally concerned with interpreting particular Qur’anic passages: Jawahir al-Qur’an (The Jewels of the Qur’an); Al-Qist as al-mustaqim (The Correct Balance); and Mishkat al-anwar (The Niche for Lights). Providing a new point of access to the works of al-Ghazali, this book will be welcomed by scholars and students of Islamic studies, religious studies, hermeneutics, and anyone interested in how Muslims understand the Qur’an.

This book examines the contrasting interpretations of Islam and the Qur’an by Averroes and Al-Ghazali, as a way of helping us untangle current impasses affecting each Abrahamic faith. This has traditionally been portrayed as a battle between philosophy and theology, but the book shows that Averroes was rather more religious and Al-Ghazali more philosophical than they are usually portrayed. The book traces the interaction between two Muslim thinkers, showing how each is convinced of the existence of a Book in which God is revealed to rational beings, to whom He has given commandments, as well as of the excellence of Islamic society. Yet they differ regarding the proper way to interpret the sacred Book. From this point of view, their discussion does not address the contrast between philosophy and religion, or that between reason and revelation that is so characteristic of the Middle Ages, but rather explores differences at the heart of philosophical discussion in our day: is there a level of discourse which will facilitate mutual comprehension among persons, allowing them to engage in debate? This interpretation of sacred texts illustrates the ways religious practice can shape believers’ readings of their sacred texts, and how philosophical interpretations can be modified by religious practice. Moreover, since this sort of inquiry characterizes each Abrahamic tradition, this study can be expected to enhance interfaith conversation and explore religious ways to enhance tolerance between other believers.

Al-Ghazali on Proper Conduct for the Recitation of the Qur'an is the eighth chapter of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali's magnum opus, the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya' 'ulum al-din), a monumental work of classical Islam written by the renowned theologian-mystic Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (d. 1111). This chapter of the Revival deals with the fundamental importance of the Qur'an and its role in an individual's salvation. After establishing the pre-eminence of the Qur'an and of those who are devoted to its recitation, Ghazali outlines the outer proper conduct for its recitation: the condition of the reciter, the quantity of recitation, properly apportioning the Qur'an, method of writing, measured recitation, crying, taking into account the rights of verses, what to say at the beginning of one's recitation, reciting aloud and beautifying one's recitation, and embellishing it by modulating one's voice. Ghazali then proceeds to identify the inner actions while reciting the Qur'an: understanding the grandeur and stature of the Speech, reverence for the Speaker, presence of mind and not letting one's mind wander, reflection, deeper understanding, ridding oneself of obstacles to understanding, specification, being affected, ascension and divestment. In the fourth and final chapter, Ghazali deals with an issue which continues to be a source of contention today: the problem of the permissibility of generating new interpretations of the Qur'an. Ghazali convincingly argues that a proper engagement with the Qur'an is not restricted by the boundaries of earlier interpretations. This volume also includes a translation of Imam Ghazali's own Introduction to the Revival of the Religious Sciences which gives the reasons that caused him to write the work, the structure of the whole of the Revival and which places each of the chapters in the context of the others.

This book is the first accurate English translation, with useful introduction and many valuable notes, of al-Ghazali's Kitab Adab Tilawat al-Qu'ran, which is a part of his greatest work Ihya' 'Ulum al-Deen (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). In the Introduction of this translation (pages 9-18) the subject of Qu'ran-reading is nicely initiated. In chapter I (pp. 19-33) the merits of Qu'ran- recitation are discussed. In chapters II & III (pp. 34-85) ten external etiquettes or praiseworthy manners and ten internal (mental) tasks of Quran-recitation are set forth. In chapter IV (pp. 86-104) the existence of deep, hidden meaning of the Qu'ran is proved as against the proponents of outward exegetes. The obstacles to the understanding of deep, hidden meanings of the Qu'ranic verses are pointed out. The Prophet's prohibition of Qu'ran-explanation according to one's personal opinion is discussed in detail in pp. 90-104. In this context the controversial problem of tafsir bi-l ray (interpretation of Qur'an acconding to valid personal opinion) is seriously considered and supported with proofs and evidences.The Arabic text translated here has been compared with eight other printed Arabic texts and then translated very carefully and accurately using free-flowing, modern English

Imam Ghazzali is well known for his writings on philosophy, reformation, rectification and purification of the hearts. This book is no exception to these subjects. As the title suggests, Imam Ghazzali lays open the hearts and exposes their diseases, ailments, maladies, virtues, merits and values. In doing so, he proves that the hearts are capable of both good and evil, and that it is upon us to either cleanse and purify them, or to soil and contaminate them. Purification of the heart would lead to a life of peace, tranquility, satisfaction, Paradise, and eventual pleasure of Allah. On the other hand, contamination of the hearts would lead to a life of stress, tension, constant fear, dissatisfaction, Hell, and the displeasure of Allah. This book, "Mukashafah al-Qulub al-Muqarrib ila Hadrah Allam al-Ghuyuba", is the abridged version of the book "Mukashafah al-Qulub al-Akbar" by Imam Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali. This book comprises 111 chapters explaining conduct, manners, virtues of deeds, acts of obedience and the importance of doing them, acts of disobedience and the importance of abstaining from them, matters concerning this world, death, the grave, the hereafter, the reckoning [of deeds], and the reward or punishment that will be meted out. Al-Ghazzali commences each chapter by explaining the topic and introducing its theme. He then quotes Qur'anic verses and Prophetic Traditions in this regard. He then follows all this with statements, anecdotes and stories from some Sahabah, Tabieen and righteous people. All these serve to awaken the souls, embellish the hearts, remind us of Allah, His greatness, might, power, and His disposition among His creation. In this book of his, al-Ghazzali follows the course of the Qur'an and Sunnah regarding which our leader, the Messenger of Allah said: I have left among you something which if you hold on to after me, you will never go astray, the Book of Allah and my Sunnah." Imam al-Ghazzali was fondly referred to as the "Hujjat-ul-lslam", Proof of Islam; He is honored as a scholar and a saint by learned men all over the world. Al-Ghazali is generally acclaimed as the most influential thinker of the Classical period of Islam, in his autobiography The Deliverance from Error, the Imam describes his education and his intellectual crisis, which left him so paralyzed by doubt that he gave up his academic pursuits and worldly interests and became a wandering ascetic. This was a process (period) of mystical transformation. Later, he resumed his teaching duties, but again left these. An era of solitary life, devoted to contemplation and writing then ensued, which led to the authorship of a number of everlasting books (Many of which have been translated in English)