The Confessions of Al GhazzaliThe 12th-century Islamic thinker Al Ghazzali began his career as a professor in Baghdad. Over time, however, he realized that philosophy, math, and science were inadequate to answer the spiritual questions that vexed him. He left his post and began a two-year search for truth. The Confessions of Al Ghazzali is his autobiography and the result of what he learned during his quest. In it, he argues that while philosophy and the sciences are necessary for solving earthly matters, only Sufism is capable of deciphering the ultimate mystery. This brief treatise, translated into English for the first time by Claud Field and published in 1909, is filled with illuminating analogies and clear explanations that will please the student of Islam and the academically curious. Islamic theologian, philosopher, and mystic ABOU HAMID MUHAMMED IBN MUHAMMAD AL GHAZZALI (1058-1111) is widely considered to be one of Islam's most preeminent scholars. A prolific writer, Al Ghazzali's works include treatises on theology, Sufism, philosophy, jurisprudence, and logic. |
Contents
| 7 | |
The Subterfuges of the Sophists | 15 |
The Aim of Scholastic Theology and its Results | 21 |
Divisions of the Philosophic Sciences | 27 |
its Importance for | 50 |
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Common terms and phrases
accusations AL GHAZZALI Apostle arguments Aristotle ascertained astray astronomy authority Avicenna believe branches of knowledge certitude coiner colours and forms concupiscence condemn confidence contradicted contrary conviction COSIMO BOOKS Damascus danger deny derived devoted disentangle doctor doctrine doubt dreams entitled error eternity existence faculty faith false falsity Farabi Ghazzali hear heart heresy heretical hich ignorant Imāms invisible world Irak irreligion Islam Koran learned LEAVES BAGDAD ledge logic Mathematics means of ecstasy Mecca meditation metaphysics miracles moral Moral Philosophy Muhammed nature of inspiration necessary principles Nishapur notions object opponent path perceive pheno physical Plato possessed possible primary assumptions profess professors proofs Prophet prove recognise regarding reject religion religious sciences revealed scholastic theology search for truth sects senses serpent sleep soul sphere study of philosophy Sufis Sufism teaching Theists theologians theories things tradition treatise true truth by means verdict of reason