- Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali, 1053CE in Tus, Iran

- Considered one Worlds greatest philosopher, theologian and mystical thinker

Through Ghazalis professorship, his extensive writings and his devotion to Sufism, he significantly contributed to
the adherents need to remain focused on Orthodox Islamic beliefs and practices as revealed by Allah to
Mohammed, recorded in the Quran.
1. Ghazals theology;
In role as head professor at Nizamiya College in Bagdad, Ghazali distinguished between sound teachings and
heretical interpretation, scrutinizing the actions of every creed and every sect of Islam.
- Such theology can is expressed in his writings, specifically in Masqasid Falifor (The Incoherence of
Philosophers) as he re-emphasises foundational doctrines, promoting a lifes goal of submission to
understanding of Allah. Surrah 112 states He is Allah, the oneeternal reflecting the Islamic belief of Tawhid,
reinforcing this sound teaching.
- Thus through Ghazali theology adherents are able to develop a deeper, more authentic relationship with Allah.
- Furthermore within a 21
st
century Ghazalis theology has had a moderating impact on adherents, separating
islmaic orthodoxy with radicalism.
- Therefore Islam continues to impact contemporary Islamic adherents significantly.
2. Extensive Writings
Over his life Al-Ghazali was also responsible for over 70 works that were able to clarify and simplify Islamic
spirituality, devotional practices and the Islamic response to philosophical thought.
- Such extensive writings are evident in his most significant work, Ihya, meaning The Revival of Islamic
knowledge. The text contains four separate parts, with ten chapters each. For example the importance of
worship is reinforced in Part I as Ghazali writes Muhammad was asked which of the works is most excellent?
He replied, The Worship at its appointed times
- Thus Part I reinforces the adherents submission to Allah using Taqwa (constant awareness) and shows how his
writings are able to provide assistance to the adherent. Furthermore such writings allow practices such as Salat
and Hajj to remain authentic.
- In the 21
st
century Ghazalis extensive writings are studied at ISRA, influencing young Muslim adherents today.
Therefore ghazalis teachings are the reason there are Muslims today as his writings provide a means of
Islamic education.
3. Modelled Sufism
Ghazalis teachings were not limited to theory in his writings, In order to know and experience Allah, Ghazali
modelled the life of a Sufi.
- Upon modelling Sufism, Ghazali came to the conclusion that knowledge of Allah, deprived from best from
worship and practices. With this understanding Ghazli wrote The Alchemy of Happiness stating within the
text to Do what I do and you will arrive at the same truth further expressing that The sufi way is the best
way to know Allah.
- Thus Ghazali legitimised the Sufi movement, providing a way for Muslims to integrate orthodox teachings with
mystical practise, this created a movement towards Sufism in the face of Crusaders and the Mongolian
Invasion.
- Today Ghazalis model of Sufism is evident as the movement is rapidly growing in Africa and parts of Asia.
Sufism, promoted by Ghazali therefore assists adherents in their search for meaning whilst effectively
increasing the youth population of Islam, allowing it to thrive as a religious worldview.