| Title | : | Al-Ghazali on Disciplining the Soul and on Breaking the Two Desires (Books XXII and XXIII of The Revival of the Religious Sciences) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0946621438 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780946621439 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 370 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1990 |
This translation of two chapters from The Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din) details the sophisticated spiritual techniques adopted by classical Islam. In the first step, On Disciplining the Soul, which cites copious anecdotes from the Islamic scriptures and biographies of the saints, Ghazali explains how to acquire good character traits, and goes on to describe how the sickness of the heart may be cured. In the second part, Breaking the Two Desires, he focusses on the question of gluttony and sexual desire, concluding, in the words of the Prophet, that 'the best of all matters is the middle way'.
The translator has added an introduction and notes which explore Ghazali's ability to make use of Greek as well as Islamic ethics. The work will prove of special interest to those interested in Sufi mysticism, comparative ethics, and the question of sexuality in Islam.
Al-Ghazali on Disciplining the Soul and on Breaking the Two Desires (Books XXII and XXIII of The Revival of the Religious Sciences) Reviews
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Some of my favourite quotes:
"It has been said that 'every building has a foundation, and the foundation of Islam is good character'."
"Thus it is with the heart, which falls ill when it becomes incapable of performing the activity proper to it and for which it was created, which is the acquisition of knowledge, wisdom, and gnosis, and the love of God and of His worship, and taking delight in remembering Him, preferring these things to every other desire, and using all one's other desires and members for the sake of His remembrance. God (Exalted is He!) has said: 'I created jinn and mankind only to worship Me'."
"The finest thing through which good character can be put to the test is steadfastness in the face of suffering, and enduring the harshness of others, for whoever complains of the bad character of another man has revealed the badness of his own character, since good character is to endure that which offends."
"Slay not your hearts with much food and drink, for the heart is like a farmland which dies if watered excessively."
"A certain doctor of upright conduct once condemned overeating by saying, 'The most beneficial thing that a man can admit to his belly is a pomegranate, while the most damaging thing for it is salt. I prefer that one reduce one's intake of salt rather than increase the number of pomegranates one eats'." -
I had read the 'Ihya' years ago in Arabic but saw that they had produced some English translations. And while I'm sure many may quibble about the choice of vernacular in the translation, I found the book to read well, if a bit archaic. Then again, al-Ghazali lived almost a thousand years ago so we should cut the translator some slack. I for one prefer the almost prose-like sense to it. I feel it better preserves what al-Ghazali is trying to say. Those who've read his works in the original Arabic will know that he was quite the wordsmith.
But for Muslims who wish to begin looking into studies in Tawawwuf but may be turned off by other new-age'y sounding authors, al-Ghazali is definitely a good starting point. I can comfortably recommend the English translation series. -
“A man who turn to God in repentance is higher in His sight than anyone else.” PG. 188
What a beautiful book. I recommend everyone, and yes also sisters, to read this book. Take it easy, and look chapter by chapter, reflect while/after reading. -
It's good to re-read this book when the nafs are trying to take over.
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Sorry in advance for this completely stupid millennial sounding review but that’s the only way I can truly convey what I went through with this book
First off, God gave this manz a MIND like omg
Throughout this book my mind was constantly going pookh pookh pookh 🤯🤯🤯
Second, this is one of those “Books you have to read before you die” but Islamic version, cuz any spiritual wayfarer should have this knowledge in their mind because truly, what imam ghazali mentioned, something along the lines of the spiritual essence of Islam just dying out and if it was bad back in his day, what abt today? It’s even worse
Also it is absolutely amazing to me, like ghazali ain’t ghazali for no reason, he’s not known for no reason, over the coarse of 2 years, while teaching students, practicing religion, and going abt his private life, in the little snippets of time he had, he spent studying Greek philosophy, and in the 3rd year, he compiled that information with Islamic facts like Quran and Sunnah and essentially CONVERTED GREEK PHILOSOPHY TO THE ISLAMIC VERSION LIKE WHAT
bro pls go and read this book now
Also total respect just respecc man respecc for this dudes references abt women and how they totally shut men down lemme tag a quote down below
“... a leading man in Basra went to his garden. By chance his eye fell upon the beautiful wife of his gardener. He sent the fellow away on some business and said to the woman: ‘Shut the gates’. She replied: ‘I have shut them all except one, which I cannot shut.’ He asked, ‘Which one is that?’ ‘The gate’ , said she, ‘that is between us and God.’ On receiving this answer the man repented and begged to be forgiven.”
YES SHUT HIM DOWN QUEEN 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
you rlly need to be focused and have an open mind and be in the mood to read this book but it is truly, if I dare so myself, life changing; and at the very least very thought provoking -
Imam al-Ghazali is a genius in the understanding of the mind, its weaknesses and its strength. You might as well call him a Muslim's psychologist.
He writes so succinctly and so conversationally you feel as though you were sitting in his class as his students. As if he speaks to you directly.
His words are very logical and have great impact. I wouldn't advise reading his books quickly. Take your time to understand what he teaches. It can be heavy. And feel free to read the books again.
May Allah bless his grave and may He reward him abundantly for the benefit his books have provided for his readers. Ameen. -
Proabably the most useful book I have ever read...think:intellectual philosophy only applicable and necessary. I mean, if the everyone took a little something from Imam Ghazali and practiced it, the world would be a much better place. And this after only having read the first five chapters...
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I decided to read this in English! I have no idea why! I love medieval Arabic & find it very beautiful but I don't want to be distracted by it perhaps! I don't know.. I really need to get this into my materialistic heart & mind 3
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I think this is the most useful book I have ever read.It explains about the good character, desires, and so inspiring
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Simply incredible book, some of the advice seems quite intense but Imam Ghazali explains it so eloquently and clearly.
I learned a lot from reading this but there is genuinely so much knowledge concisely packed in here that I feel I may have to re read this more times -
Loved this book, it’s just amazing. It helps you improve yourself and gives great tips of improving one’s own self. I’ve read it time and time again.
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clear instructions on how to detoxify yourself from modern days artificially induced desires.
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This is the translation of a portion of one of the most famous volumes on Islamic spirituality and purification of the soul. It is a very complex book, and a guide best read with a teacher. This book is the epitome. The reader would hope to achieve the states indicated, but by all means not expected. One would read this book as a general guide to a higher state of being, but start small. In the age of extreme materialism, these kinds of books keep us grounded.
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Another part of the "Revival", arguably the greatest masterpiece of Islamic civilisation. A great work of spirituality. Timeless.
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hi
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imam ghazali
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Few books move you to action. This one does.
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This helped me through my darkest times :)
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Beautiful set of books (Ihya) for those who are on the spiritual path in Islam and wants to read more than the Quran and books of hadiths. Style of writing may be complex initially.
