Originally from Khorasan, he was recognised for his prodigious scholarship and called the “Brilliance of the Religion” by Nizam al-Mulk, the Seljuk vizier, and in 1091 was given a coveted position teaching at the Nizamiyya madrasa in Baghdad. Scholars of the era considered the Qur'an as a guiding light upon matters of science and learning as well as religious observance, and such concepts are voiced in studies like the Mishkat.Known as Hujjat al-Islam, the Proof of Islam, and the Mujaddid, of his age, al-Ghazali has had a great impact on the Islamic scholarly and spiritual tradition. Gairdner's guidance is poignant and well-written, allowing the curious reader to appreciate the symbolism that underpins the philosophy of Islamic thinkers. Through these informed essays we are immersed in the culture of Medieval-era Islamic society, and prepared for the translation of the Mishkat which follows. The mystical nature of the Verse of Light fascinated scholars of Islam, its passages are considered many-faceted in meaning, its beauty and evocative imagery an example of the rich literary prowess present in the Holy Qur'an.The first half of this book contains an extensive scholarly analysis of Al-Ghazali, his life, writings and ideas on a variety of pertinent topics. Al-Ghazali's classic commentary upon the Quranic verse of lights is translated with authentic excellence by William Henry Temple Gairdner.A revered Islamic philosopher, theologian and astronomer of the 11th century, Al-Ghazali's commentaries upon religious topics are celebrated along with his more scientific works. The teachings were to help man to live a life in accordance with the sacred law, and by doing so gain a deeper understanding of its meaning on the day of Judgement. It is achieved only after a human being has liberated his/her soul completely from its corporal existence, achieving "active intellect". Sa'?da is equated with "ultimate happiness", namely that of the hereafter. Sa'?da (happiness) is a central concept in Islamic philosophy used to describe the highest aim of human striving.
The factor that set the Alchemy apart from other theological works at the time was its mystical emphasis on self-discipline and asceticism. The work emphasized the importance of observing the ritual requirements of Islam, the actions that would lead to salvation, and avoidance of sin. Al-Ghazzali, or, Al-Ghazali, the author of The Alchemy of Happiness, was a Persian theologian, philosopher, and prolific Sunni Muslim author, and is regarded as one of the great thinkers of Islam. It covers almost all fields of Islamic sciences: fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), kalam (theology) and sufism. Another of Ghazali's major works is Ihya al-Ulum al-Din or Ihya'ul Ulumuddin (The Revival of Religious Sciences). The autobiography Ghazali wrote towards the end of his life, The Confessions of Al-Ghazali: Rescuer from Error is considered a work of great importance. He received many titles such as Sharaful A'emma, Zainuddin and Hujjatul Islam, meaning "Proof of Islam". He is considered a pioneer of the methods of doubt and skepticism, and in one of his major works, The Incoherence of the Philosophers, he changed the course of early Islamic philosophy, shifting it away from the influence of ancient Greek and Hellenistic philosophy, and towards cause-and-effect that were determined by Allah.
He was a Muslim theologian, jurist, philosopher, psychologist and mystic of Persian origin and remains one of the most celebrated scholars in the history of Sufi Islamic thought. Abu Hamid Mohammad ibn Mohammad Al-Ghazali (1058-1111), known as Algazel to the western medieval world, was born and died in Tus, in the Khorasan province of Persia (modern day Iran). The autobiography Ghazali wrote towards the end of his life, The Confessions of al-Ghazali: Rescuer from Error is considered a work of great importance.
Abu Hamed Mohammad ibn Mohammad Al-Ghazali (1058-1111), known as Algazel to the western medieval world, was born and died in Tus, in the Khorasan province of Persia (modern day Iran).