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Aby Al-GhazaliPerfect spiritual leader of scientists, philosopher
Country:
 Iran |
Content:
Biography of Abu al-Ghazali
Abu al-Ghazali (full name Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Tusi al-Shafi'i) is a sheikh, imam, a rare personality of his time, and a great authority in Islam. He was a perfect spiritual leader of scholars. As a mujtahid of his time, he authored many useful publications, skilled in various madhhabs, the fundamentals of Islam, disputes, and logic. With a profound analytical mind, he mastered philosophy. He was born in the city of Tus (now a city in Iran) in 450 AH. He grew up there, taking his first steps towards knowledge and studying Islamic law under his first teacher, Imam Ahmad al-Razakani.
At the age of 20, in 470 AH, he set out on a journey to Gorgan in search of knowledge. He took with him a book called "Commentaries on Islamic Law" in multiple volumes, written by Abu Nasr al-Ismaili. He had a peculiar incident with these books. He said, "On our way, we were attacked by bandits who took away all my belongings. When they were about to leave, I followed them. Their leader noticed me and threatened me, saying, 'You will be in trouble if you don't turn back, or else you will perish.' I pleaded with him, 'For the sake of Allah, I request you to return only my books. They are of no use to you, but they are very important to me.' He asked, 'What books are these?' I replied, 'The ones in that bag. I have put a lot of effort into them, listening, writing, and gaining knowledge from them.' He laughed and said, 'How can you possibly know what is in them? When we took them from you, you were left without knowledge!' Then, he ordered his men to return the books to me."
He further states, "At that moment, I turned to myself and said, 'Indeed, Allah put those words specifically in that person's mouth to guide me towards a better path in my studies.' When I returned from the city of Gorgan, I studied those books for three years until I memorized them word for word, so that I wouldn't be left without knowledge if bandits attacked me again." The knowledge he acquired could not satisfy him, as he thirsted for more. Thus, in 473 AH, he journeyed to Nishapur and devoted himself to studying and eventually writing books. It was during this time that he got married at the age of 28.
In 478 AH, he left Nishapur for al-Muaskar, where he met the Chief Minister Nizam al-Mulk. Impressed by his knowledge, authority, high status with Allah, and debating skills, Nizam al-Mulk brought him closer and soon he held a high position in the Council of Ministers. He stayed in al-Muaskar for five years. In 484 AH, Nizam al-Mulk appointed Imam al-Ghazali as the head teacher of the "Al-Nizamiyah" madrasah in Baghdad. He had 300 students of his own. At that time, he was 43 years old. He amazed people with his demeanor, eloquence, nobility, and was greatly loved by all. People started visiting him more often, seeking comprehensive answers to their questions. This continued until he renounced worldly affairs, giving up his fame and high position.
After spending only four years in Baghdad, he left the city in 488 AH, appointing his brother as his deputy and leaving behind all his possessions. The reason for this decision was as follows: "As I observed myself from an external perspective, I realized that my position was dangerous for me. I had become too attached to everything I had acquired in this worldly life and everything that surrounded me. Then, I scrutinized my own actions and realized that the best way for me to be engaged was through teaching and learning. However, these were sciences that did not bring benefit in the hereafter and were not so important for worldly life. I remembered my intention to teach, and it turned out that I was doing it not purely for the sake of Allah but for fame and honor. Then I realized that I was on the edge of a cliff and could end up in Hell if I did not rectify my situation. Therefore, I decided to leave Baghdad, as thoughts about my position troubled me. But my soul (nafs) did not like it at all and resisted."
Thus, I hesitated between my unbridled passion and selfishness and the call of the hereafter until the matter moved from choice to necessity.
During this time, Imam al-Ghazali fell seriously ill to the point where he could not utter a single word. He said, "I tried to teach for at least one day to calm the hearts of those who visited me frequently, but it was in vain. My tongue was tied, and I could not digest food due to my anxiety; it became bitter to me. I could not even chew a piece of bread. My body became very weak, and no doctor could find a cure for me."
Then, I sought help from the Most High Allah, as is the case with anyone who falls into trouble. And the One Who answers the call of the caller responded to my prayers and alleviated my condition, helping my heart to renounce fame and money.
I announced to all my acquaintances that I was leaving for Mecca to perform Hajj and seek the blessings (barakah) of Mecca and Medina, to visit the graves of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and the Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him (now located in Sharurah, Turkey). I went to the blessed lands of the Hijaz. Soon, my children started asking me to return to our homeland, but I refused for a long time until they persuaded me with numerous requests, as I intended to stay there forever. I spent a total of 11 years in seclusion.
In 499 AH, Imam al-Ghazali left seclusion and returned to Nishapur. The reason for this was that people began deviating from the fundamental principles of Islamic belief and giving importance to superstitions. His heart told him that he should end his seclusion and come out to the people. Imam al-Ghazali, addressing himself, said, "No, seclusion will not help you when illness (i.e., weakening of faith) has spread everywhere, even the doctors have fallen ill, and people are on the verge of destruction."
He further says, "This situation can only be rectified through a pious, strong ruler who corresponds to the demands of the time. I consulted with the scholars on this matter, and they all unanimously advised me to end my seclusion. Agreeing with them, I began teaching people about Islam.
But I was already convinced that by returning to my previous position, I would not be deceived by worldly temptations and my fame. Instead, I would use my authority and wealth to spread Islamic knowledge and beliefs. That is my goal, and Allah is the witness to this. Now, I sincerely believe that indeed, no one has power and strength except Allah the Great, the Most High.
I realized that Allah Himself had caused all this to make me see the Truth in the Truth and follow it, and to see falsehood as falsehood and beware of it."
He acquainted himself with Sheikh Abu Ali al-Farmadi, the seventh in the chain (silsilah) of great scholars and saints of the Naqshbandi order, known as the Lineage of the Great Ones. He served Allah under his guidance and instruction until he passed through all the stages of "tasawwuf" and discovered what is hidden from others. This became the source of his happiness.
Leaving Nishapur, he returned to his homeland and built a madrasah and a dwelling for the Sufis next to his house. Strictly organizing his time, he excelled in righteous deeds: teaching the Quran, associating with the Sufis, teaching Islamic sciences. He did not spend a single moment without benefit. He concluded each day by reading hadiths and spending time with his family.
In 505 AH, on Monday, the 14th of Jumada al-Akhirah, he left this transient world and moved into the world of eternity.
Imam al-Ghazali, may Allah have mercy on him, lived only 55 years.
He was a person of extraordinary simplicity, modesty, and moderation. He was offered wealth and money multiple times, but he always declined. He had sufficient means to support his family, earned through honest work. He was always content with what he had. Al-Ghazali did not have the habit of asking anyone for material help.
