Imam al-Ghazali’s Revival of the Religious Sciences
With Abdal Hakim Murad
Directed and Produced by Zakariyya Whiteman
A Mishkat Media Production
All profits to the Cambridge New Mosque Project
www.cambridgemosqueismoving.org
IMAM AL-GHAZALI (d.1111), known as the ‘Proof of Islam’, authored over a hundred books on all the Islamic scholarly disciplines. But he is most celebrated for his Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ Ulum al-Din), a compendium of spiritual guidance which he wrote to revive the flagging fortunes of the Islamic world in his age. Covering every aspect of the religion, from belief, to worship, to daily life, to vice, virtue, and the final encounter with God, this text is regarded as one of the masterpieces of world sacred literature.
This DVD introduces four of the most important of the forty ‘books’ which comprise this massive work. They
relate to ‘Saving Practices’ (munjiyat). In this collection:
31 Repentance (al-Tawba). What is wrong action? How can we understand our damaged inner state, and repair it? The Imam explains that repentance consists of knowledge of the act, an emotion of sorrow, and a decisive inner and outward action that will erase the wrong action and help the spiritual wayfarer never to return to it.
32 Patience and Gratitude (al-Sabr wa’l-Shukr). We are made human by our ability to restrain our egos and cravings. We also experience states of overwhelming gratitude to our Creator. Here the Imam explains how to cultivate these two gifts, and to keep them in a positive relationship which promotes spiritual growth.
33 Fear and Hope (al-Khawf wa’l-Raja’). Almighty God is to be feared; for His justice is absolute. But we also hope for His mercy, for He is ‘the most merciful of all’. We fear our weakness, and hope for God’s forgiveness; the Imam explains how the balanced soul is one in which both these gifts are alive and active.
34 Poverty and renunciation (al-Faqr wa’l-Zuhd). Here the Imam celebrates the poverty of the Holy Prophet, and shows how a detached attitude to the things of this world is a precondition for inner calm and a stress-free life.
Travelling Light is a Mishkat Media production in association with the Cambridge New Mosque Project.
Mishkat Media is a division of the Muslim Academic Trust, a registered UK Charity (No. 1065784). All
profits from this product will be donated to the Trust’s Cambridge New Mosque Project.
Imam al-Ghazali’s Revival of the Religious Sciences
With Yahya Rhodus
Directed and Produced by Zakariyya Whiteman
A Mishkat Media Production
All profits to the Cambridge New Mosque Project
www.cambridgemosqueismoving.org
IMAM AL-GHAZALI (d.1111), known as the ‘Proof of Islam’, authored over a hundred books on all the Islamic scholarly disciplines. But he is most celebrated for his Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ Ulum al-Din), a compendium of spiritual guidance which he wrote to revive the flagging fortunes of the Islamic world in his age. Covering every aspect of the religion, from belief, to worship, to daily life, to vice, virtue, and the final encounter with God, this text is regarded as one of the masterpieces of world sacred literature.
This DVDintroduces four of the most important of the forty ‘books’ which comprise this massive work. They relate to ‘Saving Practices’ (munjiyat). In this collection:
35 Divine Unity and Reliance upon God (al-Tawhid wa’l-Tawakkul). Human beings find it hard not to be stressed by the unpredictable events of their lives. The wise person, however, who believes in God’s unity and power, seeks to place his trust in the Divine wisdom, a process which the Imam discusses in detail in this lesson.
36 Love, Longing, Intimacy and Contentment (al-Mahabba wa’l-Shawq wa’l-Uns wa’l-Rida). God loves His creation, and human beings most especially; and we are called to love Him in return. This religious virtue turns life into a delight, as we recognise the signs of God’s love in creation and in other people, and learn to be satisfied with God’s decree at all times.
37 Intention, Truthfulness and Sincerity (al-Niyya wa’l-Ikhlas wa’l-Sidq) No matter how outwardly correct we may seem, without inward purity and sincerity our spiritual practice and our moral life are meaningless. Here we learn the importance of sincerity and right intention, and how to rectify our inward consciousness to ensure that everything we do is uplifted by a clear and good purpose.
38 Vigil and Self-examination (al-Muraqaba wa’l-Muhasaba) A healthy inner life depends on giving God His due, which means constant awareness of His actions and His watchfulness. We need to hold ourselves to account for our actions and our intentions, knowing that He sees the states of our heart.
Travelling Light is a Mishkat Media production in association with the Cambridge New Mosque Project. Mishkat Media is a division of the Muslim Academic Trust, a registered UK Charity (No. 1065784). All profits from this product will be donated to the Trust’s Cambridge New Mosque Project.