The Mysteries of Purification for Children

Including Workbook and Curriculum, New,

*[A4+] Hardback - 212 pages, 

by Imam al-Ghazali [d.505h],

Illustrations by Mary Minifie,

Book Three [III] of the Ihya Ulum al-Din,

Published by Fons Vitae, USA.

Part of the 'Al-Ghazali Children's Project.'

Description  :

One of the beauties of Islamic law is that there are many acceptable ways to perform certain rites. There are variations for the performance of wudu [ablution] in the different Islamic schools of law throughout the Islamic world, such as the Maliki, Hanafi, Hanbali, and Shafi’i. Again, these are outer differences but the inward Sunna is 'The Book on the Mysteries of Purity For Children' what we are mostly aiming to learn in this wonderful book from Imam al-Ghazali.

In the stories you are reading, the special teacher is called Haj Abdullah, who like his name, has made the Pilgrimage, the journey to the sacred center and performed all that is required. Abdullah means that he truly serves God. In the books and workbooks of this Series, we have shown Haj Abdullah in different ways – he sometimes appears old and at other times younger. The country he seems to come from varies as well. The reason is: Haj Abdullah could be your own grandfather or some family member. He could be an Imam or a teacher or a wise elder. You can find the fine character of Haj Abdullah in many respected grown ups in your very own communities!

Haj Abdullah is found everywhere at all times and in everyplace. Does he remind you of Imam al-Ghazali whose teachings he is passing on to you? Do you think the way he is, as a person, shows that he is practicing all the things the Imam recommends – things he learned about from reading Quran and hadith? Who do you know that has his beautiful, peaceful qualities, as well as his helpful, loving, and wise nature? Hopefully as you grow up you will teach by copying his way of being completely present to anyone he is with. The greatest gifts we can give one another are our complete presence and pure, shining hearts.

Approaching Purity :


Now that you have learned some ways to polish your heart from the 'Book of Knowledge' and also about what happens to us after death from the Book of Belief, when we are responsible and accountable for how we have used our lives in this world, we turn to this essential book which will help you to better understand the importance and the meaning of purity.

What we are giving you here, from Imam al-Ghazali’s third book of the Revival of the Religious Sciences, are some of the inner meanings of purity which you will find fascinating and useful.

What he explains will greatly help all of you in your noble effort to polish your beautiful, shining hearts.

The Mysteries of Purification in this Series :

Now joining Book Sets One and Two from al-Ghazali’s Revival of the Religious Sciences, the Book of Knowledge and the Book of Belief, is Book Set Three, The Mysteries of Purification.

Accompanying the translation for parents and teachers, the volume for children contains seventeen stories introduced by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, as well as a complete workbook and a curriculum with marvelous supportive activities for schools and home schools. Both parents and children will be inspired by being able to understand the deeper meanings and beauty of the rituals of purification, from the teachings and insights of Imam al-Ghazali.

Table of Contents :

---Foreword : A Word from the Publisher,

---Introduction by Hamza Yusuf,

---Opening passage from The Book on the Mysteries of Purity,

---The Book of Purity - Prologue.

---Chapter [1]. What is Wudu ?

------The Story,

---Chapter [2]. The Four Levels of Purification : Cleansing & Purifying Oneself,

---Chapter [3]. The Magical Tree House and the Levels of Faith,

---Chapter [4]. Back in the Special Meeting Place,

---Chapter [5]. Some Parts of Outward Purity,

---Chapter [6]. Washing with Water,

---Chapter [7]. The Toothbrush (Miswak),

---Chapter [8]. How to Begin Wudu : The Mouth,

---Chapter [9]. The Nose,

---Chapter [10]. The Brightened Face,

---Chapter [11]. Shining Hands and Forearms,

---Chapter [12]. The Top of the Head and The Neck,

---Chapter [13]. Finally, Your Feet,

---Chapter [14]. More Helpful Information,

------Of Key Importance to the Success of These Teachings.

A Parent-Teacher's Manual :
My Shining Heart Curriculum & Activities for the Book of Purity,

Teaching Methods for Parents and Teachers,
------Curriculum Delivery,

---Goals,

---General Teacher Supply List,

---General Teacher Student Supply List,

---Teacher Etiquette,

---Rules of Written Work.

My Shining Heart Program;

---Curriculum Overview,

---Classroom Tools,

---Comprehension Tools,

---Class Preparation,

---Prologue Curriculum Guidance;

---Chapter [1]. Curriculum Guidance,

---Chapter [2]. Curriculum Guidance,

---Chapter [3]. Curriculum Guidance,

NB: Please note that the workbook and curriculum are included in this single volume.