Al-Ghazali : The Mysteries of Charity
& The Mysteries of Fasting, New,
Kitab Asrar al-Zakat wa Kitab Asrar al-Siyyam,
*[A5] Paperback - 155 pages,
by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali [d.505h],
Books 5 & 6 of the Ihya Ulum al-Din,
'The Revival of the Religious Sciences,'
Transl. from the Arabic with
Introduction and Notes by . Abdurrahman Fitzgerald,
Published by Fons Vitae, USA.
Description :
In the Mysteries of Charity and Its Important Elements (Kitab Asrar al Zakat wa-Muhimmatiha; book 5), and the Mysteries of Fasting and Its Important Elements (Kitab Asrar al-Siyyam wa-Muhimmatiha; book 6), of the Forty books of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya Ulum al-Din), Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, may Allah be pleased with him, explains the inner and outer meanings of charity and fasting, two pillars of worship for Muslims. These are two of the five books that deal with the inner dimensions of Islamic worship; books 3, 4, and 7 address purification, prayer, and pilgrimage, respectively.
In book 5 Imam al-Ghazali begins with a discussion of the various kinds of Zakat and the conditions under which they become obligatory. He explains the manners related to Zakat and its inward and outward conditions. He then discusses the recipients of Zakat, who qualifies for it and in what circumstances, and the manners related to receiving it. Finally, al-Ghazali explains charity and its virtues.
In book 6 Imam al-Ghazali begins with the outward obligations and sunna elements of Fasting (Siyyam), and what is required if the Fast is broken. He explains the mysteries of Fasting and its inner conditions. Finally, he discusses the voluntary Fasts and their order in supererogatory worship.
This readable yet comprehensive work covers an array of issues from the essential outward aspects of paying charity, to the inward aspects of the state of the heart during the fast and how to humble oneself completely. As a practical, yet profound book, it is an indispensable guide for Muslims who seek a deeper comprehension of these two fundamental practices for Muslims, and for all those interested in understanding the meaning and role of charity and fasting in Islam.
Review :
"This work is nothing less than a revolution in developing humane, ethical, and committed Muslim youth. Imam al-Ghazali is the "Proof of Islam", and these teachings, presented in a beautiful life-affirming way, will prove to be a major shift in the way Islam is taught to young people, who are in desperate need of guidance in today's confusing times. As a community, we owe much to Fons Vitae for bringing them to fruition. Let the transformation begin!"---Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.
Table of Contents :
---Editor's Note,
---Biography of Imam al-Ghazali,
------Legacy and Contributions of Imam al-Ghazali,
------Chronology of Al-Ghazali's Life,
---About the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya Ulum al-Din).
---Translator's Introduction,
---Acknowledgements.
Book 5 : The Mysteries of Charity;
---Author's Introduction,
---Chapter [1]. On the Different kinds of Zakat and the Conditions under which it becomes Obligatory,
---Chapter [2]. On the Payment of Zakat and its Inward and Outward Requisites,
---Chapter [3]. On the Recipient of Charity, the Conditions under which someone qualifies for it, and the Recipients duty on Receiving it,
---Chapter [4]. On voluntary Charity; its Virtues and the Manners related to Receiving it and Giving it.
Book 6 : The Mysteries of Fasting;
---Translator's Introduction,
---Author's Introduction,
---Chapter [1]. On the Outward Obligations and Sunna elements of Fasting and what is Required if the Fast is broken,
---Chapter [2]. On the Mysteries of Fasting and its Inner Conditions,
---Chapter [3]. On voluntary Fasting and its Order in Supererogatory worship.
Appendix:
---Bibliography,
---Indexes,
------Index of Qur'an Verses,
------Index of Hadith,
------Index of Names and Places,
------Subject Index.
---About the Translator.
*Dimensions : 22.8 x 15.4cm.