Imam al-Ghazali - A Concise Life,
Paperback - 82 pages,
by Edoardo Albert.
A Beginners Guide to Imam al-Ghazali, may Allah be pleased with him.
'A Concise Life' of the great Muslim mystic, scholar and philosopher, Hujjat al-Islam (The Truth of Islam) Imam al-Ghazali.
Short Description for Imam Al-Ghazali:
Written in a
simple style, with context boxes, illustrations and images aplenty, this
short book brilliantly narrates the life and times of Al-Ghazali.
Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali, is a towering figure in Islam today. But did you know that during his lifetime he was a scholar, a saint and a penniless wanderer?
In this short biography you will discover how Al-Ghazali, may Allah be pleased with him, rose from his humble background as a fatherless young boy from a small town, to become a successful student, a great teacher and the most famous Islamic thinker of his time. It also reveals why, after years of success, he left behind his prestigious position and his family, and became a penniless traveller trying to experience the peace of a content inner life.
This book, written for adults, is also suitable for children at Key Stages 3 and 4, brings the man and his world to life. Having risen to the heights of influence and prestige in the Islamic world while still a young man, Al-Ghazali had a profound crisis of conscience and, leaving everything behind, set off on a career as a wanderer & pilgrim.
Widely regarded as one of most influential men in Islamic history, this richly illustrated book will challenge and enthrall the reader.
Review :
"This slim volume outlining the life of Imam al-Ghazali, an 11th-century
Muslim scholar and saint, is fairly sparse in content, reviewing only
the most important biographical details of al-Ghazali's life, from his
birth in what is now Iran to his scholarly career and his later years
when he abandoned scholarship, turned to Sufism, and traveled the Middle
East as a mendicant and mystic. Al-Ghazali is a fascinating figure, and
even a short biography like this reveals his importance in the history
of Islamic thought.
Readers looking for a basic introduction will be
satisfied with the straightforward prose, inclusion of beautiful
photographs and medieval paintings, and inset boxes with background
information about al-Ghazali's cultural and historical context. The
simple prose and abundance of b&w illustrations may also pique the
interest of younger readers and serve as a gateway to further reading
about Islamic history and culture. Part of a series of short books aimed
at introducing Islam in small pieces, works like this deserve more
attention and a place in high school libraries. Ages 14-up. (Jan.)" ---Publishers Weekly, November 2012.
