The Refinement of Character

 The Refinement of Character - Tadhib al-Akhlaq, New,
*[A5] Paperback - 243 pages,
by Imam Muhammad ibn Yaqub al-Miskawayh [d.421h],
Translated by Constantine K. Zurayk,
Part of the Kazi 'Great Books of the Islamic World' Series.




Description :


The Refinement of Character - Tadhib al-Akhlaq, is the most important and influential work of the philosopher and historian al-Miskawayh (also referred to as ibn Miskawayh). This work has long been known and has been studied by scholars in the East and in the West. Whilst referring to Qur'anic verses and the traditions of the Prophet (ahadith) the Tadhib also relates to the Greek philosophico-ethical tradition which was specifically called 'Ilm al Akhlaq (the Science of Ethics) and part of Al-Hikmah al-'Amaliyah (Practical Philosophy).


Miskawayh's work was to influence Imam al-Ghazali, may Allah be pleased with him, and it was through Al-Ghazali that this ethical element became incorporated in the religious tradition which dominated later Muslim Sunni thought. The Tadhib or Refinement of Character consists of six discourses :


  *** The Principles of Ethics,
  *** Character and It's Refinement,
  *** The Good and It's Divisions,
  *** Justice,
  *** Love and Friendship,
  *** The Health of the Soul.




About Al-Miskawayh :

He is Abu 'Ali Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Yaqub Miskawayh. He was born in Rayy (Persia) in 320 Hijri (932 Common Era) and lived during the rule of the Buwayhids. Al-Miskawayh was an active scholar in many fields of knowledge and his works bear witness to his great learning to the broad culture of his times.


He also wrote :

 - Tajarib al-Umam (The Experiences of the Nations),
 - Tadhib al-Akhlaq (The Refinement of Character),
 - Al Fawz al-Akbar,
 - Al Fawz al-Asghar,
 - Tartib al-Sa'adat,
 - Kitab Adab al-'Arab wa al-Furs,


Though Miskawayh was born to Muslim parents in Rayy, in the land of Persia, he travelled to Baghdad, where he studied and worked, and was well known there for a time. Then he returned to live in Isfahan, in Persia, for a period of time; it was here that he died and was buried - according to the most reliable account - after a life of nearly a 100 years.





Constantin K. Zurayk was introduced to the Tadhib al-Akhlaq when a graduate at the Oriental Intitute of the University of Chicago. He completed the translation from the original Arabic under the supervision of Professor Philip Hitti on Princeton University. He then taught at the American University of Beirut.







More on Self Development,
Books by Imam al-Ghazali,
Books on Tasawwuf.

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*Dimensions : 21.5 x 14cm.