Summary |
Al-Ġazālī (1056-1111) is one of the most influential figures in the formative period of Islamic thought, known for his multifaceted roles as jurist, theologian, philosopher, and Sufi. What sets him apart is not only his remarkable breadth of expertise, but also his extraordinary life journey, which distinguishes him not only among his contemporaries in the Islamic world, but also within the broader landscape of thinkers. Born into humble circumstances and orphaned at a young age, al-Ġazālī’s intellectual prowess led him to rise to prominence, gaining proximity to the Seljuq court and eventually securing a prestigious position at the Nizāmiyya Madrasa in Baghdad by his early thirties. However, al- Ġazālī experienced a profound crisis of faith that led him to renounce his position and retreat into anonymity for a period of time. He later resumed teaching, but in a different location, settling in Nishapur and refraining from returning to Baghdad. The breadth of al-Ġazālī’s contributions in various fields makes it difficult to summarize them succinctly. Nevertheless, several key themes emerge from his vast body of work. In particular, his critique of the falāsifa (Islamic Peripatetics) stands as a defining moment, accusing them of apostasy and effectively identifying the word “falāsifa” with Farabi, Ibn Sīnā, and their followers. In addition, his philosophical reflections, including his grappling with skepticism and its implications, are significant aspects of his intellectual legacy. Furthermore, his cosmological investigations, especially his discussions of causality and defending a version of occasionalism, deserve attention for their depth and influence. |