Al-Ghazali's Path to Sufism: His Deliverance from Error (al-Munqidh min al-Dalal) in Sufism

Feb 03, 2013 Tim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: islam, islam-sufism, islam-ghazali

"I knew with certainty that the Sufis were masters of states, not purveyors of words" (52). This quote has a footnote that basically states the reason that Sufis were not known for their words was because they considered many of their experiences beyond words or "ineffable" as the compilers state it here. This is how I feel as I read the account presented by Ghazali of his own spiritual transformation. To those who are not in the same phase of life, these accounts can seem irrelevant or even tri "I knew with certainty that the Sufis were masters of states, not purveyors of words" (52). This quote has a footnote that basically states the reason that Sufis were not known for their words was because they considered many of their experiences beyond words or "ineffable" as the compilers state it here. This is how I feel as I read the account presented by Ghazali of his own spiritual transformation. To those who are not in the same phase of life, these accounts can seem irrelevant or even trivial, boring perhaps. I know that they have for me in the past. Yet I also know that the seemingly mundane to some can be the most profound experiences of a lifetime for others. That's where I'm at with my study of Islam. Ghazali's account has similarities to my own spiritual awakening. I see similarities between his account and those of other religions as well. In fact, that's one of the main reasons I'm so drawn to Islam as rightly understood. Because Islam does claim to be a universal religion which encompasses all previous rightly guided revelations.

This universality combined with an intellectual knowledge at a time of life when I've experienced a universal (divine) presence alongside the maintenance of sobriety and purpose in direction is coming together in a center that points to "The ONE". That is the best that I can legitimately explain it. There has been a consistent draw towards this way of viewing divinity (Islam) since my own profound "rift in time" near-death moment. I have consistently found myself turning to readings from this tradition for the past four years. I have yet to see where it takes me. Whatever life decisions I make from here on out must be genuine. Yet I too realize the shortness of life, as I've tasted mortality individually in two major ways - through my own brush with death, and through the death of the one I loved. It is perhaps telling that I am able to consistently communicate this in a public way. But I feel there are forces beyond what I can understand that are directing things now. I could guess that what I feel is mystical, but I would have nothing to compare it too. Everything I've encountered though (from William James to Al-Ghazali) seems to tell me that this is exactly what's happening.
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Jan 01, 2017 Wayfarer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: al-ghazali, ihsan-tasawwuf-sufism, islam, biography, islamic-muslim-personalities, favorites, 2017-100

The late Muhtar Holland (may Allah shower him in mercy) after a lifetime of service in translating wonderfully the classics of the Islamic world into English for the English speaking world, has left us with a parting gift - Al-Munqidh mina'd-Dalal. 'The Saviour from Error' being the autobiography of the erudite Imam of Islam, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, in which Imam Ghazali details his quest for the Ultimate Truth (God) - full of insights and wisdoms. This is my preferred translation of the Munqidh o ...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Hend rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: sufism, arabic-books

اكثر ما لفت انتباهى فى هذا الكتاب هو عرض قضية وحدة الوجود التى يثيرها معارضو التصوف تفهم على نحو خاطئ، فالذى يعترض عليه معارضو التصوف، لم يقله الصوفية أنفسهم بما فيهم ابن عربى والحلاج، فهم يسمونه وحدة الموجود، أما الآخرون فيخلطون بينهما، فالموجود متعدد: سماء وأرض وجبال.... إلخ، أما الوجود الواحد فلا شك فيه، هو وجود الله

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Jul 09, 2014 Shaimaa Ali rated it really liked it · review of another edition

على عكس ما كنت أتوقع .. مقدمة الصوفية بقلم د. عبد الحليم محمود جاءت أكثر من رائعة
اما الجزء الخاص بالإمام الغزالى ومقتطفات من كتابه ( المنقذ من الضلال) فلم يعجبنى كثيراً طريقة نقده للفلاسفة .. لى عودة فى هذا الجزء بالذات مع كتابى التهافت .. وتهافت التهافت لابن رشد لاحقاً

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Jul 15, 2016 Search rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mysticism

Ghazali summarizes his journey through the sciences of his day and his eventual turning to Sufism. Then finally his turning from the understanding of sufism's precepts to their actual practice. Indeed he is successful in inciting a prospective student to consider moving from mere knowledge to practice.

"The drunken man knows nothing about the definition, causes, and conditions of drunkenness, yet he is drunk, whilst the sober man acquainted with the theory is not drunk." ...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Islam elkhateb rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

هو كتاب أشبه ب قصة حياة جحجة الاسلام الغزالى حيث يحكى فيه معاناته التى لاقاها حتى وصل فى النهاية إلى طريق أهل التصوف والذى وجد فيه راحة باله ومحط ترحاله ومستقره , حيث يحكى فيه عن بداية طريقه الى العلم ثم الى التدريس ثم الى الارتقاء فى الدراسة والتدريس حتى وصل الى أوج مجده فى مدرسة النظام بالبصرة , ولكنه أحسَ بضيق شديد جرَآء اختلاطه بالامراء والوزراء .. مما دفعه الى بدء رحلته الفكرية وصولاً الى حقل التصوف والصوفية

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Jul 19, 2018 Hariz S. H. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: islam, philosophy

This book may find its true audienes in the hand of those who had some experience in 3 approaches in pursuit of truth; Scholarly theologian, philosophy, & sufism.

Not saying if you miss one of it you can't enjoy it, but the 'sufism' part is rather crucial experience to really fathom the message I personally think author wants to convey. ...more

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