Al-Ghazali: The Book of Contemplation: Book 39

Title: Al-Ghazali: The Book of Contemplation: Book 39 of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din)
Author: Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali/ Translated by MUHAMMAD ISA WALEY
ISBN: 9781941610558
Publisher: Fons Vitae

The Book of Contemplation is the thirty-ninth of the forty Books of The Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya’ ‘ulum al-din) – and is the very last to appear in English translation. Abu Hamid al-Ghazali’s purpose in this Book is to explain the nature and importance of contemplation, or reflection, as an act that enriches the thinking person with increased knowledge of, and wonder at, the Creator and His creation. In Part 1, the author defines and introduces the subject, explaining its importance with reference to the Qur’an, Hadiths, and sayings of wise and pious Muslims. In Part 2, he expounds his own highly original views as to the nature and fruits of contemplation. Part 3 offers detailed guidance as to the most appropriate and beneficial subjects for reflection, some relating to human traits and actions and others to Divine Attributes and Actions. In Part 4, Ghazali explores in detail aspects of God’s creation, which, when viewed with an observant eye and considered with a worshipful heart, are full of wonders and offer inexhaustible scope for reflection – from the artistry of the spider and bee to the unimaginable vastness of the heavens, which themselves are dwarfed by what lies beyond them.

“It can be said that this extraordinary book explains the mysterious tenth book of Aristotle’s famous Nicomachean Ethics, the purpose of our existence being mystical contemplation, an idea Aristotle left unexplored. The Qur’an is replete with verses asking us to reflect, contemplate, meditate, and use our intellects, reminding us that essentially our highest purpose resides in doing so. Thus, it makes perfect sense that the Prophet, God’s peace and blessings upon him, informed us that ‘One hour’s meditation exceeds a year’s devotion,’ (according to another recension, it exceeds devotion of sixty years).

This translation adds to the remarkable work of others who have contributed to Fons Vitae’s wonderful efforts to bring the entire Ihya’ ‘ulum al-din of the great imam to modern English readers. The seasoned translator, Muhammad Isa Waley, happens to be a practitioner of the path’s practice. This book stands as a propaedeutic to the final chapter of the Ihya’, which is on death, the meditation upon which was a constant practice of our Prophet, God’s peace and blessings upon him, who said, ‘Do much pondering upon the destroyer of delights: death.’”  – Hamza Yusuf