The Book of Contemplation

The Book of Contemplation is the thirty-ninth of the forty Books of The Revival of the Religious Sciences (Iòhyåa' 'ulåum al-dn) - and is the very last to appear in English translation. Abåu òHåamid al-Ghazåal'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'åan, 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 Ghazåalåiexplores 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. Abåu òHåamid al-Ghazåalåi(d. 1111) was a leading jurist, theologian, and spiritual master of the golden age of Islam, and he remains its truest advocate in modern times. As a teacher of both inward and outward aspects of faith, he presented these practical teachings in systematic form, with eloquence and precision, in his forty-part compendium of Islamic knowledge--