The Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife: Book XL of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ghazali Series, Bk. 40) - Softcover

Al-Ghazali, Abu Hamid Muhammad

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0946621136 ISBN 13: 9780946621132

Publisher: Islamic Texts Society, 1989

Synopsis

This is the first English translation of the last chapter of Al-Ghazali's Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din), widely regarded as the greatest work of Muslim spirituality. After expounding his Sufi philosophy of death and showing the importance of the contemplation of human mortality to the mystical way of self-purification, Ghazali takes his readers through the stages of the future life: the vision of the Angels of the Grave, the Resurrection, the Intercession of the Prophet, and finally, the torments of Hell, the delights of Paradise and—for the elect—the beatific vision of God's Countenance.

About this title

About the Author:

Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111) theologian, logician, jurist and mystic, was born and died at the town of Tus in Central Asia, but spent much of his life lecturing at Baghdad or leading the life of a wandering dervish. Because of his success in revealing the compatibility of the outward forms of religion with the inner experiences of Sufi tradition, he is commonly regarded as the 'Renewer' of the fifth Muslim century, and the most influential thinker of medieval Islam.

Review:

'I warmly recommend Winter's translation to everyone interested in Islamic eschatology and Islamic thought.' (Annemarie Schimmel) 'This book is an excellent translation of a very important work...This translation and the series as a whole, are significant contributions to our understanding of this key figure in Islamic intellectual thought.' (Oliver Leaman BRISMES Bulletin) 'Winter's rendering combines exactness with fluency and dignity of style. The introduction, notes, appendix, bibliography, index - all make this an exemplary publication, produced to the highest standards.' (Christian Troll, CSIC) 'Of considerable value and solace to many who will buy it for reasons both religious and academic.' -- H.T. Norris, BSOAS

About this edition

• Publisher: Islamic Texts Society
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0946621136
• ISBN 13: 9780946621132
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 378