Al-Ghazali and the Divine

This book examines the philosophy of al-Ghazali, analysing his conception of God within Islamic theology. Seeking to contribute to the greater understanding of Muslim thought, it analyses his -orthodox- theory, based on the notion that the spiritual struggle (jihad) and philosophical enquiry are informed by the possession of firm science (-ilm).

Exploring a wide range of Arab texts and Arab primary literature, this book therefore examines a crucial period of Medieval Islamic history, whilst emphasizing the multifarious and by no means monolithic components of the Muslim outlook. In seeking to understand Islamic religion as a creative and progressive heritage, it also demonstrates the moderate and equilibrate character of mainstream Islam, and ultimately argues that al-Ghazali-s thought is the best expression of Islamic intellectuality and spirituality.

Taking a theoretical approach, this book will be useful to students and scholars of Islamic