But his evidence was often far more valid.įifthly, being close to the community. His views were often seen too liberal by traditionalist scholars.
Sheikh mohammed al ghazali full#
The basis of his stand was his realization that unless women played their full role in society, as was the case during the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the early caliphs, Muslim communities would continue to lag behind. Al-Ghazali’s views stirred some controversy, sometimes inviting strong criticism, particularly with regard to his advocacy of a more liberal attitude toward women and their status in Islamic society.
He does not find it difficult to admit being mistaken, if an opponent provides sufficiently strong evidence in support of what he says. The important thing to realize is that Al-Ghazali would never stick to a particular view in the face of strong evidence to the contrary. His views are always well argued, and supported by evidence. His courage was also seen in adopting views that find little support among traditionalist scholars. In fact, his stand invited much criticism in the secular press in Egypt and in many other quarters, including the BBC and the British and European press. Sheikh Al-Ghazali was very firm in his stand, despite the fact that he realized that it was bound to upset the government. A more recent but equally firm stand was when he testified in court in the case of the assassination of Farag Foudah, an anti-Islamic writer who was killed by young men declaring that he was an apostate.
One such occasion was when he spoke out against a new family law in Egypt which was supported by Mrs. On many other occasions, Al-Ghazali took a courageous stand against powerful opposition. In our earlier articles, we mentioned two such occasions: one against his friend Khalid Muhammad Khalid, and the other in defense of the Islamic personality and independence of Egypt, in front of President Nasser. He was never hesitant to declare what he felt was the right attitude that was in line with Islam. Numerous were the occasions which necessitated a courageous stand in the face of powerful opposition that commanded either government or social support. But worthless is life if we survive and Islam dies." I know that by mentioning these facts I invite deadly hatred. I also include here an appeal from a heart that loves his faith and his community and wants to see them progress. In the Introduction to his book on Islamic resistance to the Marxist and Communist onslaught, Al-Ghazali writes: "These pages are full of scientific and historical facts. Nor did he ever hesitate to declare the Islamic view on any problem, even though such a view might upset governments and dictators. Sheikh Al-Ghazali never shrank from a challenge, particularly when it related to Islam and its suitability for the modern age. He would not hold on to an old view in the face of clear evidence to the contrary.įourthly, his courage. He would change his attitude only on conviction, and was always ready to respect sound argument and authentic evidence. What also tempered his sensitivity was his ability to acknowledge his mistakes and uphold the truth, even if this meant retracting his words, or publicly stating his new stand. He was ready to be self-effacing in order to give the example of a true advocate of Islam who sought nothing other than to please God. But his anger was rarely, if ever, for personal reasons. He would be likened to a flood moving fast, demolishing everything in its way. He could be very angry, and then he would speak out in clear terms. Sheikh Al-Ghazali was a passionate man who felt for his people and for the Muslims generally. He quoted the Qur’an with ease, and he recognized the applicability of its statements in all situations. He did not only memorize it all, but he read it frequently, so that its verses were in front of his mind at all times.
What particularly helped him in this was his knowledge of the Qur’an. In addition he went deep into Islam and explained its principles and values most lucidly so that ordinary people could understand what their faith required of them. He studied Islam in the most distinguished Islamic university in the world, Al-Azhar, and appreciated its relevance to modern life through his association with the Muslim Brotherhood during the lifetime of its founder, Hassan Al-Banna. Secondly, his profound understanding of Islam. They could not hope to be successful if they reduced Islam to mere worship rites and banished it from their day to day life.
He was unshakable in his belief that Muslims cannot succeed in this modern age unless they went back to their faith and implemented it in their life. First among these was his genuine belief in what he advocated. What helped him to be particularly effective was a number of characteristics that heightened his popularity. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ghazali was one of the most influential advocates of Islam in the twentieth century.
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