Session 1 - Introduction to the Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn and to the Book of Knowledge

From February 12-14, 2021, Al-Maqasid held an online retreat titled, ‘On Knowledge,' Reflections on Book 1 of the Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din,’ Imam al-Ghazali’s masterpiece. This illuminating text defines the most important concepts, terms, and realities that the student and seeker of Knowledge should know.

“The foundation of felicity in this world and the next is gaining knowledge. It is the best of all actions.” Imam al-Ghazali

This series of eight lessons covers the following topics:

• Introduction to the Iḥyā’ and the Book on Knowledge
• The Merit of Knowledge, Learning, and Teaching
• ‘Ilm Ṭarīq al-Ākhira (The Science of the Way to the Hereafter)
• The Restoration of Religious Terminology
• Distinguishing Beneficial Knowledge from Blameworthy Knowledge
• Etiquette of Debate and Its Pitfalls
• Etiquette of Students of Knowledge
• Signs of the Scholars of the Hereafter (‘Ulama’ al-Ākhira)

In this first session, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus gives a brief biography of Iman al-Ghazali, known as the ‘Proof of Islam’ and the Mujaddid (Reviver) of the fifth century. He then analyzes Imam al-Ghazali’s powerful introduction in the Iḥyā’ and discusses key features of the Book of Knowledge, culminating with why the subject of Knowledge is the most important of all affairs.

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Allah the Exalted says, "Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, "Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank." [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human being, nothing is greater than attaining eternal felicity. And nothing is more virtuous than the means to it. Eternal felicity is only attained through knowledge and action. One can only truly act when he has the knowledge of how to perform the action. Therefore, the foundation of felicity in this world and the next is knowledge. It is the best of all actions.”

The entire playlist can be found at http://bit.ly/2LOv8V4

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