Al-Ghazali on the Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife: Book XL of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ghazali Series) (Bk. 40) [Paperback]

Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali (Author), T. J. Winter (Translator)

Book Description

Series: Ghazali Series | Publication Date: January 1989

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.

Editorial Reviews

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 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 347 pages
• Publisher: Islamic Texts Society (January 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0946621136
• ISBN-13: 978-0946621132
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #794,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winters Renders al-Ghazali Perfectly, February 5, 2002

By 

mystic76 (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Al-Ghazali on the Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife: Book XL of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ghazali Series) (Bk. 40) (Paperback)

I have read numerous translations of books from the Ihya and was absolutely amazed and pleased to come across TJ Winters English rendition of this classical work of Islamic philosophy. It is not easy endeavor to bring forth the essence of al-Ghazali's Arabic style into the European languages. But, this books has done it! Really protrays the message, tone, and intention of al-Ghazali for the English reader. A must have for all those interested in philosophy, especially Islam.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent translation of a great book from a great mind, December 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Al-Ghazali on the Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife: Book XL of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ghazali Series) (Bk. 40) (Paperback)

Ghazali is a master. Anyone who has read any of his works can appreciate the depth of his vision. This transalation does great justice to this particular chapter of his great work - the Iyha. Good translations of Ghazali's works are hard to find. This is an excellent translation and a remarkable find. Lucky is the reader who can find a copy. A sobering view of death and how the remembrance of death is something to be valued, not to be turned away from. Overall, very highly recommended.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winter is Ghazali's Best Translator, May 11, 2000

By 

C. King Khidr (Damascus, Syria) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Al-Ghazali on the Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife: Book XL of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ghazali Series) (Bk. 40) (Paperback)

This is an excellent translation of the eleventh book of Ghazali's magnus opus, Reviving the Religious Sciences. Winter's work does justice to the literary merit of the original Arabic. The book is filled with informative footnotes, and a superb introduction situating Ghazali in his historical context. It also has a very useful biographical appendix which provides the reader information about the figures whose aphorisms and anecdotes Ghazali quotes. All in all, its a superb work of scholarship.