Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

Imam Ghazzali (Algazel) wrote this book hundreds of years ago, but the morays and virtues expressed in this text provide guidance that is much needed today. Read this book and you will find out why some regard this man as one of the greatest scholars of Islam, and his works on spirituality affected the Western world so immensely.

The original work, the Ihya Ulum ad-Din, by Imam al Ghazali stands above needing review - it is a cornerstone of Islamic scholarship of the highest caliber.

The English translation is simply masterful, and the notes are very useful while leaving the text un-interrupted.

In terms of relevance, while students of Islam, comparative religion, and philosophy would be particularly intrigued, the implications of the book address the human condition itself, thus, anyone who might eventually have to deal with death would find extraordinary benefit from its study.