Customer Reviews

The Alchemy of Happiness

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Without doubt the original work by Imam al Ghazzali, entitled "Keemiya-i-Sa'adaat" (Alchemy of Happiness) is one of the great works of world religious literature, especially mystical. However, although it is an abridgement of Imam Ghazzali's magnus opus, "Ihya al Ulum ud-Din" (The Revival of the Religious Sciences) made by the master himself, this translation presents but a TINY portion of the abridged work. To give you an indication of just how much has been left out of this book, I have seen a full Urdu translation of the Keemiya and it runs to approx. 1000 pages. This work is 122 small sized pages!! (The Ihya of course is about 4000 large pages).Obviously therefore most of the book is missing. Secondly, this is an English translation of a French translation of the Urdu version of the Persian from the original! The number of errors in that sequence will be large. Also the translator has made some glaring errors in the translation of some technical Sufi terms used by the Imam. e.g. the word "sama'" has been translated, incorrectly, as it almost invariably is by Orientalists as "music". Now, "sama'" as understood by the Sufis themselves does NOT mean music. Its actual meaning is to listen to melodious voices or singing without musical accompaniment.That is what sama' gatherings were: gatherings of Sufis and disciples to listen to mystical poems sung in melodious voices with the rules of musical rhythms etc. with NO accompanying instruments NOT musical concerts as is often implied.

Therefore as a general taster of the great work by Imam Ghazzali this is ok but it is a poor substitute. Alas, the English speaking world must still wait for the first complete and accurate translation of the Alchemy of Happiness.

I disagree with the other person! Although this book cannot be compared to Imam's orginal book in persian language,it is still a wonderful translation for those who are not familiar with Ghazzali's works.I highly recommend it.

There is now a full translation from the Persian of this work by Jay Crook published by Great Books of the Islamic World (2 volumes, 1003 pages). Field's translation is a very abridged version translated from Urdu. If you really want to read the Alchemy, get the Crook translation.

One of the best books I have read on the divine and sublime nature of the Islamic religion's path to peace and happiness. I highly recommend it.

Clear guidance for this age old wisdom propounded by so many enlightened souls from Socrates to Muhammad, peace be upon them. A potent source of inspiration and guidance for purifying the soul and attaining The Divine Presence.

This is a great work of Imam Gazzali and should be read by every adult muslim to be guided in life. Spiritualism is an absolute necessity for a truly meaningful life.

Man is endowed with both a beastly and angelic potential. He can choose to act on whichever of these two natures. The world is filled with distractions and man can succumb to them, or choose a greater and more lasting love: That of God. Al Ghazzali teaches us that to seek the Beauty of God is the highest of rewards. To devote oneself to God is a way of ensuring one's entry into Paradise following our passing. Traps for the wayfarers are mentioned, such as lust, arrogance, and other character flaws. Above all, loving things lesser than God is a way of depriving ourselves of a much greater love, and obscuring the true Beauty of God, which is known through earnest devotion and worship of him in this life.

The author is careful in disclaiming the union of man with God, and of Divinity manifesting itself directly through human beings. God is seen as otherworldly, but this does not stop Him from having His qualities made manifest in our reality. Numerous analogies are given, as to the drunkenness of wine (Ecstasy with the Divine) that some men have had in the past. Advice is given as to marriage being either a help or hindrance to worshipping God. Let us remember that this text is from the 12th century, and as such, is prior to women gaining equal status with men. If anything, this part of the book is the least useful in its application, but beneficial in understanding Arab society at that time. As to the question of music, it is seen as a means towards ecstasy, and a vehicle in experiencing the qualities of God. An example is provided in which the Prophet Muhammad approves of music in a context of celebration (a lesson for present-day Saudi Arabia). Music is discouraged only if it promotes mourning and inauthentic behavior in people.

In closing, this book provides ample opportunities in reflecting how to live our lives, and what's at stake for us if we get too distracted. Verily, the Alchemy of Happiness is a reminder that we can strive for more, and that we are created in the Image of God. It's up to us how much this mirror (soul) is polished in order to reflect His utmost qualities.

Ali-John*

This book is mandatory reading for everyone at the age of 16. Just when we think that the world revolves around us and will probably continue to think so for the next 15 years; this book jolts you out of very gently where you realize that life is bigger than parties, the next boyfriend/girlfriend, clothes and other issues that seem very important.

Al-Ghazali's The Alchemy of Happiness, is a translation of the first 8 chapters of Kimya-e-Saadat, a book in persian language. It is not long, easy to read and the first four chapters are enough to set anyone's course in life. While most references to his points are from Hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings and teachings) and Quran; it is not specific to any religion which makes this book truly universal. Whether the reader is a Christian, a Jew, an Atheist or a Buddhist; they will find this book a very good read. Simply because it does not set out to convert anyone here; just states how a life should be lead. At the end, if an atheist does not set out to seek a religion to subscribe to then they have truly lost an opportunity.