[Ihya Ulum al‑Din]() (The Revival of the Religious Sciences) by Imam Al‑Ghazali

About the author & background
Imam Abū Ḥāmid al‑Ghazālī (1058‑1111 CE) was a towering figure in Islamic thought – theology, jurisprudence, spirituality, philosophy.
The “Ihyaʾ ‘Ulūm al‑Dīn” (إحياء علوم الدين) is widely regarded as his greatest work, and one of the most important in Muslim spiritual literature.

Purpose & scope
The book aims to guide a Muslim from outer ritual practice to inner transformation—covering worship, morals, heart purification, social conduct, and spiritual virtues.
It seeks to “revive” the sciences of religion — not just knowing, but living them. ﹙Its name literally = Revival of the Religious Sciences.﹚

Structure & key themes

The work is divided into four main parts, each containing ten “books” (chapters) – total around 40 books/chapters.

1. Acts of Worship (purification, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, recitation)

2. Norms of Daily Life (eating, marriage, earning, friendship)

3. The Ways to Destruction (vices of soul: greed, envy, tongue, anger)

4. The Ways to Salvation (virtues: repentance, patience, gratitude, love of God)

 

Each chapter begins with external rulings/practicalities, then moves to inner meaning and spiritual dimension.

For example, in the “Book of Worship” volume, Ghazālī discusses not just how to pray, but why, what the heart should be doing, and what spiritual states accompany the external acts.

Why it matters / impact

Highly influential across the Muslim world for many centuries; considered by some as “after the Qur’an and Sunna, this is one of the most read books”.

It bridges fiqh, theology, spirituality and ethics — making it unique and very holistic.

Many later scholars summarised or commented on it, showing its longevity and importance.

Who should read it & how to approach it

Because the text is large and dense, many readers pick one book at a time (for example, one of the 40 books) rather than trying to read everything at once.

Best for someone wanting to deepen not just what to do, but how to live, what the heart should be doing, and internalizing the spirit.

It helps to reflect upon the passages, perhaps in study groups, and supplement with commentary or guidance.

Summary in one sentence
A masterful work combining Islamic ritual law, ethics, spirituality and psychology — guiding the believer from outward forms to inward transformation, and from mere action to meaning and purification.

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Concluding remark

All three books are rich and deep. If I had to order them by entry‑level (for someone with basic Islamic knowledge) → I’d suggest:

Start with Ihya Ulum al‑Din (for its holistic practical‑spiritual emphasis).

Then move to Hujjat Allah al‑Baligha (for understanding the wisdom behind the rules).

Then Al‑Asma’ wa al‑Sifat (for deeper theological understanding of Allah’s names & attributes).