A Moslem seeker after God : $b showing Islam at its best in the life and teaching of al-Ghazali, mystic and theologian of the eleventh century — Al-Ghazali — John Shaqi
A Moslem seeker after God : $b showing Islam at its best in the life and teaching of al-Ghazali, mystic and theologian of the eleventh century
Al-Ghazali · en
Concerning the spelling of his name, whether it should be spelled with
two z’s or with one, there has been long and strong dispute. Professor
Macdonald thinks the name should be spelt _Ghazzali_ and has given
his arguments in a special essay.[22] This spelling is given by Ibn
Khallikan in his biographical dictionary (d. A. D. 1282). But apparently,
according to the authority of As-Samʾani, the name is derived from
Ghazala, a village near Tus, and is not a professional noun, such as
are common among patronymics. Abu Saʾd ʾAbd al-Karim As-Samʾani was
born only two years after Al-Ghazali’s death, and wrote a famous book
of patronymics in eight volumes. He was, therefore, an expert in names
and genealogies, and we may well accept his authority for the spelling
of the name of the great _imam_, who was his own countryman. The sheikhs
of the Azhar University in Cairo _all_ follow this authority and write
_Al-Ghazali_.[23]
Some say that there had already been two scholars in the family, one
an elder Al-Ghazali, at whose tomb in the cemetery of Tus prayer was
answered. This was a paternal uncle of Ghazali’s father. The other was
a son of the same. The story is told, apparently on the authority of
Ghazali himself, that at the time of his father’s death he committed
his two boys, Mohammed and Ahmed, to the care of a trusted Sufi friend
for their education. He himself seems to have had unfulfilled desires
in regard to his own education and was determined that his boys should
have a better opportunity. So he left in trust what money he had for
the purpose with this friend, who proved faithful and taught and cared
for them until the money was all gone. Then he advised them to go to a
_madrasa_, where, according to Moslem custom, they would receive food for
their need and shelter. Ghazali used to tell the story of this experience
in after life, and would add the remark, “We became students for the sake
of something else than God, but _He_ was unwilling that it should be for
the sake of anything but Himself.” This instance doubtless throws light
on the motives for his studies and his great diligence. At the outset he
was in search rather of reputation and wealth through learning than of
piety.[24]