8th post - Imam Al-Ghazali The Alchemist of Happiness

Submitted – Wed, 8th Mar 2012 @ Masjid Muhajirin 7.30pm
Bidayatul Hidayah

reflections on Imam Al-Ghazali's life from video viewed the week prior

the more Imam Al-Ghazali knew the more incompetent he realized we all are. like the ratio of inked words to vast white space in this paper… the vastness is akin to knowledge still not garnered hence the incompetence. in fact the inked portion might be just an illusion to what i think i knew or learnt. my name stated at the edge is a reminder i was at the edge of the fire and by Allah's grace i was saved... but have i been certainly saved?

and so the edge i shall uncomfortably sit.. a reminder to fear that even with the donning of hijab/abaya and being in close proximity of Islam that i actually am more susceptible in having a tainted heart… that i’d still incur Allah's wrath but yet also to be reminded Allah's mercy can still be bestowed upon me… generously.

the path to seeking sacred knowledge is a tribute to the word amazement and i have at some point rather remain speechless of Allah's works and wonders. if i speak of it out of sheer happiness, 'ujub seemed to seep.. i will then do injustice to the magnitude of it all and thus fall into the trap of intentions tainted. 'ujub treated with little notice will lead to my downfall in the pits of the diseases of the heart. i pray that should i falter, that i am aware and be given time to make taubah and strive on henceforth.

Imam al-Ghazali is a highly educated man who knew knowledge should not make him feel above and beyond others. this is a religion of adab towards Allah and HIS creations. there is NO pure knowledge without good character and there is NO religion without good character. every khutbah, tears welled upon hearing names of the companions r.a. i make du’a to be able to gain the heart of companions whose pure love for Rasulullah s.a.w. and unconditional belief towards Allah is such ni’mah bestowed... mashaAllah.