Al-Ghazali

A Corridor of Hope for a Living Theological Paradigm

Abstract

Imam Ghazali is commonly known to be as speculative theologian of the Ash‘arite school of theology. However, he was not a strict follower of this theological school. A more accurate description of Ghazali would be of an originator of philosophical theology. He approached several doctrines of Ash‘arite theology with suspicion and devised a new philosophical position which is compatible with reason, rationality and diversity. For him reason is not merely instrumental; he redefined reason and rationality with reference to their Divine noetic roots. Imam Ghazali has an enlightened fresh outlook that can provide moulds of thought for new receptivity and sensibility. His narrative is unprecedented and multi-faceted. The intellect of Imam Ghazali has served us in both the classical and modern age. In our present predicament, he is a corridor of hope for a living theological paradigm. Imam Ghazali was not against philosophy and natural science. His engagement with philosophy and science is extensive and longstanding which can be recognized and measured in many ways. This article argues against the prevailing misconception about Ghazali relating with philosophy and science and try to bring out the alternative view that he was not against philosophy and science. His approach to consult dissimilar scholars, theologians, jurists, mystics and philosophers and gain knowledge from every field of expertise is dynamic and inspirational. The diversity of sources of knowledge and variety of experience enabled him to be multidimensional. This approach and behavior is beneficial for academia and intellectuals who intend to construct a new theological bridge between religion and modern sciences.