A REAPPRAISAL OF AL-GHAZALI’S INTELLECTUAL PRESTIGE: HISTORICAL, ETHICAL, AND PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Abu Hamid al-Ghazali’s prestige and authority among the Muslim public and scholars are undeniable. In the relevant literature, numerous books and articles praise his personality and scholarly depth. Besides these sources, it is also possible to find some scholars and works that focus on his contradictory statements and his similarities with opponents. However, it is almost impossible to find works criticizing him regarding scientific ethics. This article aims to open a new window to study al-Ghazali through such a critique of scholarly ethics. To achieve this aim, we have followed the following steps: His political network, which is very influential on al-Ghazali’s thinking, his attitude towards the use of Ḥadīth, his relationship with philosophy, and his ethical attitude in scholarly works.