Kemya-E-Saadat by Imam Ghazali

General Description

Kemya-E-Saadat is one of the renowned book of Saljoqi era. The book is written by great Muslim scholar Imam Ghazali. Imam Ghazali was the great scholar, intellectual and thinker of fifth century. His books are not only popular in Asia but also popular in European countries.

Introduction of Imam Ghazali

Imam Khawar Ghazali was born in 450 AH in village Taeran of Tus, Iran. He died in 505 AH. His father was a cotton merchant, therefore, the name of Ghazali also named after his profession. Father of Imam Sahib died when he was eight years old. A friend of his father took the responsibility of his education and gave him basic education. Ghazali Sahib went to Jorjan for further higher education. Jorjan was the centre of higher education those days. There was no proper method of education those days. The students used to note important lectures on their note books, which were called "Talimaat".

Turning Point of Life

Imam Sahib also prepared note book on completion of religious course. On return from Baghdad, the robbers robbed him on the way and snatched note book along with other valuables. Imam Ghazali became very sad and went in front of the head of robbers and requested him to return his note book otherwise he will be deprived from knowledge. When head of the robbers heard this, he laughed at his statement and returned the note book to Imam Sahib. The attitude of robbers deeply affected Ghazali and learn all the note book by heart.

Joined the Office of Nizam Ul Mulk Tosi

Imam Ghazali went to Nishapur on return from Jorjan, where he learnt philosophy and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) from Imam-Al-Haramain. Those were the days of Malik Shah's government and Nizam ul Mulk Tosi was his minister. Imam Sahib joined the office of Nizam ul Mulk Tosi and started working there. Ghazali become very popular due to his sound knowledge. Nizam ul Mulk Tosi appointed him as president of Nizamia Madarassa Baghdad (Military School Baghdad). Imam Sahib served there for four years.

Left the Office of Nizam Ul Mulk Tosi

Ghazali left Baghdad and went to offer pilgrimage. On return from pilgrimage, he went to Damascus, the capital of Syria. Imam Sahib stayed there for two years, where he spent his time in research and study of Islam. Ghazali wrote renowned book "AHYA UL ULOOM UDDIN". He left the job of King Malik Shah and started religious training of his students. Imam Ghazali strongly opposed the philosophy of Greeks.

Renowned Book Kemya-E-Saadat by Imam Ghazali

Akseer-e-Hidayat is a renowned book of Imam Sahib. Initially, Ghazali wrote the book in Arabic language, however, he translated it in Persian language and named it as "Kemya-e-Saadat". The main theme of this book is good manners and good behaviors. However, he also narrated the right path of Islam in this book. Imam Sahib strengthened his arguments with verses of Quran and Hadith of holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He narrated following topics in the book:-

a) Subjects of the Book
1) Identification of autism.
2) Identification of Almighty Allah
3) Identification of world.
4) Identification of the other world/
hereafter.

b) Factors of the Book
1) Pray / worship.
2) Interactions / Business relations.
3) Dangerous / baneful things or forbidden
things.
4) Permissible things/ prayers.