About the book
Abu Hamid al-Ghazālī, a Muslim jurist-theologian and polymath who lived from the mid-eleventh to the early twelfth century in present-day Iran, is a figure equivalent in stature to Maimonides in Judaism and Thomas Aquinas in Christianity. He is best known for his work in philosophy, ethics, law, and mysticism. In an engaged re-reading of the ideas of this preeminent Muslim thinker, Ebrahim Moosa argues that Ghazālī’s work has lasting relevance today as a model for a critical encounter with the Muslim intellectual tradition in a modern and postmodern context.
Moosa employs the theme of the threshold, or dihliz, the space from which Ghazālī himself engaged the different currents of thought in his day, and proposes that contemporary Muslims who wish to place their own traditions in conversation with modern traditions consider the same vantage point. Moosa argues that by incorporating elements of Islamic theology, neoplatonic mysticism, and Aristotelian philosophy, Ghazālī’s work epitomizes the idea that the answers to life’s complex realities do not reside in a single culture or intellectual tradition. Ghazālī’s emphasis on poiesis — creativity, imagination, and freedom of thought — provides a sorely needed model for a cosmopolitan intellectual renewal among Muslims, Moosa argues. Such a creative and critical inheritance, he concludes, ought to be heeded by those who seek to cultivate Muslim intellectual traditions in today’s tumultuous world.
Editions of Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807829523
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807856123
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807876459
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890879233
Read an Excerpt
Abu Hamid al-Ghazālī, a Muslim jurist-theologian and polymath who lived from the mid-eleventh to the early twelfth century in present-day Iran, is a figure equivalent in stature to Maimonides in Judaism and Thomas Aquinas in Christianity. He is best known for his work in philosophy, ethics, law, and mysticism. In an engaged re-reading of the ideas of this preeminent Muslim thinker, Ebrahim Moosa argues that Ghazālī’s work has lasting relevance today as a model for a critical encounter with the Muslim intellectual tradition in a modern and postmodern context.
Moosa employs the theme of the threshold, or dihliz, the space from which Ghazālī himself engaged the different currents of thought in his day, and proposes that contemporary Muslims who wish to place their own traditions in conversation with modern traditions consider the same vantage point. Moosa argues that by incorporating elements of Islamic theology, neoplatonic mysticism, and Aristotelian philosophy, Ghazālī’s work epitomizes the idea that the answers to life’s complex realities do not reside in a single culture or intellectual tradition. Ghazālī’s emphasis on poiesis — creativity, imagination, and freedom of thought — provides a sorely needed model for a cosmopolitan intellectual renewal among Muslims, Moosa argues. Such a creative and critical inheritance, he concludes, ought to be heeded by those who seek to cultivate Muslim intellectual traditions in today’s tumultuous world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination about?
Abu Hamid al-Ghazālī, a Muslim jurist-theologian and polymath who lived from the mid-eleventh to the early twelfth century in present-day Iran, is a figure equivalent in stature to Maimonides in Judaism and Thomas Aquinas in Christianity. He is best known for his work in philosophy, ethics, law, and mysticism. In an engaged re-reading of the ideas of this preeminent Muslim thinker, Ebrahim Moosa argues that Ghazālī’s work has lasting relevance today as a model for a critical encounter with the Muslim intellectual tradition in a modern and postmodern context.
Moosa employs the theme of the threshold, or dihliz, the space from which Ghazālī himself engaged the different currents of thought in his day, and proposes that contemporary Muslims who wish to place their own traditions in conversation with modern traditions consider the same vantage point. Moosa argues that by incorporating elements of Islamic theology, neoplatonic mysticism, and Aristotelian philosophy, Ghazālī’s work epitomizes the idea that the answers to life’s complex realities do not reside in a single culture or intellectual tradition. Ghazālī’s emphasis on poiesis — creativity, imagination, and freedom of thought — provides a sorely needed model for a cosmopolitan intellectual renewal among Muslims, Moosa argues. Such a creative and critical inheritance, he concludes, ought to be heeded by those who seek to cultivate Muslim intellectual traditions in today’s tumultuous world.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Islam
Where can I read a sample of Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807829523
How long is Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination and how many pages does it have?
Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination has 368 page(s)
Is Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination?
Ebrahim Moosa
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807829523) and paperback(ISBN 9780807856123) and ebook(ISBN 9780807876459) and pdf(ISBN 9798890879233)
Where can I buy Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination?