by Al-Ghazali (translated by Claud Field) · 1909
Memoir · Classics
The spiritual autobiography of the eleventh-century thinker Al-Ghazali, who describes his search for certainty among the theologians, the philosophers and the Sufis. Claud Field's 1909 translation, in the Wisdom of the East series, is edited by L. Cranmer-Byng and S. A. Kapadia.
The object of the Editors of this series is a very definite one. They desire above all things that, in their humble way, these books shall be the ambassadors of good-will and understanding between East and West—the old world of Thought and the new of Action. In this endeavour, and in their own sphere, they are but followers of the highest example in the land. They are confident that a deeper knowledge of the great ideals and lofty philosophy of Oriental thought may help to a revival of that true spirit of Charity which neither despises nor fears the nations of another creed and colour. Finally, in thanking press and public for the very cordial reception given to the “Wisdom of the East” Series, they wish to state that no pains have been spared to secure the best specialists for the treatment of the various subjects at hand.
L. CRANMER-BYNG. S. A. KAPADIA.
Northbrook Society, 185 Piccadilly, W.
INTRODUCTION Birth of Ghazzali
Aboû Hâmid Muhammed Ibn Muhammad Al Ghazzali was born in the city of Tus in Khorassan, A.D. 1058, one year after the great poet and freethinker Abu’ l’ Alā died. He was the son of a dealer in cotton thread (Gazzâl), whence his name.
