Hadits qudsi imam ghazali biography

His Early Career

Imam al-Ghazali then left Nishapur and attended the assembly of the vizier Nizam al-Mulk. He devoted himself to it and attained a position of great importance therein due to his lofty rank and refined argumentation. The gathering of Nizam al-Mulk was the flocking place of revered scholars and the aim of imams of merit. It was there that Imam Ghazali had many chances to demonstrate his prowess in debating luminaries.

Imam al-Ghazali name became known and his fame spread. Nizam al-Mulk decreed that he travel to Baghdad in order to teach at al-Nizamiyyah, so he set out. His teaching and debating received unanimous approval whereupon he became the Imam of Iraq after having attained the status of Imam of Khorasan. His rank in Baghdad rose above that of princes, viziers, men of reverence, and the household of the Caliphate.

Turning Away from His Worldly Position

Then the situation changed, and he began to view his life from a different perspective. He left Baghdad despite his rank, pre-occupied with matters of devoutness.

In 489 A.H. he set out for Damascus and resided there a short period of time. He then left Damascus for Jerusalem. There, he began composing his book The Revival of Religious Sciences and started working on disciplining his soul, changing his character traits, improving his nature, and refining his lifestyle.

Hereby, the devil of frivolity, the pursuit of leadership and rank, and the adoption of the mannerisms of the exalted morphed into tranquility, noble manners, the abandonment of formalities and embellishments, wearing the raiment of the pious, and being undeluded by fanciful optimism. He instituted waqfs for the purpose of guiding mankind, calling them to what concerns them in the Hereafter, hating this world and preoccupation with it amongst spiritual travelers, preparing for travel to the eternal abode, and yielding to anyone who shows signs of spiritual insight or from whom one smells the fragrance of gnosis or spiritual awareness of any effulgence of beholding the Divine.

He continued as such until he became accustomed to it and relented.

He then returned to his homeland, staying home, occupying himself with reflection, and tenaciously managing his time - a rare gem that would strike terror in hearts.