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How many nights have you remained awake repeating science…

“How many nights have you remained awake repeating science and poring over books, and have denied yourself sleep. I do not know what the purpose of it was. If it was attaining worldly ends and securing its vanities, and acquiring its dignities, and surpassing your contemporaries, and such like, woe…” quote by Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
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““How many nights have you remained awake repeating science and poring over books, and have denied yourself sleep. I do not know what the purpose of it was. If it was attaining worldly ends and securing its vanities, and acquiring its dignities, and surpassing your contemporaries, and such like, woe to you and again woe; but if your purpose in it was the vitalizing of the Law of the Prophet, and the training of your character, and breaking the soul commanding to evil, then blessed are you and again blessed.””

Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Reflecting on sleepless study, the quote contrasts worldly ambition with spiritual purpose, urging devotion to divine law and moral self‑discipline.

In simple terms: Study can be noble if aimed at spiritual growth, not vanity.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize inner virtue over external success.

Themes

spirituality self‑discipline purpose

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • religious study
  • personal growth
  • night‑time reflection
  • moral training

Key Concepts

Islamic mysticism ethical development

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your late‑night learning?
  • How does your study serve higher values?
A Different Perspective

If motivations are mixed, the benefit may be unclear.

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