Als Quote by Peter Adamson
“Al-Ghazali is the most important philosophical theologian of classical Islam, and Moderation in Belief is among his most important works. It sets out al-Ghazali's Ash?arite theology with unusual clarity and provides important background for such well-known works as his autobiographical Deliverance from Error and his attack on Avicenna in The Incoherence of the Philosophers. This first English-language translation, with notes that bring out the argumentation and background of the work, is thus very much to be welcomed.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Moderation in Belief (English translation) by Al‑Ghazali, 1995
Al‑Ghazali outlines Ashʿarite theology, linking faith and reason, and critiques Avicenna’s philosophy.
In simple terms: Al‑Ghazali explains Islamic theology and challenges philosophers.
Key Takeaway
Study his balanced approach to faith and reason.
Themes
theology
philosophy
Islamic thought
moderation
Mood
reflective
scholarly
Type
academic
theological
When to use this quote
- academic study
- interfaith dialogue
- philosophical education
- religious reform
Key Concepts
Ashʿarite doctrine
philosophical critique
faith‑reason synthesis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does moderation shape belief?
- What can modern philosophy learn from his critiques?
A Different Perspective
His arguments assume familiarity with classical Islamic scholarship.
![“Certainly the most significant of [the political, social and ideological currents playing a role in the development of philosophical texts in Arabic] was the development of Islamic theology and the intense debate among the various groups and individuals about its eventual orientation.” quote by Dimitri Gutas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e51/dimitri-gutas-30388_islam_certainly-the-most-significant-of-the-po_149792.jpg)
![“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It…” quote by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/454/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya-10803_als_the-heart-becomes-sick-as-the-body-becom_66500.jpg)
