Faculty of Social Sciences , University Of Tehran

Document Type : Research Article / Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Al-Ghazali played diverse and influential roles in the realms of science and politics, leaving a lasting impact on Islamic intellectual history. His unique personal and intellectual experiences led to the production of distinctive works. This paper examines how Ghazali conceives of politics, particularly in light of his transition from jurisprudence to Sufism. The central hypothesis is that Ghazali offers a new framework for understanding religious teachings and the relationship between religion and politics. This transformation marks a shift from an externally oriented political approach to one rooted in introspection and spiritual depth. At the core of this shift lies Ghazali’s emphasis on the “heart” as the most essential aspect of human life. For him, the heart is not merely a personal concern but is deeply intertwined with society and governance. He initiated this new paradigm by proposing a synthesis of politics and prophecy and by articulating the heart’s central role in both prophetic existence and political leadership. This paper explores the significance of the heart in the intersection of politics, prophecy, and esotericism, arguing that Ghazali's Sufi perspective offers a distinct and introspective model of political thought.

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Main Subjects

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