Al-Ghazali's "Moderation in Belief"

This work explores al-Ghazali's profound insights in Moderation in Belief, showcasing his influence on Islamic theology and Western philosophical thought.

Centuries after his death, al-Ghazali remains a pivotal figure in the Islamic intellectual tradition. He is widely recognized for his work, Al-Ghazali's Moderation in Belief, which is regarded as his most significant contribution to philosophical theology. Within this text, al-Ghazali presents a robust defense of the Ash'arite school of thought, which became a cornerstone of orthodox Sunni theology in the twelfth century. However, he also introduces a more rationalist perspective on the Quran, marking a departure from traditional Ash'arism.

Al-Ghazali's Moderation in Belief is not only instrumental in shaping theological debates within Islam but also resonates with broader philosophical discussions in the Western context. This new annotated translation by Aladdin M. Yaqub is the first complete English-language edition, drawing upon esteemed critical editions of the original Arabic texts. It provides detailed commentary that dissects and reconstructs the arguments presented in the work’s four treatises, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The translation also includes explanations of the historical and intellectual contexts surrounding al-Ghazali’s arguments, allowing readers with limited knowledge of classical Arabic to engage with this foundational text. Given the recent resurgence of interest in Islamic philosophy and the ongoing dialogue between philosophy and religion, Al-Ghazali's Moderation in Belief is poised to make a significant impact in contemporary scholarship.