Al-Ghazālī's Final Poem Challenges Orthodox Views on Death
After the passing of 12th-century Islamic theologian al-Ghazālī in December 1111 AD in Tus, Persia, his last poem surfaced, urging his followers against mourning his loss. The work, titled 'Qul li-ikhwani' ('Say to My Brothers'), portrays his physical form as a 'talisman of dust' and highlights the importance of intellectual and moral virtues for achieving unity with God, challenging traditional beliefs about death. His brother Ahmad recounted that al-Ghazālī performed ablutions, prayed, and declared, 'I hear and obey the call to go to the King' before he died. Three individuals from the Iraqi desert prepared his body and conducted the funeral prayer. Dr. Martin Lings translated the poem. Al-Ghazālī's ideas were later reflected in the thoughts of 'Ayn al-Quḍāt, who was executed on May 6/7, 1131.
Key facts
- Al-Ghazālī died in December 1111 AD in Tus, Persia.
- His final poem, 'Qul li-ikhwani', was found beneath his pillow or beside him.
- The poem urges followers not to mourn his death, describing the body as a 'talisman of dust'.
- Al-Ghazālī's brother Ahmad recounted his final morning, including his words 'I hear and obey the call to go to the King'.
- The poem was translated by Dr. Martin Lings, who studied under C.S. Lewis at Magdalen College, Oxford.
- Al-Ghazālī's views on the afterlife contrasted with orthodox literal interpretations, emphasizing spiritual union with God.
- The philosopher 'Ayn al-Quḍāt, who shared similar beliefs, was executed in Hamadan on May 6/7, 1131.
- The poem reflects al-Ghazālī's synthesis of Islamic jurisprudence and Sufism, highlighting the concept of Fana.
Entities
Artists
- al-Ghazālī
- Ahmad Ghazali
- Martin Lings
- C.S. Lewis
- Avicenna (Ibn Sīnā)
- 'Ayn al-Quḍāt
- Sultan Maḥmūd ibn Malikshāh
- Socrates
- Prophet Muhammad
Institutions
- Magdalen College, Oxford
- Bodleian Library
Locations
- Tus
- Persia
- Iraqi desert
- Baghdad
- Hamadan
- Iran