Al-Ghazālī's Final Poem Challenges Orthodox Views on Death
Discovered posthumously in December 1111 AD in Tus, Persia, the last poem by 12th-century Islamic theologian al-Ghazālī questioned traditional beliefs regarding death and the afterlife. Entitled 'Qul li-ikhwani' ('Say to My Brothers'), it encouraged his friends to refrain from mourning, referring to his body as a 'talisman of dust' while claiming that his true self had been liberated. This perspective stood in stark contrast to the views held by medieval Islamic scholars concerning the physical world. Al-Ghazālī highlighted the significance of intellectual and moral excellence for achieving unity with God. His brother Ahmad shared mystical elements and prophecies about his funeral from his deathbed. Dr. Martin Lings translated the poem, which resonated with Socratic philosophy.
Key facts
- Al-Ghazālī died on a Monday morning in December 1111 AD in Tus, Persia.
- His final poem, 'Qul li-ikhwani' ('Say to My Brothers'), was found beneath his pillow or beside him.
- The poem urges companions not to mourn his death, describing the body as a 'talisman of dust' and a broken birdcage.
- Al-Ghazālī's views on death and the afterlife challenged orthodox medieval Islamic scholars' literal interpretations.
- He emphasized contemplation and cultivation of virtues for union with God, with the Beatific Vision as the supreme delight.
- The poem was translated by Dr. Martin Lings, who studied under C.S. Lewis at Magdalen College, Oxford.
- Al-Ghazālī predicted three men from the Iraqi desert would wash his body and offer the funeral prayer.
- His brother Ahmad recounted his death, including his final words: 'I hear and obey the call to go to the King.'
Entities
Artists
- al-Ghazālī
- Ahmad Ghazali
- Martin Lings
- C.S. Lewis
- Avicenna (Ibn Sīnā)
- Socrates
- Prophet Muhammad
- 'Ayn al-Quḍāt
- Sultan Maḥmūd ibn Malikshāh
Institutions
- Magdalen College, Oxford
- Bodleian Library
Locations
- Tus
- Persia
- Iraqi desert
- Baghdad
- Hamadan
- Iran