Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship

by Imam al-Ghazali, Muhtar Holland (Translator)

Overview

Covers those dimensions of Islamic rituals of worship – prayer, almsgiving, fasting, Pilgrimage, etc. which are essential to the fulfilment of inner quality. Consists of selections from al-Ghazali's Ihya, a pivotal work in the history of Islamic thought.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780860375166
Publisher:	The Islamic Foundation
Publication date:	06/29/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Al-Ghazali of Tus in Iran was one of the greatest scholars in the history of Islamic thought. He made outstanding contributions in logic, philosophy, jurisprudence, legal theory and mysticism.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Prayer - Salat

Excellent Merits of Prayer
1 Call to Prayer – Adhan
2 Five Set Prayers – Salat
3 Correct Performance – Ta’dil
4 Congregational Prayer – Jama‘a
5 Prostration – Sujud
6 Humble Adoration – Khushu’
7 The Mosque and Place of Prayer – Masjid
Internal Prerequisites: Actions of the Heart
Humility and Conscious Awareness
Internal States Conducive to Perfecting the Life in Prayer
Awareness – Understanding – Reverence – Awe –Hope – Shame
Medication Conducive to Inner Serenity
Inner States at Each Stage of Prayer
The Call to Prayer – Ritual Purity – Covering Private Parts – Facing the Qibla – Standing Upright – Intention – Takbir – Opening Invocations – Reciting the Quran – Bowing Down – Prostration – Sitting and Testifying – End of Supplication – Salutation
Stories of the Humble


Chapter 2 Almsgiving – Zakat

1 Understand the Purpose and Significance
Testing the Degree of Love for God – Elimination of Miserliness – Expression of Gratitude
2 Payment at Proper Time
3 Give in Secret
4 Give Openly
5 Avoid Taunting and Hurting
6 Adopt Humility
7 Give the Best and the Dearest
8 Seek the Worthy and Deserving


Chapter 3 Fasting – Sawm

Three Grades
Inward Requirements
See not what displeases God – Speak not... – Hear not... – Do not... – Avoid Overeating – Look to God with Fear and Hope
Importance of Observing Inward Aspects


Chapter 4 Pilgrimage - Hajj

Its Excellences and Its Merit
The Pilgrimage
The Ka’ba and Makka the Ennobled
Residing in Makka
Madina the Radiant 3
Fine Points of Propriety; Internal Conduct
Purity of Intention and Means – Shunning Unlawful Taxes – Moderation in Expenditure – Forsaking Evil Conduct – Going on Foot – Modesty and Simplicity of Transport – Shabbiness in Dress and Appearance – Kindness to Beasts of Burden – Sacrificing Animals – Equanimity
Inner States at Various Stages of Hajj
Understanding – Yearning – Resolve – Severing Ties – Provisions – Transport – Purchase of Ihram – Leaving Home – Crossing the Desert – Putting on Ihram and Crying ‘Labbayk’ – Entering Makka – Seeing the Ka’ba – Circumambulating the House (Tawaf) – Touching the Black Stone – Standing at Multazam – Running between al-Safa and al-Marwa (Sa’y) – Standing at ‘Arafat – Casting Pebbles (Ramy) – Sacrificing Animals – Visiting Madina – Visiting God’s Messenger
Conclusions


Chapter 5 Night Vigil – Qiyam al-Layl
Quranic Verses – Traditions of the Prophet – Traditions of the Companions and Their Followers


Chapter 6 Invoking Blessings upon God’s Messenger


Chapter 7 The Merit of Seeking Forgiveness – Istighfar