Abstract

This book includes almost all well-known small edifying works in Persian either written by imam Ghazali in the end of his life or ascribed to him later.

The first part of the edition contains the real works written by Imam Ghazali, namely: a guide for students entitled Zad-e Akherat (Provision for the hereafter); authentic message from Ghazali to Sultan Sanjar called “Nasihat al-Muluk” (The Counseling Kings) and a collection of the imam's letters to different recipients named «Faza'ilul al-anam min rasa'ili hujjat al-Islam (People’s virtues from the messages of Islam’s argument).

The second part contains a letter so far considered authentic from Imam Ghazali to his mature student. Both the Persian original and the Arabic translation became known after two names: “Ay Farzand/ Ayyuha’l-walad” (O son!). It also contains two famous imitations of the imam’s works. One of them is a compiled letter to a king, called “Pand-nama” (a letter with recommendations). The second one is a text addressed to a Seljuk sultan, which became known both under its own name — “Al-Fark bayna al-salih wa ghayr al-salih” (Difference between the righteous and non-righteous) and as a second part of “Nasihat Al-Muluk”, intentionally or unintentionally added to the authentic text. 

Imprint

А.A. Hismatulin. The works of Imam Al-Ghazali. Series: Edifying literature of the Seljuk period in Persian: SPb.: Peterburgskoye Vostokovedeniye; М.: Sadra, 2016. 633 p.