A Critical Review of Ghazli's Approach to Sufism

In his quest for truth, Ghazali embraced Sufism, after his involvement with theology, philosophy and Batinism. He elevates Sufis’ position to such a degree that reason fails to grasp its meaning. He treats the whole of Sufis’ praxis as something inferred from prophecy light. A study of Ghazali’s ideas shows that other factors and motives apart from is quest for truth influenced his preference for Sufism, and his tendency to introduce the group as a salvaged sect and to give precedence over other sects of the time. Ghazali is not considered one of the great mystics, he lacks their experiences and his works are of a lower status compared with those of the great mystics. Although he was raised in an environment influenced by Sufism, he is not reported to have had a mentor as a necessary element of the mystical journey as acknowledged by Ghazali himself. Such tendencies and the factors mentioned above cast doubt on his identification with Sufis.