The Alchemy of Happiness - Hardcover

A luminous guide to the spiritual life from one of Islam's greatest theologians and mystics—Al-Ghazali's accessible masterwork on the path to true happiness through knowledge of God, ethical living, and the transformation of the heart.

Written in the 12th century, The Alchemy of Happiness is Al-Ghazali's Persian summary of his monumental Arabic work The Revival of the Religious Sciences. In this profound yet accessible text, Al-Ghazali synthesizes Islamic theology, Sufi mysticism, and practical ethics to show how true happiness is found not in worldly pursuits but in knowledge of God and purification of the soul.

What you'll discover:

• The nature of the human soul and its journey to God
• How self-knowledge leads to knowledge of the Divine
• The relationship between reason, revelation, and mystical experience
• Practical guidance on ethics, virtue, and spiritual discipline
• The stages of the spiritual path from repentance to divine love
• Al-Ghazali's integration of Islamic law, theology, and Sufism
• Teachings on the purification of the heart and transformation of character
• The alchemy that transforms the base metal of the ego into the gold of divine realization

Al-Ghazali's genius lies in his ability to harmonize the outer practices of Islamic law with the inner dimensions of Sufi mysticism. He demonstrates that true religion is not merely external observance but the transformation of the heart through love of God. His psychological insights into human nature, his understanding of spiritual development, and his integration of intellect and devotion make this work timeless.

Often called "the Proof of Islam," Al-Ghazali experienced a profound spiritual crisis that led him to abandon his prestigious academic position and spend years in solitary contemplation. The Alchemy of Happiness emerged from this transformative journey, offering wisdom born of both scholarly mastery and direct mystical experience.

About the author: Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali (1058-1111) was a Persian theologian, philosopher, and Sufi mystic. One of the most influential Muslim scholars in history, he is credited with reconciling Islamic orthodoxy with Sufism and demonstrating the compatibility of reason and faith. His works have profoundly shaped Islamic thought and spirituality for nearly a millennium.

Perfect for: Students of Sufism and Islamic mysticism, readers interested in Islamic philosophy and theology, those exploring the relationship between law and mysticism in Islam, seekers interested in the transformation of the heart, scholars of comparative mysticism and medieval philosophy, and anyone drawn to Al-Ghazali's integration of intellect, ethics, and spiritual experience.

This hardcover edition includes 142 pages of timeless wisdom—a guide to the alchemy that transforms the soul and leads to true happiness in God.