The Ethical Conception in the Thought of Imam Al-Ghazali and Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Kilani: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Scholars of Sufism, jurisprudence, and Islamic philosophical thought have collectively contributed essentially to developing a comprehensive ethical system integrating theoretical foundations with practical applications. This study aims to uncover the features of the ethical conception in the thought of both Imam Al-Ghazali and Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Kilani by tracing the intellectual and epistemological foundations each started from, analyzing the central values forming the core of their ethical systems, and then conducting a critical comparison revealing points of convergence and divergence between them. The research is divided into three main sections, each including three topics, followed by a conclusion summarizing the primary findings. Among these findings: the ethical systems of both Imam Al-Ghazali and Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Kilani originate from a common Islamic reference framework, where the Quran and the prophetic Sunnah form the basis of every virtue and ethical behavior. Imam Al-Ghazali combined the philosophical rational method with Sufism, focusing on the analysis of the self and the ranks of virtues, while Sheikh Al-Kilani emphasized the practical, educational, and sermonic approach to applying ethics in daily life. The key recommendations include advocating reliance on blending Al-Ghazali’s intellectual depth with Al-Kilani’s practical approach in designing modern ethical education programs, and developing curricula and educational programs aimed at fostering honesty, sincerity, humility, asceticism, patience, and reliance on God within students and society.