Imam al-Ghazali’s masterwork The Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya 'ulum al-din) is an unrivalled sourcebook of Muslim spiritual wisdom. Practical rather than abstract, the compelling force of this text has changed millions of lives – and continues to do so today.
The speakers are chosen for their deep knowledge of the text, and for their continuity with ancient chains of transmission going back from teacher to teacher, to the Imam himself.
The locations chosen represent the diversity and beauty of the settings where the Ihya has been taught. They include historic mosques, tekkes, and khanqahs (Sufi lodges or spiritual retreats) which are exemplars of Islamic art and architecture.
Each lecture begins with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, and is accompanied by nasheeds drawn from the indigenous spiritual culture which has flourished in the lands where the lectures are taking place.
Some of the films include interviews with local experts and scholars who explain the historic and contemporary impact of Imam al-Ghazali’s work in their communities.
All proceeds from sale and broadcast of the lectures are donated to the Cambridge New Mosque Project.
