When Imam Ghozali Faced Death

 

When Imam Ghozali Faced Death

Hujjatul Islam Imam Al-Ghazali. Who does not know this famous scholar? The depth of knowledge of the scholar named Abu Hamid Muhammad bin Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Ghazali ath-Thusi is beyond doubt, even by his critics. His writings are hundreds and have been read for centuries until now. His school of Sufism was followed. His pen knowledge became a fortress. And his ushul fiqih commentary becomes a reference. Imam Al-Ghazali also seriously delved into philosophy, although in the end he criticized this knowledge himself.

Imam Al-Ghazali's reputation as a scientist is recognized by both friends and opponents. But what must be remembered, his greatness did not come suddenly. The scholar who is famous for the monumental work of Ihya' Ulumiddin went through a tortuous life since childhood. Al-Ghazali lived in a poor family. His very devout father was a spinner and through this simple job he supported the family. He just wants to support his family from his own hard work.

Even though his life is very limited, Al-Ghazali's father keeps a very passionate dream, namely that his two children, Imam Al-Ghazali and his brother (Imam Ahmad) will become faqh and milestones in the success of Islamic symbols. Imam Al-Ghazali's father was indeed a person who liked to visit knowledge assemblies, serve the scholars, and when he heard the words of his teachers he cried and bowed down while praying for the future of his children.

The prayer was answered even though the father did not witness the greatness of his children because he died before they grew up. The harshness of living as an orphan and the passion for learning that kept burning made little Al-Ghazali and his brother grow up as intelligent and highly respected people. His vision is broad and open, his personality is full of love and affection, as well as his asceticism and religious obedience are very convincing. Even by the teacher, Imam al-Haramain, Al-Ghazali was nicknamed "bahrun mughdiq" (wide ocean without edge).

Imam Al-Ghazali was appointed as a professor at Madrasah Nidhamiyah, Baghdad, during the reign of Nidhamul Mulk when he was 34 years old. This was the highest position in the world of education and Islam at that time that no one had ever carried at such a relatively young age. Although, he had time to let go of that honor for the sake of deepening his knowledge of Sufism.

However, it is not his status as a professor that makes Imam Al-Ghazali's story interesting. After completing his service at Madrasah Nidhamiyah, the imam returned to his home village, Thus, and established a zawiyah or a kind of boarding school to continue his teaching service until the end of his life. In the moments of his death, a wonderful event happened.

Abul Faraj ibn al-Juuzi in the book Ats-Tsabât 'indal Mamât presents a story from Imam Ahmad, the brother of Imam Al-Ghazali. One day, exactly Monday 14 Jumadil Akhir 505 H, at dawn, Imam Al-Ghazali took ablution and performed the dawn prayer. After the prayer, Al-Ghazali said, "I must wear a shroud." Then he took it, kissed it, and put the shroud over his eyes.

Furthermore, Imam Al-Ghazali said, "I am ready to return to Your presence with full obedience and obedience (sam'an wa thâ'atan lid dukhûli 'alal mulk)." He straightened his legs, facing the direction of the Qibla, then returned to the Beloved forever. Innâlillâhi wa innâ ilaihi râji'ûn.

Imam Al-Ghazali died on December 19, 1111 and was buried in the village of Thabran, the city of Thus. The quiet, peaceful, and beautiful process of his death reflects the quality of his servanthood during his life. His departure was mourned by the scholars, his students, and millions of Muslims. Imam Al-Ghazali bequeathed hundreds of writings, examples, and scholarship that are timeless.