Ethical ideas in the philosophy of Abuhamid Muhammad al-Ghazali

Abuhamid Muhammad al-Ghazali (1059 - 1111) was a renowned individual during Medieval times in the Middle East, who left behind a rich spiritual heritage. He is the author of over seventy books, encompassing topics of theology, philosophy and Sufism. Al-Ghazali surveyed questions of morality on the basis of the Holy Koran and manuals of the Prophet Muhammad (s). Al-Ghazali's ethical ideas are written in the following works: "Manual to Governors", "Revival of religious sciences", "The Elixir happiness", "The letter to the son" and "A research of intimate mysteries of heart". In his writings, Ghazali emphasised that the belief/faith (iman) is an essence of morality and when a person obtains faith, it develops their morality. Ghazali deems the highest ethical values in humanity; love, justice, contentment, respect, judiciousness, consciousness, goodness, humility, eloquence, mercy, usefulness and generosity. The philosopher also describes the ethics of communication, especially that which is obtained from parents and extended family. He explains that an individual can be understood by interpreting the overall ‘decency’ of their family, using the ‘highest ethical values’ as a guide.