Al-Ghazali - Scholar (الغزالي)
Al-Ghazali (1058–1111 CE), known as "Hujjat al-Islam" (Proof of Islam), was a towering intellectual and spiritual figure in Islamic history. A polymath, he wrote extensively on theology, philosophy, jurisprudence, and mysticism. His magnum opus, Ihya Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences), integrates Islamic teachings with Sufi spirituality, addressing the inner dimensions of worship and ethics. Initially trained in philosophy and law, Al-Ghazali critiqued Greek-inspired Islamic philosophy in Tahafut al-Falasifa (The Incoherence of the Philosophers), defending orthodox Sunni thought. His spiritual transformation led him to embrace Sufism, balancing rational inquiry with spiritual introspection. Al-Ghazali’s works have profoundly influenced both Islamic and Western thought, making him one of the most celebrated scholars in history.