al-Sa`adah in the Qur`an and Sunnah : an analysis of al-Ghazali`s view

Abstract

al-Sa`adah or happiness is the ultimate goal of human kind. In Islam, people desire to obtain success and happiness in both the world and the hereafter. The present study seeks to examine the real concept of al-Sa‘adah, from the Qur’an and Sunnah perspective with special reference to the theory of happiness introduced by al-Ghazali to show the true meaning of happiness in life and to safeguard those who seek happiness in vain means. The study focuses on: (a) al-Ghazali’s life and works; (b) al- Ghazali’s concept of al-Sa‘adah; and (c) al-Ghazali’s techniques to achieve happiness. The researcher has applied qualitative method which relies on primary and secondary sources available in the libraries. The thesis is primarily based on some famous writings of al-Ghazali concerning al-Sa‘adah such as Kimiya’ al- Sa‘adah, Bidayah al- Hidayah, Mizan al-‘Amal and Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din etc. This study has made certain important findings about al-Ghazali’s concept of happiness. His concept primarily focuses on the happiness of Hereafter, though the world is not neglected. In order to achieve al-Sa`adah, al-Ghazali stresses on the improvement of the soul and the main method to achieve it is by knowledge and action. The research suggests that knowledge and action are interrelated to one another. In order to gain happiness in both the world and Hereafter, man should obtain knowledge and action, and only with this, will man achieve happiness.