1001Philosophers

Al-Ghazali Quotes

Abu Hamid al-Ghazali was an 11th and early 12th-century Persian Sunni Muslim theologian, jurist, philosopher, and Sufi mystic, regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in the history of Islam. His 40-volume The Revival of the Religious Sciences, written after he abandoned a prestigious teaching position to pursue Sufi spiritual practice, is a comprehensive synthesis of Islamic ethics, ritual, and inner spiritual life. The quotes below are attributed to Al-Ghazali, organized by topic.

Al-Ghazali on God

  • Attributed to Al-Ghazali:

    “The greatest proof for the existence of God is the existence of the human mind.”

Al-Ghazali on Knowledge

  • Attributed to Al-Ghazali:

    “Knowledge without action is wastefulness, and action without knowledge is foolishness.”

  • Attributed to Al-Ghazali:

    “The deeper one travels into the path of knowledge, the further one is from being satisfied.”

Al-Ghazali on Virtue

  • Attributed to Al-Ghazali:

    “Loneliness is far better than bad company.”

  • Attributed to Al-Ghazali:

    “Beware: do not lose your heart over money or position, for both shall pass away.”

  • Attributed to Al-Ghazali:

    “Treat the people in such a way that if you die they should weep over you, and if you are alive they should crave for your company.”

Read all Al-Ghazali quotes on Virtue