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Prophetic Character Traits

Beautifying the Self and Filling the Scales:
A Reading of Imam al-Ghazali’s Thoughts on Husn l’Khulq and the Path to Prophetic Character Traits

Taught by Shaykh Naeem Abdulwali

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Fact Sheet

Teacher: Shaykh Naeem Abdulwali
Course Length: Weekly for 6 weeks / 2 hours each session
Meeting time: Sundays at 2‐4pm
First class session: Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Location: Rice University (Location and Parking)
Tuition: $150.00 $97.50 (35% discount)

  • Additional 20% off for students; ID required
  • Payment can be made in full or in 3 monthly installments
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Course Summary
  • Learn about the first five of ten praiseworthy prophetic character traits, as outlined in Imam al-Ghazali’s Book of the Forty Foundations of the Religion, which include: (1) Penance, (2) Divine fear, (3) Abstinence, (4) Perseverance, (5) Gratitude
  • Begin a process that allows these theoretical qualities to become embodied realities
  • Gain encouragement and motivation to acquire prophetic character traits and expunge oneself of blameworthy traits
  • Realize the importance of personal responsibility in aspiring to prophetic qualities
Course Details

In his magnum opus, the Ihyā ‛ulūm l’dīn, Imam al‐Ghazali conceived a text that would serve as a manual for spiritual change and renewal. However, aware of the task placed upon anyone reading such a large work, he subsequently penned abridgements of it—including the ‘Kitāb l’Arba‛īn fī Usūl Dīn’, or the Book of the Forty Foundations of the Religion.

The Ihya Ulum al‐Din itself was divided into four main divisions each with ten sections. The final division dealt with ten praiseworthy and sought‐after character traits, akhlāq mahmūdah: (1) Penance, (2) Divine fear, (3) Abstinence, (4) Perseverance, (5) Gratitude, (6) Purity of intent and sincerity, (7) Trust, (8) Love, (9) Contentment with Divine decree, and (10) Remembrance of death and its reality.

The Messenger of God, peace be upon him, said, “The best of you are the best of you in character.” He also said, “There is nothing heavier on the scales of the Day of Judgment than good character.” The cultivation and development of husn l’khulq could be said to be the ultimate objective of Islam. This initial course, in a series of Ghazali‐based courses by Risala Foundation, will introduce students to this text by the universally recognized theologian and spiritual adept of Islam.

This first course will cover the first five praiseworthy qualities: penance, Divine fear, abstinence, perseverance and gratitude. A translation of the text, prepared by Shaykh Naeem Abdulwali that covers these initial five traits will be available to each student. Shaykh Naeem Abdulwali will supplement the text with insightful elaboration and practical steps on to how to begin a process that allows these theoretical qualities to become embodied realities.