The Ihya al-Ulum ad-Din

'Were all books of Islam to be lost, and only the Ihya Ulum al Din remain, it would suffice by itself to revive the religion.' This statement, made by many of the leading Ulama of the past, attests to the unique status of the Ihya in world history.

The Ihya of Imam Hujjat al-Islam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali is unquestionably one of the most important and influential works ever composed. Comprising forty books on the outward and inward aspects of Islam, it traces Ghazali's Ilm Tariq al-Akhira (the knowledge needed for the journey to the life eternal).


About this Course

We would like to welcome you to a unique opportunity to experience the great masterwork of Islam, taught by one of the very few modern commentators of the Ihya, Shaykh Dr Asim Yusuf.

In this course, Shaykh Asim will be covering the final book of the first half of the Ihya: Kitab Adab al-Ma'isha wa Akhlaq al-Nubuwwa. This beautiful work covers the elevated and sanctified characteristics (shama'il) of the Prophet Muhammad (s). It includes an analysis of how the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم himself was 'raised by Allah' via the events of his life.

Shaykh Dr Asim Yusuf is recognised as an expert in Ghazali and Islamic spirituality and philosophy. Over the past few years, he has been working his way through the Ihya in one of the only full recitations and teaching of the text being undertaken anywhere in the world.

In addition to the recitation and translation of the Ihya, he provides both valuable commentary that keeps the work relevant to the contemporary world, but also uncovers the deep philosophy that underpins the work in terms of Ghazali's 'higher theology' and how this has been understood and transmitted by mystics and philosophers through the ages.

The Shaykh will analyse the words and wisdom of the Imam, seeking to draw out the eternal principles and contextualising his teachings so as to maximise the benefit for the students.




Introduction to the Ihya Series

Navigating the Ihya: Text, Context and Metatext

Course Details and Lesson Access

  • In-Person and Online

    New Semester commences: 12th September 2026. Livestreamed via Zoom. Online link accessible via the student platform upon enrolment.

  • Every Saturday, 10am

    Lessons are approx 90-120 mins in duration with opportunity for Q&A via Zoom chat or in-person interaction at the course venue.

  • 24/7 Lesson Access

    Lessons are recorded for listening anytime. Access via dedicated learning platform. Private whatsapp group for student discussions and interaction.

Learning Objectives

What will I learn

  • Explore how this central book of the Ihya is not merely a work of shama'il (Prophetic characteristics), but a summary of the entire first half of the Ihya

  • Develop a deeper understanding of Imam al-Ghazali's Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din through its recitation, translation, and insightful commentary.

  • Explore the philosophical, psychological, and metaphysical foundations of the Ihya, including Imam al-Ghazali's "higher theology" and its enduring intellectual tradition.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand how Ghazali's teachings have been interpreted and transmitted by generations of Muslim mystics and philosophers throughout history.

  • Discover the contemporary relevance of the Ihya by examining how its timeless principles address the spiritual, intellectual, and ethical challenges of modern life.

  • Learn to apply the transformative wisdom of the Ihya in a practical and meaningful way, fulfilling the vision of the Ihya Ulum-ad Din —bringing Imam al-Ghazali's masterpiece to life in the modern age.

Course Venue

Teacher Biography

Shaykh Dr Asim Yusuf is recognised as an expert in Ghazali and Islamic spirituality and philosophy. Over the past 10 years, he has been working his way through the Ihya in one of the only full recitations and teaching of the text being undertaken anywhere in the world. In addition to the recitation and translation of the Ihya, he provides both valuable commentary that keeps the work relevant to the contemporary world, but also uncovers the deep philosophy that underpins the work in terms of Ghazali's 'higher theology' and how this has been understood and transmitted by mystics and philosophers through the ages.

Shaykh Dr Asim Yusuf

Instructor

Join us for the LIVE Semester of The Ihya Series: Book 20

'Were all books of Islam to be lost, and only the Ihya Ulum al Din remain, it would suffice by itself to revive the religion.

ENROL NOW!