Al-Ghazali The Book of Knowledge for Children Set

The Book of Knowledge is said to contain the entire Ihya. Imam al-Ghazali’s teachings and metaphors are presented in story form for children of any age, but are also suitable for the spiritual lives of both parents and teachers. Themes that are repeated to emphasize their importance in the 40 stories are concerned with: True Learning itself, the purpose of our brief lives, the Two Worlds, Trust in God’s Will, the polishing of the Spiritual Heart through self observation and correction, key virtues and harmful vices, and the responsibility of being a true teacher by putting one’s Knowledge into practice.

An included introductory DVD shows how the stories can be easily retold for very small children, who then in art projects are encouraged to illustrate what they have understood. This helps them to remember what they are learning.
Although al-Ghazali’s Book of Knowledge was directed at a community of theologians, jurisprudents, and scholars, Fons Vitae found his insightful counsels could be usefully adapted for all ages.

The stories in this series are written for older children, but our intention is that parents and teachers read each one and then convey the ideas in such a way that it is clear to a child yet unable to read. Examples of how to do this are to be found on the accompanying instructional DVD. Many exercises in the workbooks are designed for small children with guidance from their family. The workbooks also contain material for older children, as well as activities and a curriculum to help reinforce Imam al-Ghazali’s teachings in a practical way.

Please frequent our interactive website: ghazalichildren.org, where children may meet their global brothers and sisters and work together to create a better world. Essay and art competitions will be announced and submissions displayed. A section for parents and teachers invites contributions for further activities and reflections. Useful curriculum updates will regularly be provided. The Series’ books can also be downloaded on this new website where a variety of other resources may be enjoyed as well.

The Book of Knowledge (Kitab al-ilm) is the foundation of the forty books of the Revival of the Religious Sciences (Ihya ulum al-din), Imam al-Ghazali’s magnum opus. In the Book of Knowledge, he defines knowledge, its relation to faith, theology, and jurisprudence. The book deals with the virtue of knowledge from both rational and traditional points of view. It elucidates the types of knowledge and the nature of people’s obligation to seek knowledge. Imam al-Ghazali defines jurisprudence and theology as branches of Islamic knowledge, then outlines those fields that people incorrectly consider to be Islamic disciplines, and distinguishes the praiseworthy from the blameworthy. He describes in detail the perils of disputation and the reasons people engage in debate and dialectics. He also considers the conduct incumbent on the teacher and student, and warns of the perils that can befall those pursuing knowledge. Finally, Imam al-Ghazali discusses the virtues and categories of the intellect and the prophetic traditions related to it.

There is something for each age group in the pages to follow. Parents can simplify the questions and activities for the very small; some of you might like to color; others can do the questions and activities on their very own. Comics are provided in the back of the workbook for older children, along with ideas for further activities and a school curriculum.

Everyone is invited to the website: ghazalichildren.org to meet with your global brothers and sisters, to participate in contests, to submit your own ideas for activities, for curriculum, updates, and anything else. Simply enjoy the many resources provided and join in on a regular basis.

Al-Ghazali The Book of Knowledge for Children Workbook

This workbook is a part of the Ghazali Children’s Project Book Set. This workbook has exercises and activities that correspond to the Book of Knowledge and is 194 pages in length with coloured illustrations. This is a part of an educational series that contains books, workbooks and a curriculum.