In the second session of our second semester of our weekly class on Imam Abū Ḥāmid Muḥammad al-Ghazālī’s Exploring the Marvels of the Heart, we explore “How the Heart Relates to Knowledge”.
Centering around answering the questions “How does the heart access its treasures?” and “What is inspiration?”, this session covers pages 51-56 of the text.
“How does the heart access its treasures?”
The “treasures” of knowledge.
Knowledge is acquired through sense perception (study), which also involves insight (capacity to obtain knowledge) and reflexion (processing of knowledge)
Knowledge that is given as a pure gift by God. The method and/or cause may be known or unknown
Knowledge of the outward and knowledge of the inward must come together
It is not enough to focus on self purification, isolation, and the esoteric. It is necessary to embark on the journey with companionship and mentorship, and to attain knowledge of the Sacred creed and worldly responsibilities.