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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_knowledge, page : 11
path, which leads to Revelation and only through that path did the Prophets of
Allah communicate with the people and lead them to Him. Concerning Revelation
itself, the Prophets spoke only figuratively and briefly through signs and symbols,
because they realized the inability of man‟s mind to comprehend. Therefore since
the learned men are heirs of the Prophets, they cannot but follow in their
footsteps and emulate their way.
Furthermore, the science of practical religion is divided into outward science by
which is meant that of the functions of the senses, and inward science by which
is meant that of the functions of the heart. The bodily organs perform either acts
of worship or usages of life, while the heart, because it is removed from the
senses and belongs to the world of dominion, is subject to either praiseworthy or
blameworthy (influences). Inevitably, therefore, this science divides itself into two
parts – outward and inward.
The outward, which pertains to the senses, is subdivided into acts of worship and
customs of life; the inward, which relates to the conditions of the heart and the
qualities of the soul, is subdivided into things that are praiseworthy and things,
which are objectionable. Together these constitute the four parts of the science
Allah communicate with the people and lead them to Him. Concerning Revelation
itself, the Prophets spoke only figuratively and briefly through signs and symbols,
because they realized the inability of man‟s mind to comprehend. Therefore since
the learned men are heirs of the Prophets, they cannot but follow in their
footsteps and emulate their way.
Furthermore, the science of practical religion is divided into outward science by
which is meant that of the functions of the senses, and inward science by which
is meant that of the functions of the heart. The bodily organs perform either acts
of worship or usages of life, while the heart, because it is removed from the
senses and belongs to the world of dominion, is subject to either praiseworthy or
blameworthy (influences). Inevitably, therefore, this science divides itself into two
parts – outward and inward.
The outward, which pertains to the senses, is subdivided into acts of worship and
customs of life; the inward, which relates to the conditions of the heart and the
qualities of the soul, is subdivided into things that are praiseworthy and things,
which are objectionable. Together these constitute the four parts of the science