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SpiritualRoadmapbyGhazali, page : 91
Much confusion now came into people‟s minds as they tried to account for my
conduct. Those at a distance from Iraq supposed that it was due to some
apprehension I had of action by the government. On the other hand those who
were close to the governing circles and had witnessed how eagerly and
assiduously they sought me and how I withdrew from them and showed no great
regard for what they said, would say, `This is a supernatural affair; it must be an
evil influence which has befallen the people of Islam and especially the circle of
the learned.‟
I left Baghdad then. I distributed what wealth I had, retaining only as much as
would suffice myself and provide sustenance for my children. This I could easily
manage, as the wealth of Iraq was available for good works, since it constitutes a
trust fund for the benefit of the Muslims. Nowhere in the world have I seen better
financial arrangements to assist a scholar to provide for his children.
In due course I entered Damascus, and there I remained for nearly two years
with no other occupation than the cultivation of retirement and solitude, together
with religious and abstinent exercises, as I busied myself purifying my soul,
conduct. Those at a distance from Iraq supposed that it was due to some
apprehension I had of action by the government. On the other hand those who
were close to the governing circles and had witnessed how eagerly and
assiduously they sought me and how I withdrew from them and showed no great
regard for what they said, would say, `This is a supernatural affair; it must be an
evil influence which has befallen the people of Islam and especially the circle of
the learned.‟
I left Baghdad then. I distributed what wealth I had, retaining only as much as
would suffice myself and provide sustenance for my children. This I could easily
manage, as the wealth of Iraq was available for good works, since it constitutes a
trust fund for the benefit of the Muslims. Nowhere in the world have I seen better
financial arrangements to assist a scholar to provide for his children.
In due course I entered Damascus, and there I remained for nearly two years
with no other occupation than the cultivation of retirement and solitude, together
with religious and abstinent exercises, as I busied myself purifying my soul,