The Book of Knowledge

In the Book of Knowledge Imam Al-Ghazzali 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. Imam Al-Ghazzali 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.