This is an audio commentary and translation of the famous book by Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali on the sources of happiness. In this 5 CD set, Hamza Yusuf (translator and commentator) discusses the causes of unhappiness in this world, according to Imam al-Ghazali, and gives us the guidelines to obtain inward contentment. This amazing class was thought at the Rihla program (Makkah/Madina/Jeddah).

Pride is the vice that tripped Imam al Ghazali on his journey to God. At an early age he was recognized for his brilliance and by the time he was a young man, he was widely acclaimed as the greatest scholar of the age, the “scholar of scholars.”

Al-Ghazali lived at a time such as the one we live in today, when the inward and outward practices of Islam had become divided and a collective spiritual crisis of the heart prevailed. He realized that in spite of all his knowledge he was of no use battling this crisis because his own heart was filled with pride. How could he aid his brothers in the transformation of their hearts, when his own heart was diseased?

Though fame is a trap reserved for the few, we all have our traps and demons to overcome, whether they be lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, anger, envy, or pride. What al-Ghazali brings us with the “Alchemy of Happiness” is his faith that we, too, can master our egos and be one with God, and he leaves us the methods and guidance to embark upon our own inward journey.

* Producer: Alhambra Productions Inc. (2007)
* Format: 5 audio cd set in a box, approximately 300 minutes