Souad & Silverman/Subjugated Voices,5. Sufism, the Shatahat, and a New Examination of Al-Ghazali’s Writings

In Souad T. Ali’s second chapter, “Sufism, the Shatahat, and a New Examination of Al Ghazali’s writings,” she delves into al-Ghazali’s contributions to Sufi literature. Focusing on al Ghazali’s discussions regarding the Sufi understanding of union with God and the temporary state of intoxication experienced by Sufis, this chapter contends that al-Ghazali’s body of work sought to right many of the injustices levied against other Sufi scholars. This paper argues that al-Ghazali provides vital insight into re-examining the violence committed against such Sufi figures as Mansur Ibn al-Hallaj (d. 922) and Bayazid Bistami (d. 874). Using historical and textual analysis, this study elucidates that, contrary to widely held beliefs that al-Ghazali “rejected” the Shatahat, or intoxicated utterances of these classical Sufis; conversely, he provided justification that what they said was not what was perceived, and that the speech of God’s lovers should not to be revealed but concealed and “not spread out.” Furthermore, this chapter examines the legacy of al-Ghazali as evidenced through the extensive literature written about him in the last century.