Love as the Spiritual Foundation of Good Deeds: Al-Ghazali’s Spiritual-Theological Framework

MOHD ROSMIZI ABD RAHMAN, Dini Farhana Baharudin, Roslizawati Mohd Ramly, Mohamed Mihlar Abdul Muthaliff, Abdul Rahim Zumrah

Abstract


This article examines Imam al-Ghazali’s profound conception of good deeds (a‘māl ṣāliḥat) through the lens of his spiritual teachings, with a focus on maḥabbah (divine love) as the highest spiritual condition and ultimate motivator for ethical conduct. Rooted in classical Islamic theology and Sufism, al-Ghazali’s ethical framework integrates outward religious acts with inward spiritual sincerity, emphasizing that good deeds must be grounded in pure love for God rather than driven by fear or the pursuit of reward. Employing bibliographic research and content analysis, this study identifies nine key spiritual conditions emphasized by al-Ghazali—including sincerity, humility, mindfulness, love and trust in God—which transform outward practices into meaningful acts of devotion. The findings indicate that for al-Ghazali, maḥabbah is not merely an emotional state but a transformative force that elevates ethical behavior from ritualistic conformity to spiritually enriched action. These nine spiritual conditions, drawn from his major works such especially Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn serve as a practical spiritual framework for achieving inner purification and moral excellence. The article further explores al-Ghazali’s spiritual and psychological insights on love and good deeds, highlighting maḥabbah as a holistic model of ethical behavior that transcends religious boundaries. His spiritually grounded ethics, which fuse theological insight with practical moral transformation, remain profoundly relevant for promoting compassion, interfaith understanding, and social harmony in today’s pluralistic world.


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