Al-Ghazali Children's Bundle: Set 1 - 4 (Set of 8 books)
Al-Ghazali Children's Bundle: Set 1 - 4 (Set of 8 books)
In collaboration with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson, Fons Vitae has taken on the monumental task of bringing out Imam al-Ghazali's magnum opus, "The Revival of the Religious Sciences" based on the 2011 Dar al-Minhaj critical Arabic edition, as an educational package re-crafted for families and schools.
Each translation of the 40 books will be accompanied by an adaptation for children as well as workbooks with activities and a school curriculum, all supported by an interactive parent-children's website and Pilot School Program.
Over the centuries, the Ihya has been regarded as the greatest compendium of Islamic spirituality and ethical behavior for everyday life. It lays down practical teachings and explains how the outer aspects of Islam can, through their inner spiritually transformative meanings, change every situation into one which strengthens the innate human nobility of character. The Prophet Mohammad said, "I was only sent to perfect good character".
The 8-book set includes the following titles, all of which contain coloured illustrations:
1. The Book of Knowledge for Children - Polishing the Heart (Curriculum and Workbook).
The Book of Knowledge is said to contain the entire Ihya. Imam al-Ghazali’s teachings and metaphors are presented in story form for children of any age, but are also suitable for the spiritual lives of both parents and teachers. Themes that are repeated to emphasize their importance in the 40 stories are concerned with: True Learning itself, the purpose of our brief lives, the Two Worlds, Trust in God’s Will, the polishing of the Spiritual Heart through self observation and correction, key virtues and harmful vices, and the responsibility of being a true teacher by putting one’s Knowledge into practice.
2. The Book of Belief for Children (Curriculum and Workbook).
This book presents very profound concepts about belief and the afterlife.
3. The Mysteries of Purification for Children (Curriculum and Workbook)
Now that you have learned some ways to polish your heart from the Book of Knowledge and also about what happens to us after death from the Book of Belief, when we are responsible
and accountable for how we have used our lives in this world, we turn to this essential book which will help you to better understand the importance and the meaning of purity.
What we are giving you here, from Imam al-Ghazali’s third book of the Revival of the Religious Sciences, are some of the inner meanings of purity which you will find fascinating and useful.
What he explains will greatly help all of you in your noble effort to polish your beautiful, shining hearts.
4. The Mysteries of Prayer for Children (Curriculum and Workbook)
This book strives to show them the canonic prayer (al-salat), which in addition to being one of the Five Pillars of the religion, is first and foremost an opportunity for communion with the Divinity, for focusing and concentration, and for expressing gratitude to God through words, physical postures, and inward state.
The stories in this series are written for older children, but the publishers' intention is that parents and teachers read each one and then convey the ideas in such a way that it is clear to a child yet unable to read. Many exercises in the workbooks are designed for small children with guidance from their family. The workbooks also contain material for older children, as well as activities and a curriculum to help reinforce Imam al-Ghazali’s teachings in a practical way.
In the workbooks, there is something for each age group. Parents can simplify the questions and activities for the very small; some of you might like to color; others can do the questions and activities on their very own. Comics are provided in the back of the workbook for older children, along with ideas for further activities and a school curriculum.
Please frequent the interactive website: ghazalichildren.org, where children may meet their global brothers and sisters and work together to create a better world. Essay and art competitions will be announced and submissions displayed. A section for parents and teachers invites contributions for further activities and reflections. Useful curriculum updates will regularly be provided. The Series’ books can also be downloaded on this new website where a variety of other resources may be enjoyed as well.