Workbook - Book of Knowledge for Children - Al-Ghazali

Overview for Parents and Teachers

Although al-Ghazali’s Book of Knowledge was directed at a community of theologians, jurists, and scholars, Fons Vitae found his insightful counsels could be usefully adapted for all ages.

The stories in this series are written for older children, but our 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. Examples of how to do this are to be found on the accompanying instructional DVD. 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.

Also posted is an interactive website: www.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. The Series’ books can also be downloaded on this new website where a variety of other resources may be enjoyed as well.

Certain themes from al-Ghazali’s Book One are presented repeatedly in the children’s stories in order to emphasize their importance and underscore their urgency. Among them are:

—Divisions of Knowledge, its importance and sacred sources.

—The brevity of human life whose true purpose is to know and worship Allah swt and prepare to meet Him.

—The Two Worlds: The fleeting enjoyment of this world and the Eternal Peace in the Abode of Permanence.

—Human dependence on God swt, trust in His Will.

—The polishing of the Spiritual Heart: self-observation and correction, key virtues and harmful vices.

—The provisions and focus for life’s journey, the importance of not wasting time.

—The quality of the true teacher and responsibility of the student: we are all teachers.

—Putting knowledge into practice.