Ihya ‘uloom ud-deen

BY SIGNING UP TO THIS COURSE, YOU WILL RECEIVE THE RECORDINGS OF THE CLASSES.

Ihya ‘uloom ud-deen is a book for spiritual development and a guide to self gnosis. It was written by master of the sciences, Hujjatul Islam, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali. It is a timeless masterpiece in its outline, structure and depth, and a pragmatic work that prescribes remedies for untold spiritual illnesses by blending theory with practice. Imam al-Ghazali approaches each disease as a physician of the soul. He examines: a. its essence b. its drivers c. its symptoms d. its rational and practical
remedies.

This book was written amid much societal turmoil, as well as war and bloodshed from the onslaught of the crusaders. Some detractors questioned al-Ghazali about him not discoursing on these wars, while he was purporting spiritual growth as being the backbone and soul for physically overcoming the enemy. He was undoubtedly right; it wasn’t surprising, therefore, that Sultan Salah ad-Din al Ayyubi insisted that the teachings of al Ihya were essential and fundamental to the shaping of his forces.

Al Ihya is a lengthy work of great depth. Time moves fast and people are busy. As a result, the need for a structured spiritual plan has not diminished, just increased. This course aims to present the book in an accessible, applicable and easy-to understand way. 

Shaykh Sulayman Van Ael’s bond with the Ihya is a strong one. The book has been one of the primers on his journey to Allah throughout his life. He says:
“I was given permission to teach the Ihya by two of my noble Mashayikh, Shaykh Tawfik Dhamra, with Sanad and Ijaza, and another Shaykh, my educator whose
name I do not wish to mention so that my lack in following his teachings would not harm his name, without Sanad and Ijaza. This was in 2012. In 2022, I received permission from Shaykh Marwan al Katib to teach his summarised version of Ihya. I was also asked by Dr Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad to teach 2 chapters from Ihya ‘uloom ud-din in his series ‘Travelling Light’, at Bukhara, Uzbekistan in September 2022.” 

Shaykh Sulayman will pass on Sanad to Imam Ghazali to those students who complete this course with him, in sha Allah.

Dates: The class will take place online, weekly, linked to school terms and recordings available.
Tentative start date: Friday 14th September 2022, 8pm (to be confirmed)
Length: As long as it takes to complete by Allahs permission . Class will be weekly, term time only - subject ustaads availability
Our Teacher, Shaykh, Scholar-Lecturer Wim Sulayman van Ael is: 
*Scholar-Lecturer in Hadeeth Sciences, Arabic (B.A.Hons) and memorisation techniques at Cambridge Muslim College
*Khatib and Mufti at Kingston Muslim Association
*Founder, Director and Head Teacher: True You www.trueyou.site
*Psychotherapist and CBT Therapist: www.muslimmentalhealth.uk
*Researcher at Edara
*Spiritual Guide at Lady Nafisa School
*Spritual Guide at Azeez Foundation
*Scholar-Teacher at Karima Foundation
*Qari-Muqri of the ten Qir-at
*Former student counsellor at LSE, Imperial College and SOAS
*Former Host-Professor of Islamic Sciences at Erasmus and the University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam
*Was employed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Jordan as Imam and Khateeb (as Muezzin)
*Former Head Teacher of Islam-Teachers, Flanders, delivering training and providing guidance on behalf of the Muslim Executive at Erasmus High School
Scholar-Lecturer Shaykh Wim Sulayman van Ael has been included in The 500 Most Influential Muslims since 2017, in the categories of Spiritual Leaders and Social
Issues. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a pre-Master’s in Mental Care, and is a registered CBT Therapist, Mindfulness Therapist and Psychosocial Counsellor