An Epistle To The World: Ayyuha 'l-Walad

This book entitled "An Epistle to the World" is
the translation of the book entitled "Ayyuha-l-Walad" (Dear Beloved
Son) written in Arabic by Shaykh Al-Imaam Aboo Haamid Muhammad Al- Ghazaali
(RA). The existence of Al-Ghazaali's letter commonly known as "Ayyuha- I-Walad"
was credited to a scholar in the eleventh century whose challenge of his heart
towards his acquired series of knowledge led him to a state of confusion as to
how his knowledge would be beneficial to him in this world and the next world.
Based on this critical challenge that faced his heart through which he could
not identify the beneficial knowledge that would truly serve his religious and
socio-moral activities in this world as well as that knowledge which would
bring salvation to him in the next world, he thereby requested from his old
master, Shaykh Al-Imaam Muhammad Aboo Haamid Al-Ghazaali for the final counsel.
Therefore, Al-Ghazaali wrote him back in response to his request twenty four
piece of advice each of which commenced with the phrase
"Ayyuha-l-Walad" which automatically became the title of the letter.
Each advice is arranged alongside with its Arabic language in order that the
English readers would enjoy its messages and as well have access to its Arabic
version. Eventually, we hope that this book can be a lighthouse that guides all
the readers to the right path. It is from Allaah alone that we hope to be
guided to the success with His assistance. Praise to Allaah, Lord of the
universe.