Alchemy of Happiness

The Alchemy of Happiness is a work of Islamic philosophy by Persian theologian, philosopher, mystic, and moralist Al-Ghazzali. Written around AD 1105, this was one of many works by the great man to help Muslims clarify which aspects of contemporary philosophy contradicted the faith, and which supported it. In middle age, Al-Ghazzali was in the midst of a successful career as a well-known educator and guest at the court of a powerful vizier. Despite his accomplishments, he abandoned his lucrative posts in AD 1095 and disposed of his wealth, electing to live as an ascetic and mystic. He chose not to teach at state-sponsored schools anymore, opting for a life of seclusion and teaching at smaller, donation-supported schools. He was considered one of the renewers of Islam, who are said to appear at the start of each century to cleanse the faith and keep it pure. This belief was supported by Al-Ghazzali's writing. He wrote over seventy works during his lifetime, with another twenty