One of the most important scholars of Islam is Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111) whose writings played an essential part in the establishment of Sufism. The Forty Foundations of Religion is his own abbreviation of The Revival of the Religious Science. It provides a succinct overview of Islamic belief in the mind, the realm of law, and the spirituality of Sufism.

This volume is part of SkyLight Paths Illuminations Series and for this paperback Aaron Spevack, assistant professor of Islam in the Religious Studies Department at Loyola University in New Orleans, has provided the translation and annotations. Here the reader will find access to the science of belief, Islamic ritual and practice, the purification of the heart for blameworthy character traits (such as anger, envy, arrogance, pride, and stinginess) and meritorious character traits (such as patience, gratitude, and love). Among the many other topics covered are providence, the soul, submission, faith, and spiritual perfection.