Al-Ghazālī’s Perspective on Human Spiritual Components: Heart, Spirit, Soul, and Intellect

Abstract

This study examines Al-Ghazālī’s perspective on four fundamental human spiritual components: the heart (qalb), spirit (ruh), soul (nafs), and intellect (‘aql). Using qualitative methodology through literature analysis focused on Al-Ghazālī’s primary works, particularly “Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din,” this research explores how these components form the architecture of human spirituality in Islamic thought. The findings reveal that Al-Ghazālī conceptualizes each component with dual dimensions - material and spiritual - while establishing their interconnections within his integrated philosophicalSufi framework. The heart functions as both a physical organ and a divine subtle essence capable of knowing God; the soul represents both lower tendencies requiring discipline and the essential human nature; the intellect serves as the distinguishing human faculty with both theoretical and practical capacities; and the spirit exists as both biological life force and divine essence. This research contributes to understanding Al-Ghazālī’s holistic approach to human spiritual development, where purification of these four components leads to spiritual perfection and divine knowledge, offering valuable insights for contemporary Islamic psychology.