Al-Ghazali: The Alchemist of Happiness

Film evenings begin with optional potluck refreshments and social hour at 6:30 pm,
followed by the film at 7:30 pm, followed by a discussion after the film.

Al-Ghazali: The Alchemist of Happiness

By Ovidio Salazar

This beautiful film explores the life and impact of the greatest spiritual and legal philosopher in Islamic history. It examines al-Ghazali's existential crisis of faith that arose from his rejection of religious dogmatism -- and in the process reveals profound parallels with our own times. Ghazali lived in an era of tremendous upheaval. We can see the many similarities to our own time. The problems that he addressed are not unlike those facing seekers everywhere and the answers he sought are still relevant today. But his path was largely abandoned by early 20th century Muslim reformers for the more strident and less tolerant school of Ibn Taymiyya. Combining drama with documentary, the film argues that Ghazali's Islam is the antidote for today's terror.

This powerful film does not just chart the curve of Ghazali's life and spiritual and intellectual development. The great achievement of the film is to portray the profound inner transformation that is the goal of every spiritual person. Through a subtle and sensitive cinematography that takes us on a great journey through Central Asia, Ovidio Salazar imperceptibly puts us in Ghazali's shoes. We come to understand that Ghazali's great inner journey was on behalf of every like-minded traveler regardless of time, place, and denomination. Ghazali became known as the Proof of Islam and his path of love and spiritual excellence overcame the pitfalls of the organized religion of his day.

Wheelchair accessible around the corner at 411 28th Street

$5 donations are accepted