Sexuality in al-Ghazali's Theory of Mystical Practices, with Special Reference to His Cosmology

Abstract

This paper analyzes the importance of sex in Abu Hamid al-Ghazali's mystical thought, and especially clarifies the connection between his mystical cosmology and the discussion of sexual matters. It starts with al-Ghazali's asceticism, and discusses the comparison of appetite with sexual desire. Further, it examines the originality of al-Ghazali's discussion of sexual matters in the history of Sufi thought, comparing it with that of Abu Talib al-Makki and Ibn al-'Arabi. At first, al-Makki's mystical cosmology is fragmentary, and he recommends restraining sexual desire. On the other hand, al-Ghazali systematizes al-Makki's cosmology and discusses the ascension of the human soul in his cosmology, and further he admits the positive power of sex. As a result of the connection of his views of sex and his mystical cosmology, he establishes the thought that sexual desire can be an inducement to the worship of God, especially mystical practices. Ibn al-'Arabi, who advocates the theory of the unity of being, emphasizes the sexual union of man and woman, which overlaps the unity of God and the world. It is concluded that al-Ghazali appropriates the positive power of sex in his thought, and develops the theory of mystical practices which accords with his own mystical cosmology.