AL-Ghazali (1058-1111) IN THE EYES OF CONTEMPORARY INDONESIAN MUSLIM INTELLECTUALS

Abstract

Indonesian Muslim intellectuals have positioned Al-Ghazali differently. Some accuse him of being responsible for the decline of the Islamic civilization, while others regard him as very influential in making the so-called Islamic rationalism. This paper aims to challenge the above two assumptions respectively through in-depth reading and analysis of the major works of each proponent. It is concluded that current studies on Al-Ghazali in Indonesia have not moved on from the old-fashion studies, which portray him negatively. However, his thought is very significant in directing discourses on theology and Sufism in Indonesia.