Letter to the disciple - A Muslim spiritual master answers the questions of his disciple, by Imam al-Ghazali

A disciple wondered: I have studied all kinds of branches of knowledge, I have devoted the flower of my age to learning and collecting them, and now I need to know which among them would be most useful to me. in the afterlife and would keep me good company in my grave, and what others would be of no use to me, in order to abandon them; as the Messenger of God said: "I protect myself from You against all useless knowledge".

This question never ceased to occupy this disciple and he decided to write in consultation, to his master, Imam al Ghazâlî , asking him some questions and soliciting advice and invocations in his favor ... will have to, is that my master writes in a few pages, what I need in my journey towards God. The imam responds to his disciple with this letter, known in Muslim literature as " Ayyuhâ al walad ": O young man! O my son! This letter is a compendium of wisdom and relevant advice for those who want to discover or advance on the spiritual path of Islam.

"Giving advice is an easy thing, but the most difficult thing is to accept it and follow it, because it tastes bitter to those who follow their passions because prohibitions are sweet to their hearts. ..." Al Ghazali