Watch Al-Ghazali - The Alchemist of Happiness

Al-Ghazali - The Alchemist of Happiness is a 2004 religious and spiritual biopic film revolving around the life and struggles of an Islamic philosopher and theologian, Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali, popularly regarded as "Hujjatul Islam," which means "The Proof of Islam." The movie, directed by Ovidio Salazar, takes viewers on a journey through the life of Al-Ghazali from his birth in the city of Tus, Persia, in the 11th century to his death in 1111. Viewers get to see how Al-Ghazali became one of the most influential Muslim scholars in history, praised for his contributions to Islamic philosophy, law, and mysticism.

The movie is set in the backdrop of 11th century Persia, a time when Islam was experiencing a major religious and political upheaval, and revolves around the themes of faith, knowledge, and self-discovery. Al-Ghazali, played by Dariush Arjmand, is shown as a precocious child, keen on learning about theology and logic. He is sent to the prestigious Nishapur School to continue his education, and he excels in his studies under the tutelage of Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni, played by Ghorban Najafi.

Despite his academic success, Al-Ghazali begins to question the nature of knowledge, faith, and religion. The teachings of ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle and Plato, conflict with his Islamic beliefs, leaving him confused and uncertain of how to reconcile the two. This causes him to question his faith and leads him into a spiritual crisis, which becomes the catalyst for his journey of self-discovery.

As Al-Ghazali's spiritual journey unfolds, he finds himself drawn to the mystical side of Islam, which teaches that the universe is a manifestation of God's infinite power, and that one can experience God's presence through prayer, meditation, and asceticism. Al-Ghazali's brushes with Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, change his life fundamentally and shape his views on religion and spirituality.

The film does a marvelous job of showing how Al-Ghazali's journey influenced his philosophical and theological writings, which have been instrumental in shaping Islamic thought for centuries. The movie offers a nuanced portrayal of how religious conflict and dogma can lead to spiritual disorientation and offers viewers an insight into how to question one's faith while remaining true to one's values.

The Alchemist of Happiness is a film that honors the life and work of Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali. It provides valuable insight into the character and teachings of Islam's most celebrated theologians and philosophers. The movie offers a unique and thoughtful perspective on Islamic history and spiritual practices that will be of interest to anyone seeking to understand the religion better.

The film's cinematography is stunning, providing viewers with a breathtaking view of the medieval Islamic world, its mosques, bazaars, and palaces. The performances of the cast, particularly Arjmand's portrayal of Al-Ghazali and Hajjar's portrayal of his wife, are exceptional, and the film's score adds to its emotional intensity.

In conclusion, Al-Ghazali - The Alchemist of Happiness is a well-made religious and spiritual biopic that provides valuable insight into one of the most significant thinkers in Islamic history. It is a film that inspires contemplation, reflection, and self-discovery and is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, spirituality, and philosophy.

Al-Ghazali - The Alchemist of Happiness is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.