Characteristics of Corrupt Scholars

In his magnum opus, Ihya Ulum ad-Din (vol. II, p. 381), Hujjatul Islam Imam al-Ghazali advised: “Indeed, the corruption of the people is caused by the corruption of their rulers. And the corruption of rulers is caused by the corruption of the scholars. And the corruption of scholars is caused by the love of wealth and position. Whoever is dominated by worldly ambition will not be able to manage the common people, let alone their rulers. Allah is the place to seek resolution for all matters.” As a great scholar, Imam Ghazali often criticised rulers who began to deviate from Islamic principles. He similarly reminded political leaders about the priority of Allah SWT’s laws. His work entitled al-Tibr al-Masbuk fi Nasihati al-Muluk contains many of Imam Ghazali’s thoughts on politics. The book was also intended as advice directed at political rulers, particularly Sultan Muhammad bin Malik Syak of the Seljuk Dynasty.