ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali's conception of an Islamic state. The role of the state among reformers was focused on communal stability and the application of Islamic law. It focuses on the critique of oppression and tyranny by al-Ghazali through the Qur'anic narrative of Pharaoh. The chapter reviews the solution proposed by al-Ghazali to the predicament of tyranny among Muslims, the principle of democracy. It illustrates facets of social justice, women and non-Muslims in al-Ghazali's thought. Expansion of the juristic account of the Islamic tradition by al-Ghazali aimed to include elements of gender participation and religious equality in a context of citizenship. The chapter analyses the notion of holy struggle in al-Ghazali's project of renewal. Comprehensive in meaning and scope, the notion of holy struggle occupies a central position in al-Ghazali's interpretation. The chapter explores al-Ghazali's positions towards nationalism.
