The concept of human desire in Al-Ghazali's perspective

Desire (iradah) in humans refers to a person's instinct to achieve or the 'wants' that emerge from the ultimate desire for something. it pertains to matters concerning the hereafter. this article emphasised the concept of 'human desires' that is found in the quran based on the thinking of al-ghazali. it also guided by his famous literary work,ihya' ulum al-din. using the content analysis method,this qualitative study postulated that al-ghazali had presumed that the trait of desire in people refers to a deep sense of longing. this trait is used to achieve happiness in the hereafter as well as in efforts to encounter allah swt,when all pleasures and indulgences in life become insipid to someone who does not possess this trait. the study concludes that al-ghazali recommended that proper guidance in understanding the concept of 'human desire' and applying it can diffuse conflict produced by human desire. © universiti putra malaysia press.