Imam al-Ghazali's thoughts on the Relationship between Muslims with Muslims and Muslims with Non-Muslims

Harmony and peace are the pillars to the formation of a superior and sustainable civilization. It will remain as long as understanding and unity can be implemented consistently by maintaining justice for all parties. This justice can be maintained as long as we adhere to the basic principles of human relations that have been outlined through Islamic law. Among the Islamic thinkers who talked about this was al-Ghazali (405-505H/1058-1111M). He is well known as an expert in various disciplines including fiqh, faith, philosophy and Sufism. This article discusses his thoughts on important aspects in this regard by focusing on his thoughts on the relationship between Muslims and Muslims and the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims. This article is the result of a study that uses content analysis as a data collection medium. In addition, interviews are also used to obtain relevant information, especially in the context of Malaysia. The findings of the study show that there are two forms of relationship that must be respected and implemented by Muslims. First, a relationship based on faith and second, a relationship based on rights, honor and humanity. Al-Ghazali's thoughts on this matter are also not discussed in a specific chapter in any of his works, instead it has been discussed in separate chapters such as in the chapters of muamalat, jinayah and jihad in accordance with the topics discussed. Clearly, whatever method we implement, the right and responsibility to preserve the relationship and justice among human beings must occur within the limits allowed by the Syara'.