The Rank of Imām al-Ghazāli and his book, Ihyā Ulūm ad-Dīn

Imām Abū al-Hasan Ash-Shādhili, may Allah be well pleased with him, had a dream that he went into Jerusalem and he saw the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him sitting on an elevated chair while there were other Prophets. He heard Sayyīdina Musā Alayhīs Salām ask the Prophet, "You say the scholars of your nation are like the prophets of the Israelites." The Prophet peace be upon him responded, "Yes. Would you like to see one of them?" Sayyidīna Musā Alayhis Salām said, "Yes." The Prophet turned and said, "Where is Abū Hamid (Al-Ghazālī)?"

Allahu Akbar. Imām al-Haddād said that this was proof that he surpassed all other scholars in his writings.

This can be found in history books and is mentioned by Imām Nawawi and Imām al-Haddād.

Hamza Yūsuf - Weak Hadīth in Ihya Ulūm ad-Dīn

Defense of the Ihyā by Imām al-Ghazāli - Mufti Abdur Rahmān ibn Yūsuf

Scholars appraisal of Imām al-Ghazāli by Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi