'The Alchemy of Happiness' emphasized the importance of observing the ritual requirements of Islam, the actions that would lead to salvation, and avoidance of sin. Ghazzali finally won acceptance for Sufism in Islam, and his methods of argument and analysis powerfully impressed the scholars of the West, who imitated him extensively.

The work emphasized the importance of observing the ritual requirements of Islam, the actions that would lead to salvation, and avoidance of sin. The factor that set the Alchemy apart from other theological works at the time was its mystical emphasis on self-discipline and asceticism. Sa'āda (happiness) is a central concept in Islamic philosophy used to describe the highest aim of human striving. Sa'āda is equated with "ultimate happiness," namely that of the hereafter. It is achieved only after a human being has liberated his/her soul completely from its corporal existence, achieving "active intellect." The teachings were to help man to live a life in accordance with the sacred law, and by doing so gain a deeper understanding of its meaning on the day of Judgement.