Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Do we need permission to read the books of Imam al-Ghazali?
The books of Imam al-Ghazali are extremely beneficial and are quick to rectify and illuminate the heart. It is said that the early Ba `Alawi Imams praised two things to a great extent: the books of Imam al-Ghazali and the visit of the Prophet Hud (peace be upon him). This shows that there is a general permission to read the books and there is nothing to stop the person reading it.