Biography - Syedna Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani R.A

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Full Name:            Mohiyuddin Abu Muhammad Abdul Qadir al-Jilani al-Hasani wa'l-Hussaini
Born:                       1 Ramadan 470 AH or Saturday March 17, 1077 or 1078
Jurisprudence:    Hanbali
Birthplace:            Gilan, Persia
Passed Away:        11th Rabi al-thani 561 AH ≈ Monday, February 14, 1166 CE
Place of burial:     Baghdad, Iraq
Order:                     Qadri (Founder)
Father:                    Hazrat Abu Salih Musa al-Hasani Radiallahu Anhu
Mother:                  Hazrat Fatima Sani al-Hussaini Radiallahu Anha
Son(s):                    Hazrat Abdul-Razzaq Gilani Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Saifuddin Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Sharfuddin Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Abu Bakr Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Sirajuddin Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Yahya Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Musa Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Muhammad Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Ibrahim Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Abdullah Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Abdul Wahhab Gilani Radiallahu Anhu
                                    Hazrat Abu Naser Musa Radiallahu Anhu
Descendants     
Other Titles:        Sheikh ("Leader")
                                   Abdul Qadir ("Servant of the All-Powerful")
                                   Al-Jilani ("One Who Is from Gilan")
                                   Muhiyud-Din ("Reviver of the Religion")
                                   Abu Muhammad ("Father of Muhammad")
                                   Al-Ghawth al-A'zam  ("The Supreme Helper")
                                   Sultan al-Awliya ("The King of the Saints")
                                   Al-Hasani wa'l-Husayni ("descendant of Hasan and Husayn ibn Ali")
                                   Piran-e-pir
                                   The Rose of Baghdad

FAMILY & LINEAGE :

biography, bio, history, islam, images, sheikh, shaikh, abdul kadir jilani, gilani, baghdad, iraq, wali, friend of god, allah, muhammad, ghous e azamOne of his many titles is ‘al-Hasani wal Husseini’ because he was blessed with direct lineage to the Holy Prophet ﷺ through his father Sheikh Abu Saleh Moosa radiallahu anhu who was a direct descendant of Imam Hassan radiallahu anhu. He was a very pious and humble person as well as a master in the tactics of Jihad and it was due to this that he was given the title of “Jangi Dost”. Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu was also blessed with direct lineage to the Holy Prophet ﷺ through his mother Sayyida Bibi Ummul Khair Fatima radiallahu anhu who was a direct descendant of Imam Hussein radiallahu anhu. She was also a very pious person. The circumstances surrounding the blessed marriage of Hazrat Abu Saleh Moosa radiallahu anhu and Hazrat Bibi Ummul Khair radiallahu anha were quite miraculous to say the least.

Sayyidi Abdullah Sauma’ee was the maternal grandfather of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu. He was a very patient, humble, kind and sincere person. Sayyida Aisha Zaahida radiallahu anha was the paternal aunt of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu. She was a very kind and pious woman. Her entire life was spent in the remembrance of Almighty Allah.

PROPHECIES:

Many prophecies regarding Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) were made before his birth by renowned Sufi Saints. These were emphasized on his birth, eminence and spiritual attainments.

Sheikh-ul-Mashaa’ikh, Sayyiduna Junaid Al-Baghdadi radiallahu anhu: He lived two hundred years before Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu and foretold his coming in the following manner. Once, while Sheikh Junaid al-Baghdadi radiallahu anhu was in a state of spiritual ecstasy, he stated: “His foot is on my shoulders; his foot is on my shoulders.” After he had come out of this spiritual condition, his disciples questioned him concerning these words. He said, “I have been informed that a great Saint will be born towards the end of the fifth century. His name shall be Abdul Qadir and his title will be Muhiyuddin. He will be born in Jilan and he will reside in Baghdad. One day, on the Command of Allah, he will say, ‘My foot is on the shoulders of all the Awliya Allah’. While in my spiritual condition, I saw his excellence and these words were uttered by me without my control.”

Imam Hassan Askari radiallahu anhu: Sheikh Abu Muhammad radiallahu anhu states that before his demise, Imam Hassan Askari radiallahu anhu handed over his Jubba (Cloak) to Sayyiduna Imam Ma’roof Karki radiallahu anhu and asked him to pass it over to Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu. Sheikh Imam Ma’roof Karki radiallahu anhu passed over this cloak to Sayyiduna Junaid al-Baghdadi radiallahu anhu, who in turn passed it over to Sheikh Danoori radiallahu anhu . From here it was then passed down until it reached Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu in the year 497 A.H. (Makhzanul Qaaderiah)

Sheikh Abu Bakr Bin Haw’waar radiallahu anhu: He lived before the time of al-Ghawth al-A’zam radiallahu anhu and was amongst the distinguished Mashaa’ikh of Baghdad. Once, while he was sitting in his majlis, he said, “There are seven Aqtaab (High-Ranking Awliya) of Iraq:
   1. Sheikh Ma’roof Karki radiallahu anhu
   2. Sheikh Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal radiallahu anhu
   3. Sheikh Bishr Haafi radiallahu anhu
   4. Sheikh Mansoor bin Amaar radiallahu anhu
   5. Sayyiduna Junaid al-Baghdadi radiallahu anhu
   6. Sheikh Sahl bin Abdullah Tastari radiallahu anhu
   7. Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu

When he heard this, Sayyidi Abu Muhammad radiallahu anhu, who was a mureed of Sheikh Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu asked, “We have heard and know six of these names, but the seventh, we have not heard of. O Sheikh! Who is Abdul Qadir Jilani?” Sheikh Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu replied by saying: “Abdul Qadir radiallahu anhu will be a non-Arab (and a) pious man. He will be born towards the end of the fifth century Hijri and he will reside in Baghdad.” (Bahjatul Asraar)
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Sheikh Khaleel Balkhi radiallahu anhu: He was a great Wali-Allah and had passed away before the time of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu. Once while he was seated with his disciples, he said: “A pure servant of Allah will become apparent in Iraq towards the end of the fifth century. The world will gain brightness from his presence. He will be the Ghaus of his time. The creation of Allah will be obedient to him, and he will be the Leader of the Awliya Allah.” (Azkaarul Abraar)

Imam Muhammad Bin Sa’eed Zanjani radiallahu anhu: He stated as follows in his distinguished work, “Nuzhatul Khawatir”: “From the era of Sheikh Abi Ali Hassan Yasaarajuwi radiallahu anhu up to the era of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu, every Wali that passed this earth, foretold the coming and the excellence of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani radiallahu anhu.” (Nuzhatul Khawatir)

Hazrat Sheikh Hamadoo Bas (Allah's mercy be on him) was once sitting with young Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) and when the latter went away Hazrat Sheikh Hamadoo Bas reflected that the foot of this Ajmi (non Arab) will be on the neck of all saints i.e. (He will be accepted as the leader). 

Once while in his Rubat Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) during the course of conversation with the saints (about 50), said, “My foot on the neck of all the saints”. All the saints bent their heads and came under his fold e.g. Sheikh Ali Heti, Hazrat Sheikh Baqa lbn Baltoo, Hazra Sheikh Abu Saeed Teloolli, Hazrat Sheikh Abu Najeeb Suharwardy, Hazrat Sheikh Qasib ul Ban Mosul, Hazrat Sheikh Abu Saood (Allah's mercy be on him) etc. Hazrat Sheikh Abu Saeed Taloolli later informed that at the moment he witnessed in Divine light and felt the presence of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Blessings of Allah and peace be on him). It seemed that the angels and all the saints had bent their heads.

On the night of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani's (Allah’s mercy be on him) birth his father Hazrat Moosa Abu Saleh was congratulated in a dream by Allah’s Messenger (Blessing of Allah and peace be on him). He predicted that the child would be a son who would be a beloved of Allah’s (Mehboob-e- Subhani) and would command universal respect among the saint. The name ‘Abdul Qadir’ was also revealed by Allah to his parents which means great power signifying Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) high status.

BIRTH:

According to authentic narrations, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Anhu was born in a place called Neef, which is situated in Jilan (Persia). According to Imam Yaaqoot Hamwi Radiallahu Anhu, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Anhu was born in a place called Bashteer. Most historians agree that Neef and Bashteer were different names for the same place. Since he was born in Jilan, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Anhu is known as al-Jilani. Concerning his birth, he personally states the following in his “Qasida-e-Ghausia”: “I am Al Jilani, my name is Muhiyuddin, and my banners fly on mountain tops.”

There are two narrations concerning the date of birth of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Anhu. The first narration is that he was born on the 1st of Ramadan 470 AH. The second narration is that he was born on the eve of the 2nd of Ramadan 470 AH. The second narration seems to be the one more favoured amongst the scholars. His birth was a great blessing for the Ummah. It was the arrival of the Sultan al-Awliya (King of the Awliya), which had been foretold for centuries before his birth.

MIRACLES SURROUNDING HIS BIRTH :

  • At the time of his birth his mother was nearly 60 years old, an age when women are usually unable to have children.
  • On the night of the Mi'raaj (Ascension), the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ blessed foot stepped on the neck of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Anhu to mount al-Buraq. When he was born, the impression of the footprint of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was present on Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Anhu. This alone was proof of his Sainthood.
  • On the eve of his birth, approximately eleven hundred males were born in Jilan and every one of them became a Wali of Allah.
  • Hazrat Abu Saleh Moosa Radiallahu Anhu, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Anhu's father, had a dream in which he saw our Beloved Prophet ﷺ, who said to him:
O my son Abu Saleh, Allah, Most High has given you a child who is my beloved son and also the beloved of Allah. His ranking among the Awliya is akin to my rank among the Prophets.
  • Almighty Allah gave glad tidings to his parents in their dream that their son would be the Sultan al-Awliya and those who oppose him would be Gumrah (misled).
  • During Ramadan, news had spread that the infant refused to take milk from dawn until sunset, thereby implying that the newborn child was observing the fast. During the following year, when the moon could not be sighted due to heavy clouds, the people decided to observe Ramadan on the basis of whether Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Radiallahu Anhu had accepted milk during the day or not.

CHILDHOOD :

Hazrat Abu Muhammed Abdul Qadir (Allah’s mercy be on him) was born in Naif district of Jilan in Iran (Persia) on the 1st of Ramzan 470 AH (1077 AD). His father Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani Abu Saleh Moosa Jungi Dost was a saintly man and a direct descendant of Hazrat Imam Hasan Ibne Ali (Allah be pleased with them)

His mother Fatima was the daughter of Abdullah Somaye, a saintly person and a direct descendant of Imam Husain (Allah be pleased with him). Imam Hasan and Imam Husain are the sons of Hazrat Fatima (Allah be pleased with her) and Hazrat Ali (Allah be pleased with him) and grandsons of Prophet Hazrat Muhammed (Blessing of Allah and peace be on him). 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) was the youngest child of his parents. At the time of his birth his mother was nearly 60 years old. Within a few weeks new spread that the infant refused to suck milk until sunset, thereby implying that the newly born child was observing fast as it was the holy month of Ramadan. Thus when in the following year the moon could not be sighted due to heavy clouds, the people came next morning for the guidance at the house of Hazrat Moosa Abu Saleh. The people decided to observe Ramadan on the basis,whether Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) had accepted milk or not. 

He was very young when his father died. His maternal grandfather Abdullah Somaye showered on him his love and blessings. After sometime his grandfather too died and his old loving mother took care of him. He received his early education at home where he learned general knowledge, Theology and the Holy Qur’aan from his mother. By the time he was 18 years old he had absorbed most of the religious education at Jilan and memorized the whole Qur’aan. His thirst for knowledge urged him to go to Baghdad for higher and religious education. His mother, with a heavy heart bid him farewell and entrusted him to the care of Allah and instructed him to always speak the truth. Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) took leave of his mother, fully aware that he may not see her again if he went to Baghdad, and promised to heed her advice. 

BAIT , KHILAFAT AND SHIJRA SHARIF :

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) had been elevated to Khilafat by is Shaikh Hazrat Abu Saeed Mubarak (Allah’s mercy be on him ) but he did not offer bait to anyone . After the death of the Shaikh, all his disciples and students accepted him as the right successor of the of the Shaikh and renewed their bait upon Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani’s (Allah’s mercy be on him ).

Spiritual Lineage of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him)

I

1. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammed (Blessing of Allah’s and peace be on him) 
2. Hazrat Ali (Allah be pleased with him). 
3. Khwaja Hasan Basri . 
4. Shaikh Habib Ajami. 
5. Shaikh Dawood Tai. 
6. Shaikh Maroof Karkhi. 
7. Shaikh Sirri Saqati. 
8. Shaikh Junaid Bagdadi. 
9. Shaikh Abu Bakr Shibli. 
10. Shaikh Abul Fazal Abdul Wahid Tamimi. 
11. Shaikh Abul Farah Tartoosi. 
12. Shaikh Abul Hasan Ali bin Muhammed Al Quraishi. 
13. Shaikh Abu Saeed Mubarak bin Ali Mukharrumi. 
14. Shaikh Sayed Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on them all). 

II

1. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammed (Blessing of Allah’s and peace be on him ). 
2. Hazrat Ali Bin Abu Talib (Allah be pleased with him). 
3. Imam Hasan. 
4. Imam Husain. 
5. Imam Zainul Abideen. 
6. Imam Muhammed Baqar. 
7. Imam Jafar Sadiq. 
8. Imam Moosa Kazim. 
9. Imam Ali Raza (Allah be pleased with them). 
10. Shaikh Maroof Karkhi. 
11. Shaikh Sirri Saqati. 
12. Shaikh Junaid Bagdadi. 
13. Shaikh Abdul Waheed. 
14. Shaikh Abu Saeed Mubarak Mukharrumi. 
15. Shaikh Sayed Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on them all). 

TRAVEL :

After gaining Marifat-e-Ilahi (Revelations) from Allah, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s Mercy be on him) was ordered by Allah to come out of seclusion and serve humanity. He toured many Arab and Asian lands and attended many villages. He travelled as far as Ceylon Sri Lanka and observed vigil on a hill known as Daftar-e-Jilani. The teachings of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s Mercy be on him) and their adherence to it by the Muslims of Sri Lanka has been handed down through generation and bear testimony to their inheritance. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s Mercy be on him) noticed that Muslims were ignorant of Islam and its teachings. People who preached did not practise the teachings of Qur’aan and Sunnah. Many in the garb of ulemas and sufis etc. capitalised on the ignorance of the masses and mislead them. He prayed to Allah for guidance and was inspired to go back to Baghdad and train people in the basic teachings of Islam.

ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE AND BAGHDAD :

Young Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him), after his depature from Jilan, arrived in Baghdad during the reign of Abbasid Caliphate in 488 AH (1095 AD).Due to diverse sects and interest and lust for power there was a choas and disunity in the Islamic world. The Muslim rules had lost all sense of duty and paid no heed to Islamic teachings. But there remained many learned scholars in different fields who imparted knowledge to students coming from all over the world. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him ) was a complete stranger in the city of Bagdad and after few days of wandering he met Hazrat Shaikh Qazi Abu Saeed Mubarak bin Ali Mukharruni (Allah’s mercy be on him ).Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him ) became his disciple and was admitted in his master’s Jamia – College of Islamic Jurisprudence.Here were also many eminent scholars and teachers with mastery over their respective subjects. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy on him ) received guidiance from them and acquired proficiency in many different topics and proved himself a worthy student of renowned teachers. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him ) had a great interest in Hadis and he attented the classes of Hazrat Abu Muhammed Jafar al Siraj, Hazrat Abdul Gani Muhammed bin Ali Manoon al Farasi ,Hazrat Abu Usman Ismail bin Muhammed Ali Ashabani , Hazrat Abdul Barkat Talha al Aquib (Allah’s mercy be on them) and many more. He was efficient in Tafseer, qirat (rectation of Qur’aan) and skilled in philosophy, logic (montiq) and lughat (vocabulary). He perfected himself in shariyat (islamic law) and tariqat (spiritual and moral path) and philosophy, from Hazrat Abu Zakria al Tabrezi (Allah’s mercy be on him). He mastered Jurisprudence in Hambali and Shafaee Fiqh from : 

1. Hazrat Abu Saeed Mubarak al Mukharruni. 
2. Hazrat Abul wafa Ibne Aquil. 
3. Hazrat Shaikh Abul Khattab Mehfooz al Kalawani. 
4. Abul Hasan Muhammad bin Qazi Abul Ula. 
5. Hazrat Muhammed bin Husain (Allah's mercy be on them).His other teachers were Hazrat Abu Bakr Bin Muzaffar , Hazrat Abu Ghalib Baklani, Hazrat Abu Saeed bin Habish and Hazrat Abu Talim bin Yusuf (Allah's mercy be on them). 

Every student at the institution had to make an effort to study as well as provide oneself with the necessities of life.Education, knowledge, struggle, hardship became the aim of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’smercy be on him).He was blessed by Allah with great forbearance and thirst for knowledge. 

Due to his natural talents and devotion he became a master of all the subjects and his efficiency and respectful nature made him very popular. He was very truthful and charitable and also had to endure great hardship. Together with his studies he used to practice Mujaheda (to conquer the self). He fasted very often and perferred to go without food rather than ask for it. He practised all that he had learnt in the books. 

His teachers Hazrat Abu Saeed Mubarak Mukharruni was very fond of him and blessed him. He said that Hazrat Abul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) would bring in a new era in the Islamic religion and all will benefit from him. At the graduation ceremony the master congratulated Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) and praised him as being a genius. His mastery over the subjects was profound and on several occasions they had benefited from Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani ‘s (Allah's mercy be on him) interpretation of Hadith. 

After completing his education he started teaching in his master’s school. Even as a teacher he became very famous and many students from all over the world came to attend his classes. Eight long years of spiritual training and Islamic education, and contact with elevated personalities filled his heart with the love of Allah and by the age of 26 years, he had received inspiration by the Grace of Allah.

MIRACLES :

By the grace of Allah, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was able to perform many miracles (Karamat). This was the result of Allah’s love and faith in Allah, his prayers and selfless service to Allah’s creatures. His comtemporary scholars, jurists and saints accepted that Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was endowed by Allah to perform miracles for the benefit of Islam : Shaikh Al bin Al Haiti, Shaikh Abu Masood Ahewan bin Abu Bakr Khazeemi, Shaikh Abu Umar Usman Sarmaqi, Shaikh Shahabuddin Suharwardy, Imam Abdullah Yafai, etc. 

Some of the miracles:

1) When Shaikh Shahabudin Suharwardy was young, he was interested only in philosophy and inclined towards kalam. His uncle brought him to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) who put his hand on the boy’s chest and prayed to Allah. By the grace of Allah Shaikh Shahabuddin Suharwardy forgot all about it and lost interest in those subjects. His heart was filled with the love of Allah and Marifat-eIlahi. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) predicted that Shaikh Shahabuddin Suharwardy would, after him, become very famous and respected. Later Shaikh Shahabuddin Suharwardy became a great saint of Suharwardy order. 

2) Once there was a great flood in the river Tigris causing great havoc of life and property. Fearing that many may drown, some people of Baghdad approached Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him). After hearing their sad tale he accompanied them to the bank of the river Tigris. He put his stick in the water, prayed to Allah and said, "O Tigris, stop by Allah’s Command and go back on your way." The flood subsided and the water level slowly returned to normal. 

3) Many other saints were jealous as Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was respected and popular. Some of them decided to disturb him by asking him tough questions when Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) would deliver his sermons. One day they attended Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani's (Allah's mercy be on him) sermon and waited for the proper time to overcome him with questions. But Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) answered the questions in his sermons before they could be put to him looking deeply at the scholar who had intended to put those questions to him. Those who has come to embarrass him were dumbfounded and ashamed at their wrong intention. At the end of the sermon they apologized to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) who forgave them. 

4) Once Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) went to visit his ailing devotee Shaikh Ali bin Al Haiti, who was staying in an orchard belonging to Shaikh Abdul Muzzaffar Ismail. Later Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) saw two withering date trees and he called for water and performed ablution under one tree and prayed under the other. After Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) departed the date trees slowly regained strength and flourished. 

Some more miracles of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him)

1) Once a trader invited Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) to dine at his house. Although he did not disclose his intention to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) his main purpose was to gain blessings for his paralytic blind son. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) accepted his invitation with some hesitation. When he reached the house of his host, many honoured guests were already present. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) also joined them and when the host began to serve food he asked the host to bring his ailing son before him. The surprised host brought forth his son in front of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) who placed his hand on his chest and said, ‘Get up by the Command of Allah". By the grace of Allah and the blessings of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) the boy was cured of his disease. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) then left without eating as the real mission was achieved. Shaikh Khizar Hussain of Mosul had said that Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was a great blessing to the sick and the needy. 

2) Once a pious lady devotee of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was harassed by a drunkard. He tried to molest her and she was not able to free herself. At that moment, with tears in ther eyes, she invoked the help of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him). At that particular moment Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was performing ablution. He got annoyed and ordered his sandals to protect the chaste lady and award a suitable punishment to the miscreant. The sandals flew in the air and arrived at the spot of the incident. They banged on the head of the drunkard and made him unconscious. The relieved lady returned to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) with his sandals and thanked him and Allah. 

3) Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was once giving a sermon in his school. Suddenly it began to rain. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) looked at the sky and said, “I collect people for your sake and you are bent on scattering them. “These words were so effective that the rain stopped falling on the school but it continued to rain at a distance. 

4) Once in his youth, Shaikh Abul Muzzaffar Mansoor, son of Al Mubarak visited Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) with a phisophical book in his hand. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) asked him to part away with the book but he hesitated. Then Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) gave him a penetrating look and ordered him to give the book. Shaikh Abul Muzaffar opened the book only to find blank pages. He handed the book to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) who turned the pages and said that this book relates to the dignity of Qur’aan and is written by Muhammed, son of ‘Kharees’. When he opened the book again he saw that is was in a beautiful script and contained the matter as aforesaid by Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him). 

MEDITATION (MUJAHEDA) :

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) often left the city life and wandered the lonely deserts and jungles of Iraq. He endured hardships and self-denial to discipline his self (anaa, ego) and purify his soul, heart and mind. He urged his entire self towards Allah as it was done by Prophet Hazrat Muhammed (Blessings of Allah and peace be on him). He would recite the Qur’aan and often complete the whole offer prolonged prayers during the whole night. Often there would be no need for fresh ablution for the morning prayers. He wore a long woolen robe and lived on dates and water. 

Once Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) had nothing to eat for several days and he wandered near the ruins of the palace Kasra in search of Mubah (something permissible). But when he reached there he saw 70 other holy men searching for food. Seeing them he returned to Baghdad, tired and sad. On the way back he met a foreigner who had a message from his mother, she had sent him some money. It was a gift from Allah. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) went back and distributed the money amongst the 70 pious people after keeping some for himself. [As narrated by Hazrat ShaikhTalha bin Muzaffar (Allah's mercy be on him)]. 

After many trials and tribulations, he developed tolerance and will power and had great determination and complete faith in Allah. He avoided situations and conditions that would disturb his prayers as he longed for closeness towards Allah. He uplifted those standards of quality and steadfastness according to which Allah measures His aspirant loved ones. 

Once Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) resolved neither to eat or drink or change dress until he was given all those by a pious person favoured by Allah. Thirty nine (39) days passed in this manner by meditation and prayers. 

On the 40th days someone left a plate of food by his side and went away. Although he was attracted towards the food due to hunger, he did not break his pledge. Also he was a Syed, and if the food was Zakaat or charity then it was forbidden to him. Hence, he decided not to partake the food. 

After sometime his teacher, Abu Saeed Mukharruni (Allah's mercy be on him) arrived and enquired about his welfare and invited Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) to his house. He accepted his master’s invitation and informed that his nafs (self) was restless but his spirit was blessed by Allah and His secret was now revealed to him. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani's (Allah's mercy be on him) successful struggle (mujaheda) made the master so happy that he served Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) food with own hands. He also awarded Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) the khirqa (robe) and made him enter his khilafat. The teacher also informed that his sole robe was of prophet Hazrat Muhammed (Blessings of Allah and peace be on him) who had bestowed it to Hazrat Ali (Allah's mercy be on him) and thereafter it passesd on through generation from saint, to saint, until it had reached him.

DESCIPLES AND FAMILY :

Many of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani's (Allah's mercy be on him) contemporaries and older saints respected him and accepted his unique elevated position. They said, 'Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani was honoured by Allah and enjoyed highest spiritual status and nearness to Allah.' He was courteous, affectionate to the poor and to the lovers of knowledge and strict with wrongdoers. He never stood up for the caliphs and never accepted their invitations. The caliphs respected Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) and when they received letters from him to redress the wrong, they would do it immediately. 

Through generations, historians, mystic poets and scholars have praised Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) and have expressed high opinion about him in their books. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) established the Tarique-Qadiri i.e. Qadri order on the traditions set by Allah’s Messenger, which was followed by his Companions and by their followers (Taaba-in). The ideal as preached by Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) is to be lost in the service of Allah, absolute dedication to Allah, love of the Prophet, to avoid evil and worldly pleasures, and to do service to humanity modeled upon the life of Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. This is Tasawwuf. The objective of the Qadriya order is to practice Taqwa (fear of Allah) and to establish society on sublime values. 

All the illustrious sons of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) and many of his mureeds were elevated to khilafat by him. Some are : 

1. Shah Abu Umar Qureshi Marzook 
2. Shaikh Qareeb Alban Mosali 
3. Shaikh Ahmed bin Mubarak 
4. Shaikh Abu Saeed Shibli 
5. Shaikh Shahabuddin Suharwardy 
6. Shaikh Sayed Ahmed Rafai, etc. 

Numerour followers of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) carried the torch of Qadiriya order to different countries of the world, e.g. 

1. Shaikh Usman Morwadi Lal Baz Qalandar (Shewan Sharif, Sind, Pakistan) 
2. Sayed Mubarak Haqani (Uch Sharif, Punjab) 
3. Shaikh Aman Panipati 
4. Shaikh Bahauddin Junedi (Sirhind, India) 
5. Sayedna Abdullah Sahani (Thatta, Pakistan) 
6. Shah Abul Muali Qadiri (Lahore, Pakistan) 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was fifty years old when decided to get married so as to follow the sunnah of Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. His first marriage took place in 520 AH 1126 AD. It was an honour to give one’s daughter in marriage to the most revered and respected saint like Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him). Altogether Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) had 4 wives. 
1. Sayyida Bibi Madina d/o Syed Mir Mohammed. 
2. Sayeda Bibi Sadiqa d/o Syed Mohammed. Shafi 
3. Sayyida Bibi Mu'minah 
4. Sayyida Bibi Mahboobah 

His wives had great regard for him and there was mutual understanding amongst them. Inspite of being busy at the Jamia and prayer, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) used to devote time to his family. His house was adjacent to his Jamia wherein all his four wives resided in separate rooms. He had about 49 children. Out of them 27 were sons and 22 daughters. Many died in infancy and childhood. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was a loving husband and an affectionate father. He gave personal attention to his children and also taught them. They were also sent to learned teachers and became famous. 

Only about 4 daughter have come to light.
1. Sayyida Khadija 
2. Sayyida Aisha 
3. Sayyida Fatimah as-Samina 
4. Sayyida Zohra. She was a scholar of Hadis and taught the girls in this subject. 

Most of the sons of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) were eminent scholars and some were saints and some served rural people and common folk. 

1. Sayed Shaikh Saifuddin Abdul Wahab was the eldest son of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him), born in 521 AH. He learned Fiqh and Hadis from his father and by the age of 21 he had become a teacher in his father’s Jamia. He was a very good orator and was respected by all. The Caliph of baghdad Nasiruddin Ahmed appointed him as a public relation officer (575 AH – 622 AH). This helped him to serve the poor and needy. He also issued Fatwas later on and became advisor to the royal household. He died on 25th Shawwal 593 AH and was buried at Jalba-Baghdad. His sons lived in Baghdad and were known for their piety and knowledge and continued to preach the mission of their grandfather, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him). 

2. Sayed Shaikh Sharfuddin Asa. He was also educated as a scholar in the Jamia and later became a teacher. He was a mystical scholar and wrote many books especially Jawahirul Asrar and Lataiful Anwar. He was a poet and his poems shows his longing for Baghdad. He spent his later years in Egypt, preaching and imparting religious education. He died on 12th Ramzan 573 Ah (1178 AD) in Egypt and was buried there. 

3. Sayed Shaikh Abu Bakar Abdul Aziz was born in 532 AH. He graduated in Fiqh, Hadis, Tafseer and other religious subjects from the Jamia of his father. He was famous for his excellence in calligraphy. He dedicated himself to impart Islamic religious training to the Kurds of Jibal in Iraq. He died on 18th Rabiul Awwal 602 AH at Akra and was buried there on a hillock. All his sons followed his mission e.g. preaching and spreading Islam. His daughter Shaikhulinnisa Sayeda Zohra was a scholar in Hadis and gave lectures. Abdul Aziz’s eldest son Mohammed Al Hatak carried out the Qadriya mission in Jibal. His son was Sayed Shirseeq who died young leaving behind 1 year old son Sayedna Shamsuddin Al Akhil who later on became a very pious and learned man. He traveled to the Holy cities of Makka and Madina and later on settled in Baghdad and died there in 739 AH. One of his sons was Sayedna Sharafuddin who served the Dargah Sharif and spread the preachings of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). He had a son Sayedna Shaikh Zainuddin who served in Bagdad inspite of plague epidemic and Iranian seize. 

4. Shaikh Sayed Sirajuddin Abdul Jabbar. He was a sufi and graduate form his father’s Jamia. He was found mostly in company of Darvesh and mystics. He died young on 9th Zil Hajj 575 AH 1186 AD in Baghdad. He is buried in the compound of Roza Aqdas of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). 

5. Sayed Hafiz Abdur Razzak Tajuddin. He was born in 530 AH and had graduated in all departments of religious knowledge. He specialized in Hadis. He was generous and was fond of seclusion. He died on 7th Shawwal 603 AH 120 AD. The progeny of Abdur Razzak flourised in Baghdad and were noted for their knowledge, piety and service ot humanity. After Halaku’s invasion, several persons from the family migrated to Huma and Cairo, and from then they spread all over the world the torch of Qadiri Order. There are many descendents and some of them were saints especially in India and Pakistan. Sayed Abdulla Jilani was the son of Sayed Mahmood, a descendent of Sayed Abdur Razzak, son of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). After completing his education he came to Indo-Pak continent in the 11th century. He settled in the province of Sind at the Thatta on the Makli hills and preached Islam. At a young age he started preaching the people to enlightenment and do away with idolaroty. His piety and generosity made him famous and many came to seek his blessings. By his prayers and meditation, he was spiritually elevated by Allah. He was a great lover of Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and his strict observance of the Sunnah earned him the title of “Sahabi”, spiritually though, not physically. He died in Thatta on 14th Sha’baan 1060 AD. He was survived by 2 sons.

Once some Hindu pilgrims camped near his hut, Peer Yusufuddeen went to meet them, enquired about their welfare and preached Tauhid, oneness of Allah. At first they refused him and later agreed to accept his message on the condition that they could have the holy bath without going to Ganga. The saint agreed and prayed to Allah. He asked them to close their eyes, then once again ordered them to open their eyes. As soon as they opened their eyes they found themselves at their holy place. As soon as they had completed their bath they were asked to close their eyes and again open them. When they opened their eyes were at the same place where they were and their clothes were wet. 

They embraced Islam and asked the Shaikh to pray for their prosperity and many children for many generations. By the Grace of Allah his prayer was granted. These people today known as “Memons” and are simple and Allah fearing people. They follow the teachings of Islam as preached by the great grandson of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). These Memons are philanthrophists and contribute to the welfare of the poor and destitutes and religious institutions. They have now spread to many countries. 

6. Sayed Abu Ishaq Ibrahim. He had a perfect knowledge of tasawwuf and Fiqh. He preferred seclusion and later migrated to Wasit and died there in 592 AH 1192 AD. 

7. Sayed Shaikh Abul Fazl Muhammed. He had specialized in Hadis and he died in 600 AH 1204 AD at Baghdad. 

8. Sayed Shaikh Abdullah. He was also a scholar of Hadis and died at Baghdad in 589 AH 1193 AD. 

9. Sayed Shaikh Yahya. He was born on 550 AH. He was brought up by his elder brothers and was educated at his father’s Jamia. Whilst young, he went to Egypt and returned in his later years. He died in 600 AH 1204 AD and was buried in the compound of the Rabat (inn) founded by Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). 

10. Sayed Shaikh Musa. He was born in 535 AH and received his education in Baghdad. Later he migrated to Damuscus and died in 618 AH 1221 AD. 

11. Sayed Shaikh Abdr Rehman. He died in 587 AH 1191 AD. 

12. Shaikh Sayed Abu Nasser Musa. 

In 941 AH the Turks became conquerors. Sultan Suleman offered Fatiha at the Dargah Sharif after saying his prayers in the house of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). He offered a sanad to Shaikh Zainuddin and appointed him as the first Naqib-ul-Ashraf (The chief of the Nobles). The 14th descendent was Sayedna Ali Al Mujaddid. He reorganized the affairs of Al Huqaf Al Qadirah. His son Sayed Abdullah Al Jilani had a progressive and constructive approach. He had 2 sons. The present senior trustee, Al Sayed Yusuf al Jilani and his elder brother Shaikh-e-Tariqat, Shaikh Kamaluddin Abdul Qadir Jilani. He died in Baghdad in 1930 AD, 7th Muharram 1349 AH. (In the 15th Adescendent) 

One of Sayed Abdullah Jilani’s sons :

13. Sayed Salman had a son 

14. Sayed Mustufa Jilani who died young leaving behind a son 

15. Sayed Ibrahim Saifuddin Jilani. He was known as Peer Ibrahim and served the mission of Islam and Qadriya order in the Indo-Pak subcontinent. He was in India for about 30 years and in 1938 went back to Baghdad. He served as Naqib-ul-Ashraf till 1962 when he expired. After him this title was abolished by the government of Iraq. He is survived by a son Pir Sayed Namuddin and is buried on the compound of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) Dargah. 

Some of the saints of the descendents of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) and Qadiri order are in India and Pakistan. 

1. Sayedna Abdulla Sahabi. Died in 1060 in Thatta. 
2. Shah Abdul Murali Kadri. Birth 960 AH. Died 1024 AH in Lahore. 
3. Sayed Ghous Jilani. Died 923 AH, Uch Sharif, Punjab. 
4. Shah Fazeel Kadri Died 999 AH, Makli, Thatta. 
5. Sayed Abdul Qadir bin Sayed Murid Ghous Jilani. Died 940 AH, Uch Sharif, Punjab. 
6. Sayed Abdul Qadir Jilani, died 941 AH, Lahore. 
7. Sayed Abdur Razzak Jilani, died 941 AH, Uch Sharif, Punjab. 
8. Sayed Mohammad Ghous Bolapir, died 959 AH, Satghira, etc. 

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES :

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) was a teacher as well as Shaikh of Tariqat. He took special care of students and improved the arrangement in his Jamia for the students. He provided many facilities for them and in turn made them study. He was attentive to all the students and personally taught them. Also other reputed teachers taught various other subjects. Morning session was reserved for Qur’aan, Hadis, Fiqh and Arabic literature. In the afternoons Sarf-wa-Nahw and Tajweed (Arabic grammar) was taught. In the evening between Asr and Magrib the lessons taught in the mornings were revised and students were tested. In the primary class Qur’aan was taught as a reading exercise. 

All the students who graduated from Jamia acquired excellence in their field of subject. The students were advised to establish institutions in their own native places and spread Islam and root out ignorance. Many students became eminent scholars and some even became famous as saints. 

1. Shaikh Abu Muhammed bin Adul Ajaba. 
2. Shaikh Umar bin Masood Al Bazaz. 
3. Shaikh Abdul Momin bin Ali. 
4. Shaikh Umar bin Al Madan. 
5. Shaikh Abdul Rehman bin Baqa, etc. 
Abu Muhammed Al Khasiab became a celebrated scholar of sarf-wa-Nahw. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) delivered sermons thrice a week 

1. At the ldgah on Friday nights. 
2. At the madressa on Tuesday nights. 
3. At the Musafir Khana on Wednesday mornings. Many people came to hear his discourses. 

Every day in the mornings and afternoons, he gave lessons on Tafsir (commentary) on Qur’aan and Hadis, and principles of Islamic law. After the afternoon prayer (Zuhar) he issued fatwas (verdicts) on legal questions presented to him from all over the world. After Magrib he would break his fast and distribute food among the poor and then eat his meal. After Isha he would retire to his chamber and pass his nights in worship of Allah and prayer and zikr. He served humanity during the day and served Allah, his Creator in the night. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) being a very learned and knowledgeable man compiled several letters (books). 

1. Al Fatha Al Rabbani. It is a collection of 60 discourses (545 AH). Many people used to note down his sermons e.g. Hazrat Afifuddin Al Mubarak. In 1251AH due to Halaku invasion many valuable works were destroyed. 

2. Futuh al Gaib. This book consists of 80 discourses. It comprises of a variety of subjects with reference to Qur’aan or Hadis. It also discusses mysticism and topics like fana (extinction), baqa (immortality), etc. 

3. Guniyat ut Talibeen. This book is based on the fatwas issued by Hazrat Abdul Qaadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) on the subjects of prayer, Hajji, Zakaat, fiqh, etc. This ethical and ritual treatise enlightens the religious aspects of prayers and observance of the tenets of islam. 

4. Hasb Basha-e-ul Khairat. 

5. Jala ul Khatir. 

6. Sirrul Asrar. This booklet on Tasawwuf (mysticism and sifism) is kept in the Jamia or Madressa-e-Qadiriya at Dargah Sharif of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). 

7. Raza-ur- Rafzia. This manuscript is also on mysticism and kept in the Madressa-eQadiriya. 

8. Saboo Sharif 

9. Jalal ul Khatir fil Batin ul Zahir 

10. Kibriyat-e- Ahsar. 

11. Tafsir-eQur’aan. This commentary of the Holy Quran by Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) is not yet published. It is a set of 2 volumes and is lodged in the Rashid Kiram library in Tarabhas, Syria. 

12. Malfuzat. This book is a collection of the sayings of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him). 

13. Letters. Many letters of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) to his mureeds and followers have been preserved. These letters in Persian are clear and lucid, containing personal matters, advice, affection and express mysticism. Also many quotations from the Qur’aan and Hadis have a place in these letters. 

14. Qasidah-e-Gausia. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) wrote many poems in praise of Allah and Allah’s Messenger. Here he praises Allah and thanks Allah for all his benefactions on him. It explains the rank and role of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him). There are many spiritual benefits on reciting the Qasidah and many wishes have been fulfilled by the Grace of Allah. 

15. Divan it consists of a collection of his Persian verses. Inspite of his knowledge and position Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) had great faith in Allah. 

He was immersed in the love of Allah but was conscious of being a true Muslim and aware of doing good and avoiding forbidden things as revealed in the Qur’aan and practices by Allah’s Messenger. He was tested by Allah and due to his complete surrender to Allah’s will he earned the nearness and pleasure of Allah. One day Satan appeared before Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) and introduced himself as Hazrat Jibreel (Peace be on him). 

He said that he had brought Buraq from Allah as Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) had been invited by Allah to the highest heavens. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) prayed Ta-wooz i.e. A-oo-zu-bil-lah and said that the speaker was none other than Satan, as Hazrat Jibreel (Peace be on him) and Buraq could come only for Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and for no on else. Satan praised Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) and said the he had saved himself from Satan by his powerful knowledge. But Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) retorted that it was due to Allah’s Grace and not his knowledge that he had escaped from Satan’s trap. 

Shaikh Ziauddin Abi Naser Musa, son of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) relates that once Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani was wandering in the wild deserts and was without food and drink for several days. Suddenly clouds gathered and rain showered down. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani quenched his thrist and thanked Allah. Soon a light appeared on the horizon and a voice said, “I approve of all your prayer and hardship and vigils that you have taken for my sake. I am Allah and reward you by making all unlawful (haraam) things lawful for you. “On hearing this Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) recited, “I seek the protection of Allah from Satan accursed. (“Ta-wooz). At this the light disappeared, again a voice was heard saying, “ O Abdul Qadir Jilani, your knowledge and scholarly excellence has saved you. I have deceived at least 70 saints.” Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) replied that he had been saved by the Grace of Allah and not by his knowledge or scholarly excellence. When Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah's mercy be on him) was asked how he could recognize the Satan so easily, he informed that making unlawful things lawful was inconsistent with the Shariat and wrong could not have been from Allah. Also when Haraam things were not allowed to Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam then how could it be allowed to any other person. It was his deep concentration and unshakable faith in Allah and the love for Allah and Allah’s Messenger that he became close to Allah and came to be known as Mehboob-e- Subhaani. Allah accepted his prayers and fulfilled his request and when he prayed for others Allah showered His blessings on them. 

RELATION TO HAZRAT KHWAJA GAREEB NAWAZ :

Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) is also related to Khwaja Garib Nawaz (Allah’s mercy be on him) both paternally as well as maternally. 

Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) being elder had made a forecast about Hazrat Khwaja Garib Nawaz (Allah’s mercy be on him) in 551 AH (1155 AD) that Khwaja Garib Nawaz would become a great personality and a source of inspiration to the masses. Each would have devotion and affection for one another. 

RETURN TO BAGHDAD :

After completing 40 years Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s Mercy be on him) returned to Baghdad in 511 AH. He went to meet his teacher Hazrat Abu Saeed Mubarak (Allah’s Mervy be on) who appointed him as professor in his Jamia (University). He taught all the subjects that he had learnt so diligently that he very soon became a popular teacher. Hazrat Abu Saeed Mubarak (Allah’ smercy be on him) handed over the institution to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani’s (Allah’s Mercy be on him) care before his beath in 513 AH 1119 AD. He is buried in the Babul Karb of Baghdad. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s Mercy be on him) had come to Baghdad to serve humanity but moral degeneration and Islamic values exploited by men in power disgusted him. He decided to leave Baghdad and help people in the rural areas. With Qur’aan in his hands he left the city and he had hardly reached Bab-e-Halbah on the outskirts of baghdad he felt a voice restraining him from leaving Baghdad. It was the will of Allah and he came back. The next day while passing through a street an elderly man opened a door and greeted Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s Mercy be on him). He enquired about his day before and the intention about leaving the city and then closed the door. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s Mercy be on him) was shocked as his intentions were not disclosed to anyone and wondered how this stranger could have known about it. 

After many days Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) met that elderly man passing through the street and he was invited to his house. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) went to the house of Shaikh Hammad Al Dabbas who was a Syrain and a syrup vendor. This Darvesh was a reputed saint of Baghdad and emphasized spiritual training, Tasawwuf and Tariqat. He tought the student to act in consonance with the will of Allah while maintaining their individuality. Hazrat Hammad al Dabbas liked Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) and gave special attention and trained him in Tasawwuf. At first sufi religious aspirants did not include Aalim (scholar) and Faqih (Jurist). Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) paved the way to amalgamat them.He was a sufi aalim and faqih. 

After the death of Shaikh-e-Tariqat Hazrat Abu Saeed Mubarak, the spiritual attachment became closer and stronger between Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) and Hazrat Hammad Al Dabbas. He became Shaikh-e-sohbat (guide in association) of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) and had great regards for him. Hazrat Hammad Al Dabbas bestowed the title of Baz-ul Ashab (the dashing falcon) on Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). He often spoke highly about Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) and even narrated many miracles of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). Hazrat Hammad al Dabbas died in 525 Ah, 1130 AD and his tomb is in Shorezia in Baghdad. 

The Title of Mohiyuddin :

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) was also conferred with the title of Mohiyuddin i.e. the reviver of the faith. In the year 511 AH Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) saw in a vision that he was walking along a street in Baghdad. There he met on the roadside an old and sick man who offered Islamic greetings and asked Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) to help him to get up Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) answered his salutation and offered to help him up. No sooner did Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) help him, he improved and changed in stature miraculously. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) was wonderstruck and a little afraid, but the man allayed his fear and said, “I am Islam the religion of your grandfather, I had become diseased and nearly died but Allah has revived me through your help. “Later at the public appearance in the mosque a man came and addressed him as ‘O Sayed Mohiyuddin’, since then people have addressed him with this name. 

Blessed by Allah’s Messenger Hazrat Muhammed (Blessings of Allah and peace be on him) he became a great preacher, orator and reformer. 

Once in Shawwal 521 AH Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) saw Allah’s Messenger in his dream advising him to make a speech and to impart his knowledge to others. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) asked to be blessed with eloquence as he was an Ajmi (non-Arab). Allah’s Messenger recited the aayat “Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preachings’ (16 : 25) seven times and blew on the face of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him). The same day after Zuhar prayer Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) mounted the pulpit and gave a sermon. The audience were entranced and there was no looking back. 

His assemblies were attended by men of all calibre. Halls gave way to fields. About 400 men remained engaged in recording his speeches (Akhbarul Akhyar). Many embraced Islam under the influence of his sermons. His fame for learning, piety, inner illumination, truth and strict adherence to Shariyat spread all over. People flocked to hear his lectures and benefit from the sermons that covered all aspects of life. Muslim sinners would change their course of life after listening to his discourses. His spiritual personality awed greatest of men. His preaching and so when Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) spoke he was prompted by the Grace of Allah causing the miraculous and revolutionary power of such discourses.

Once Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani's (Allah’s mercy be on him) son, Sayed Abdul Wahab, who was a very pious learned man and a good orator, after receiving the permission he gave a very good sermon but could not impress the restless audience. Then Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) spoke in a simple manner and the prople were enthrilled. When Abdul Wahab inquired about this, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) replied that his son relied on knowledge when he spoke, whereas he [Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him)] relied on Allah when he delivered his speeches. 

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) later on became a Mufti i.e. he was entitled to issue Fatwa. In the year 528 Ah, 1134 AD a new avenue opened to serve people i.e. give opinions regarding sensitive problems, in the light of Shariyat. His fatwas were always precise and far sighted. Many Caliphs and Vazirs used to send their requests to Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) for his fatwas in personal as well as state matters. Thus Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) served humanity through his fatwas and brought enlightenment and guidance to all and solved confusing problems. 

LEAVING THE WORLD :

By the time Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) was 91 years old, his health deteriorated. Many saints and his sons gathered around him when he was more serious. Even at that time Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) was thinking of Allah. His eldest son Abdul Wahab asked him to favour them with his wasiyat (will). Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) said that one must obey Allah and acquire abstinence for the sake of Allah.

One must ask for the fulfillment of one’s hopes only from Allah and have full confidence in Him. Then Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) made fresh ablution and offered Isha prayers. He went in Sajdah and prayed in prostration for the welfare and forgiveness of the ummat of Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Later he lay down on his bed and prayed the Kalimah. His son Sayed Musa who was also at his bedside relates that his father kept on repeating “Allah” loudly. Gradually, his voice lowered and he breathed his last in the 8th night of Rabius-Sani 561 AH, 11th February 116. AD. There is some controversy regarding the actual date. According to Allama Ibn-e-Jauzi a contemporary scholar of the era of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) and Qalaidul Jawalus it is 8th Rabbius Sani and according to some it is 9-11 Rabbius Sani.

Thousands of people came to pay homage and offer Fatiha. His son Sayed Abdul Wahab led the burial prayer. Late in the night he was buried in his Jamia. The death anniversary is observed on 11th of Rabius Sani each year and is called Gyarvee Sharif. The devotees of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) and the followers of Qadiri Order celebrate gyarvee Sharif by holding Majlis and Mehfils (public gatherings) where recitation of the Holy Qur’aan takes place and the life and works of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) is made known to the people. His son Abdul Wahab observed it regularly as Urs. Many Mashaikhs and saints and scholars have regularly observed Gyarvee Sharif. The tradition of feeding the poor by Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (Allah’s mercy be on him) is observed in this day.

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