The Life and Legacy of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani

June 24, 2015 سلسلہ عالیہ قادریہ بصیریہ رشیدیہ 20339 Views 0 Comments

Youm-e-Ghaus-e-Azam is a day dedicated to honoring the life, teachings, and spiritual legacy of one of the greatest saints in Islamic history, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, also known as Ghous-e-Azam or Ghous Pak. His immense contributions to Islamic scholarship, Sufism, and spirituality have earned him titles such as Muhyuddin (The Reviver of Religion) and Ghaus al-Saqalayn (Helper of Humanity and Jinn).

The month of Rabi’-ul-Aakhir holds particular significance, as the 11th of Rabi’-ul-Aakhir marks his annual commemoration known as Gyarvi Sharif, a day when Muslims worldwide remember his noble character, profound knowledge, and countless miracles.

Biography of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه

Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was born on the 1st of Ramadan, 470 A.H. (1077 CE) in the town of Jilan near Baghdad.

Lineage:
- Paternally, he is the 11th grandson of Imam Hassan Mujtaba رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ.
- Maternally, he is the 12th grandson of Imam Hussain رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ.
  Thus, he belonged to both the Hasani and Husaini Sayyid lineages, tracing directly back to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم.
Parents: His father was Sayyid Abu Saalih Musa Jangidost رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, and his mother was Umm-ul-Khayr Fatimah رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, both known for their piety.

From birth, he displayed saintly qualities. Remarkably, being born in Ramadan, he did not nurse during daylight hours, only after sunset, signifying his divinely blessed nature.

Education and Spiritual Journey

At the age of 18, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه traveled to Baghdad, the center of Islamic learning. He studied under renowned scholars, including:

Abu Al-Wafa Ali Ibn Aqeel Hanbali
Abu Zakariyya Yahya Ibn Ali Tabraizi
Abu Al-Ghalib Muhammad Ibn Hasan Baqillai

He later pledged allegiance to Shaykh Abu Sa’eed Mubarak Makhzoomi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, from whom he received spiritual succession.

His life in Baghdad was marked by deep worship, patience through hardships, and the pursuit of divine knowledge. He would recite the Holy Quran nightly, often completing it, and devoted himself to fasting, prayer, and teaching.

Gyarvi Sharif – Commemorating Ghous-e-Azam

The 11th of Rabi’-ul-Aakhir is globally commemorated as Gyarvi Sharif. This blessed gathering includes:

Recitation of the Holy Quran
Naats and Qasidas in praise of the Prophet ﷺ and the saints
Lectures on the teachings of Ghous-e-Azam
Distribution of food (Langar)
Supplications (Fatiha) for spiritual blessings

Gyarvi Sharif serves as a spiritual reminder of his message: patience, worship, service to humanity, and devotion to Allah.

The Greatness of Ghous-e-Azam

The greatness of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه is reflected in his extraordinary devotion:

He performed 1,000 Nafl prayers daily.
For 15 years, he completed the Quran every night.
He taught over 13 Islamic sciences including Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh, and theology.
Thousands of non-Muslims embraced Islam through his guidance.
Countless sinners and wrongdoers repented at his hand.

Miracles (Karamat-e-Ghous-e-Azam)

Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه is renowned for his countless miracles (karamat), including:

Rescuing a drowning man from afar
Multiplying food to feed the hungry
Healing the sick through supplication
Walking on water
Controlling storms and bringing rain
Possessing knowledge of the unseen

These miracles are seen as signs of his closeness to Allah and his divine acceptance.

Works and Books of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani

Some of his most influential works include:

Futuh al-Ghaib (Revelations of the Unseen)
Al-Fath ar-Rabbani (The Sublime Revelation)
Jala’ al-Khawatir (The Removal of Cares)
Kitab Sirr al-Asrar (The Secret of Secrets)
Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq (Sufficient Provision for Seekers of Truth)
Malfuzat (Utterances)
Bashair al-Khairat (Glad Tidings of Good Things)

These books remain guiding lights for seekers of spirituality worldwide.

Demise and Shrine

Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه passed away on 11th Rabi’-ul-Aakhir, 561 A.H. (1166 CE) in Baghdad at the age of 91. His shrine, located in Baghdad, Iraq, is visited by millions who seek blessings and inspiration.

Conclusion

The life and legacy of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه (Ghous-e-Azam) stand as a beacon of faith, devotion, and service. His teachings continue to inspire Muslims around the world to live with sincerity, humility, and closeness to Allah. Commemorations such as Youm-e-Ghaus-e-Azam and Gyarvi Sharif ensure that his spiritual heritage remains alive for generations to come.

FAQs – Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Ghous-e-Azam)

Q1: Who was Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Ghous-e-Azam)?
A1: He was a renowned Islamic scholar, saint, and founder of the Qadiriyyah Sufi order, known for his scholarship, miracles, and spiritual teachings.

Q2: What is Youm-e-Ghaus-e-Azam?
A2: It is a day of remembrance observed in Rabi’-ul-Aakhir to honor Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani’s life and legacy.

Q3: What is Gyarvi Sharif?
A3: Gyarvi Sharif is the 11th day of Rabi’-ul-Aakhir, marking the annual commemoration of Ghous-e-Azam with Quran recitation, gatherings, and charity.

Q4: What were the main works of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani?
A4: His notable works include Futuh al-Ghaib, Al-Fath ar-Rabbani, Kitab Sirr al-Asrar, and Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq.

Q5: Where is the shrine of Ghous-e-Azam located?
A5: His shrine is located in Baghdad, Iraq, a sacred site visited by devotees worldwide.