Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was born
on the 1st of Ramadan in a town near Baghdad called 'Jilaan'. According to his
paternal lineage, he رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه is the 11th grandson of Imam Hassan Mujtaba رَضِىَ
الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, the grandson of the Prophet صَلَّى
الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم (Bahjat-ul-Asrar, p.
171). On his maternal side, he is the 12th grandson of the honorable Sayyiduna
Imam Husayn رَضِىَ
الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, (as mentioned by ‘Allamah Ali Qaari رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه. (Nuzhat-ul-Khaatir Al-Fatir, p. 12)
Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه is
known by titles such as Muhyuddin, Mahboob-e-Subhani, Ghaus-e-A’zam, and Ghaus
Al-Saqalayn, among others. His father is Sayyiduna Abu Saalih Musa
Jangidost رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, and his mother’s name is Umm-ul-Khayr
Fatimah رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه. He رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه belonged
to the Hasani Sayyid lineage from his father's side and the Husaini Sayyid
lineage from his mother's side, as mentioned in 'Bahjat-ul-Asraar'.
Shaykh Abdul Qaadir Jeelani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was one
of the blessed individuals who were considered Wali from the moment of their
birth. Consequently, miraculous events associated with his saintly nature began
occurring immediately after his birth. Notably, being born on the 1st of
Ramadan, he refrained from nursing during daylight hours, only taking milk
after sunset.
Furthermore, at the age of five, during his بسم الـلّٰـه ceremony,
he impressively recited 18 parts of the Holy Quran from memory for his teacher.
This achievement was possible because he had already memorized these verses
while still in his mother's womb. Remarkably, at the time of his birth, his
lips moved slowly, and the divine utterance of 'Allah Allah' was audible. On
the very day of his birth, in the town of Jeelan, 1,100 male infants were born,
and they all grew up to become Awliya of Allah.
Following his early education, Sheikh Abdul Qadir
Gilani رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه journeyed to Baghdad in 480 A.H., where he
pursued further learning under the guidance of esteemed teachers and scholars
of his time. Among his notable instructors were renowned and highly regarded
figures such as Abu Al-Wafa Ali Ibn Aqeel Hanbali, Abu Zakariyya Yahya Ibn Ali
Tabraizi, Abu Al-Ghalib Muhammad Ibn Hasan Baqillai, and Abu Sa’eed Muhammad
Ibn Abdul Kareem رَحِمَهُمُ
الـلّٰـهُ.
He also pledged allegiance and received Khilafat (permission
to initiate disciples in a specific spiritual order or successorship) from
Sayyiduna Shaykh Abu Sa’eed Mubarak Makhzoomi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه. Regarding the
spiritual exercises and the arduous challenges, he faced in the path of Allah
Almighty, he رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه personally attested: I faced the most severe
hardships and difficulties in the path of Allah Almighty. If the same hardships
fell on a mountain, it would crumble. (Qalaaid Al-Jawahir)
Quoting Shaykh ‘Abdul Qaadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه,
‘Allamah Imam Sha’rani قُـدِّسَ
سِـرُّہُ الـرَّبَّـانِی, in his book Tabqat-ul-Kubra, writes: ‘At
the beginning, I faced many hardships; when these hardships reached their peak,
I lay on the ground and kept reciting verses 5 and 6 of Surah Alam Nashrah
which are as follows:
فَاِنَّ
مَعَ الْعُسْرِ یُسْرًاۙ(۵) اِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ یُسْرًاؕ(۶)
So indeed, with hardship, there is ease. Indeed, with
hardship, there is ease.
[Kanz-ul-Iman (Translation of Quran)] (Part 30, Surah Alam
Nashrah, verse 5, 6)
By the blessing of these verses of the Holy Quran, all those
difficulties were resolved. So if you ever get into any trouble, you should
also have patience and pray to Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ instead of wailing and
complaining.
The commemorative gathering held on the eleventh day
following the passing of Hazrat Syedna Ghous-e-Azam رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه with
the intention of seeking spiritual rewards is commonly referred to as
"Gyarvi Sharif." This anniversary occurs on the 11th day of
Rabi’-ul-Aakhir. During these gatherings, various activities take place in his
honor, including the Holy Quran recitations, the recitation of Naats, speeches,
the remembrance and discussion of righteous figures, as well as the provision
of food and the recitation of Fatiha.
These events are conducted with the aim of earning spiritual
blessings, and offerings are made at the revered shrine of Hazrat Syedna
Ghous-e-Azam رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه. It is firmly established through
references in the Holy Quran, Hadith, and the teachings of Islamic scholars and
pious predecessors that such gatherings serve as a means to earn spiritual
rewards. Importantly, there is no specific requirement regarding the timing or
location for Giyarahween Shareef; it can occur at any time and in any place, be
it a mosque, a school, a private residence, or at the shrine of a saint.
Gyarvi Sharif is the memorial congregation held on the 11th
of Rabi-ul-Aakhir each year, marking the anniversary of Sheikh Abdul Qadir
Jilani's رحمۃ
اللہ علیہ passing. It includes Quran recitation, Naats, speeches, and
Fatiha, and can take place at any time or location, be it a mosque, school,
home, or shrine.
Youm e Ghaus e Azam is a day dedicated to commemorating and
celebrating the life, teachings, and spiritual legacy of one of the most
revered figures in Islamic history, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, also known as Ghous e Azam or Ghous Pak.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was a prominent Islamic
scholar, saint, and mystic who made significant contributions to the Sufi
tradition and Islamic spirituality. While annual gatherings of commemoration
are held for many other saints in the special month of Rabi’-ul-Aakhir, this
month holds a unique significance for Sayyiduna Ghaus-e-A’zam رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه. On the 11th of this month, a special
annual gathering is observed in remembrance of Sayyiduna Ghaus-e-A’zam Shaykh
Abdul Qaadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه.
Allah
Almighty bestowed great honor upon Ghaus-ul-Azam, may the mercy of Allah be
upon him. The greatness of Ghaus-ul-Azam lies in the fact that he was a saintly
figure from birth, a chosen friend of Allah (Wali). (Tafrih al-Khatar, p. 58,
paraphrased). Ghaus-ul-Azam's greatness is also evident in the fact that he
began observing fasting from birth. He would have milk for his pre-dawn meal
(Suhur) and then break his fast at sunset. (Risala Munnay Ki Lash, p. 4).
The greatness of Ghaus-ul-Azam is
also reflected in the fact that at the age of five, he recited the Bismillah
(In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) and 18 portions of
the Quranic verses in Arabic. He said, "I remembered it after hearing it
from my mother (may Allah's mercy be upon her)." (Bahjat al-Asrar, Dhikr
Turuq, p. 164).
The greatness of Ghaus-ul-Azam is
further exemplified by his habitual acts of worship, devotion, and Quranic
recitation. For fifteen years, he completed the recitation of the entire Quran
every night. (Bahjat al-Asrar, Dhikr Fusul Min Kalamih... etc., p. 118,
summarized). He also used to perform one thousand units of Nafl prayers daily.
(The States of Ghaus-ul-Azam, p. 32).
Ghaus-ul-Azam's greatness is
evident in his teaching of thirteen different sciences. At his prestigious
school, people studied Tafsir (Quranic exegesis), Hadith (Prophetic
traditions), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Kalam (theology), Usul (principles),
and Nahw (Arabic grammar), among other subjects. He taught people Tafsir,
Hadith, Fiqh, Kalam, Usul, and Nahw before and after noon. In the afternoon, he
would teach Tajweed and Quranic recitation along with the Quran itself. (Bahjat
al-Asrar, p. 225, summarized).
Ghaus-ul-Azam's greatness is also
evident in the fact that more than five hundred non-Muslims embraced Islam
through his miraculous interventions. Additionally, over a hundred thousand
thieves, robbers, sinners, and wrongdoers repented and sought forgiveness due
to his blessed hands. (Bahjat al-Asrar, Dhikr Wa'zah, p. 184).
Shaykh Abdul Qaadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه maternal grandfather, Sayyiduna Abdullah
Sawma’ee رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, who was a revered saint from Jilan. Apart
from his remarkable piety, he was known for his outstanding virtues and
accomplishments. He رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was Mustajaab-ul-Da’waat, his supplications were
readily accepted by Allah, and if he ever became displeased with someone, Allah
Almighty would avenge that person. Whoever he was pleased with, Allah Almighty
would honour that person with reward and respect.
Despite his physical weakness,
he رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه devoted himself to abundant voluntary prayers
(Nawafil) and the remembrance of Allah Almighty. He رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه also
had a gift for foretelling future events, which would unfold exactly as he had
predicted. (Bahjat-ul-Asraar, p. 172).
Shaykh Abdul Qaadir Gilani رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه had a paternal aunt named 'Aaishah Bint
Abdullah,' whose epithet was 'Umm-e-Muhammad.' She was a pious woman known for
her saintly miracles, and people would seek her out for help in fulfilling
their needs and requesting her prayers.
Additionally, Sheikh Abdul
Qaadir رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه had a younger brother named Sayyid Abu Ahmad
Abdullah. Although he passed away at a young age, he had acquired a significant
amount of knowledge and piety. The entire family of Shaykh Abdul Qaadir
Jilani رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, including his maternal grandfather,
paternal grandfather, father, mother, paternal aunt, brother, and sons, were
all known for their piety and righteousness. Consequently, they were referred
to as the 'noble family' by those who knew them.
The revered spiritual leader of the
Qadiriyyah Sufi order, Syed Abdul Qaadir Jeelani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, passed away on the
11th of Rabi-us-Saani, 561 A.H., in Baghdad, at the age of 91. His funeral
prayer was led by Sayyid Sayfuddeen Abdul Wahhab رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه and was
attended by a multitude of people. His blessed shrine, located in Baghdad,
continues to be a place of constant visitation, attracting visitors’ day and
night.
The tomb of Ghous e Azam رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه is a revered shrine located in Baghdad, Iraq. It
is the final resting place of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه.
Devotees from around the world visit this sacred site to pay their respects and
seek spiritual blessings, making it an important center of religious devotion
and reverence.
May Allah Almighty bestow His
abundant blessings upon the shrine of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ
الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه, grant us the guidance and ability to
follow his teachings, forgive us generously for his sake, and resurrect us
among his devoted followers on the Day of Judgment. Ameen!
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