Sep 13
Death of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee
Monday 11 Rabi Al Thani, 1449
Sep 13
Monday 11 Rabi Al Thani, 1449
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee was one of the most renowned and revered Sufi saints of Sufism. He was the founder of the Qadiriyya Sufi Order, which is one of the oldest branches of Sufism. He attained the highest rank among the Sufis (Awliya), referred to as “Ghous”, which translates to “Succor” or “Benefactor”.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee died in December 1165 CE (561 AH). He passed away in the city of Baghdad, in present-day Iraq, whereas he was born in the town of Jilan, in present-day Iran. The death of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani left a profound impact on the Sufi culture (tasawwuf) in Islamic history. It was seen as the passing of the most revered saint in Islamic history, as thousands of Muslims were already following him at the time of his death.
Since then, the number of his followers has increased manifold, and the Qadiriyya Sufism has become the most followed Sufi Order in Islam, as of today. Known for his spiritual revivalism, piety, religious influence, and the most authentic Islamic knowledge, his legacy continues to guide hundreds of thousands of Muslims across the Islamic World.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee, sometimes also written as Shaikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (عبد القادر الجيلاني), was born in a small town, Na’if, situated in the Province of Gilan, Iran. His date of birth is recorded as 7th April 1078 CE, corresponding to 1st of Ramadan 471 AH. He gained his preliminary education in his hometown. As per the traditions of that era, the basic initial knowledge, which was primarily the religious education, was transmitted to him through his mother. It is also reported that he belonged to a family, known as the direct descendants of Hazrat Hasan رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
At the age of 17 or 18, he traveled to Baghdad, Iraq, for advanced religious education. Baghdad, at that time, was the center of Islamic Religious Education, with several Universities (Madrasas) where several renowned religious scholars were engaged in educational and research activities. Abdul Qadir Jilanee gained the religious knowledge, based on the Hanbali school of Law, one of the four schools of thought, the others being Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i. Abdul Qadir Jilanee started his religious education under the supervision of Abu Saeed Mubarak Makhzoomi. Here, he studied the Hanbali Law. Then he studied Hadith under the supervision of Abu Muhammad Ja’far Al-Sarraj. Abu’al Khair Hammad ibn Muslim Al-Dabbas was his teacher on the subject of Sufi Spiritualism.
After completion of his religious and spiritual education, he left Baghdad. He reportedly spent around 25 years in the deserts of Iraq, wandering here and there, as part of the practices of Islamic Mysticism, the Sufism. After gaining the required level of spiritualism, he returned to Baghdad in 1127 CE. Here, he was entrusted with the responsibilities of a religious teacher in the Madrassa of his teacher, Al-Makhzoomi. Here, he taught Hadith and the Quran. Soon, he became the most popular teacher among the students. The focal points of his teachings included inner purification, ethical living, and Love and Devotion to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. His teaching attracted thousands of people to Islam. He emphasized strict adherence to Islamic Law (Shariah).
He then founded his educational institute, namely, Madrassa Al-Qadriyyah. Soon, this Madrassa became so popular that students from different areas started joining it for religious and spiritual education. The main subjects taught in this Madrassa included the Quran, Hadith, Fiqah (Islamic Jurisprudence), and, more importantly, Sufism or Tasawwuf. This Madrassa promoted the most popular Sufi Order, known as the Qadriyyah Sufi Order.
He used to emphasize the importance of repentance (Tawba) in his teachings and sermons. It is reported in many historical accounts that during his lifetime, he was known for various miracles associated with him. It is widely believed among his followers that his spiritual presence is still a rich source of inspiration for the devotees. This concept is popularly referred to as Wilayah, which translates to Sainthood.
His role as a Sufi Saint is widely acknowledged not only among the followers of the Qadriyyah Order of Sufism but also among the vast majority of Muslims, following other Sufi Orders. Similarly, he is one of the most revered scholars, being an authentic source of guidance in Islamic knowledge, among followers of all four Islamic Schools of Jurisprudence.
He continued his spiritual and educational activities in Baghdad for almost 4 decades, till the time of his death.
The legacy of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee is significantly noticeable in Muslim Societies across the World. It is still one of the major sources that shape the spiritual, intellectual, and social fabric of the Muslim world. The highlight of his major contributions is that he harmonized Islamic law, known as "Sharia," and the spiritual path, referred to as "Tariqa" in Sufism. By doing so, it has been established that the fundamental component of true Sufism is strict adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
He has inspired multiple generations to ensure devotion, repentance, and complete submission to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, side by side with sincere service to humanity. The Qadiriyya Sufi order, one of the oldest and most followed spiritual paths in Islam, is one of his greatest legacies, widely followed in the entire Muslim World, especially in the Middle East, Africa, Central and South Asia, as well as Southeast Asia. Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee is remembered as Ghaus al-Azam, a title reflecting the deep love and reverence Muslims hold for him. His teachings influenced not only Sufi thought but also the social life of the Muslims.
The contributions and legacies of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee can be summarized as follows:
He died on 11th Rabi At-Thani, 561AH, which corresponds to 20th of December 1165 CE.
He was buried in Baghdad, Iraq. His shrine still exists in Baghdad and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
11th day of Rabi At-Thani is the date of the death of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee. Giyara translates to "eleven"; hence, his date of death is remembered and observed as Giyrarween (eleventh), generally during every Islamic month and specifically in the month of Rabi At-Thani, each year. This day is celebrated by recitation of the Quran, holding special gatherings, and distribution of food among the poor.
Significant contributions of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee to Islam include the revival of faith, integration of Islamic Law and Spiritualism/Sufism, founding the famous religious education institution in Baghdad, known as Madrasaa al-Qadriyyah, and founding the oldest. Most followed the “Qadriyyah Sufi Order.” Apart from that, his sermons are still a rich source of guidance in various Islamic matters. Above that, he also emphasized service to humanity and charity.
Ghaus Al-Azam is the highest rank in Sufism, which he attained due to his reverence for spiritual rank and the role he played in guiding the Muslims through his teachings and sermons. The expression Ghaus Al-Azam translates to “The Greatest Succor” or “The Supreme Helper”