Overview

Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani May Allah be pleased with him is among the most revered saints, scholars and reformers in Islamic history. Through his teachings, books, sermons and spiritual guidance, he revived the hearts of countless believers and established the Qadiriyyah Silsilah, which continues to illuminate the path of millions. His life remains a shining example of scholarship, piety, humility and devotion to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. He was born in the blessed region of Jilan and travelled to Baghdad in pursuit of higher Islamic knowledge at a young age, surrounded by faith, piety and dedication to learning from an early life. He is universally acknowledged as Ghaus-e-Azam meaning The Greatest Helper among the Saints and is counted among the greatest saints in Islamic history. His influence spans nearly a millennium and reaches every corner of the Muslim world. He is revered as one of the greatest saints, scholars and reformers in Islamic history.

Full Name

Hazrat Abu Muhammad Muhiyuddin Shaykh Abdul Qadir ibn Abu Salih Musa Jilani al-Hasani wal Husayni.

Titles

Ghaus-e-Azam. Ghaus-ul-Wara. Mehboob-e-Subhani. Piran-e-Pir. Sultan-ul-Auliya. Muhiyuddin.

Date of Birth

1 Ramadan 470 AH corresponding to 1077 or 1078 CE.

Birthplace

Jilan, also known as Gilan.

Lineage

He was descended from the noble family of the Holy Prophet ﷺ through both Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn May Allah be pleased with them both. His father was Hazrat Abu Salih Musa Jangi Dost May Allah have mercy on him. His mother was Sayyidah Umm-ul-Khair Fatimah May Allah have mercy on her.

Early Education

He received his early education in Jilan. He displayed extraordinary piety, honesty and devotion from childhood. He travelled to Baghdad in pursuit of higher Islamic knowledge at a young age.

Islamic Education

He studied under the leading scholars of Baghdad and mastered Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Usool-ul-Fiqh, Aqeedah, Arabic Literature, Tasawwuf, Logic and Islamic Sciences.

Prominent Teachers

Among his prominent teachers were Shaykh Abu Saeed al-Mukharrimi May Allah have mercy on him, Abu Ghalib Ahmad ibn Hasan al-Baqillani May Allah have mercy on him, Abu Zakariyya Yahya Tabrizi May Allah have mercy on him and numerous eminent scholars of Baghdad.

Spiritual Training

He undertook years of Mujahadah, Riyadah and spiritual discipline. He attained the highest ranks of Wilayah and Ma’rifah. He became the Imam and leader of countless saints and spiritual seekers.

Sanad-e-Khilafat

He received spiritual authorization through the noble chains of Qadiriyyah, Chishtiyyah, Suhrawardiyyah and other recognized Sufi traditions.

Religious and Reformative Services

He revived the spirit of Islam during a period of moral and social decline. He called people towards repentance, sincerity and obedience to Allah. He reformed scholars, rulers and common people alike. Thousands repented and transformed their lives through his sermons.

Teaching Services

He delivered lectures in Baghdad for decades. He taught Hadith, Fiqh, Tafseer and Tasawwuf. He produced generations of scholars, jurists and saints. His gatherings often attracted tens of thousands of attendees.

Prominent Disciples and Khulafa

Among his prominent disciples and Khulafa were Shaykh Abdul Wahhab Jilani May Allah have mercy on him, Shaykh Abdul Razzaq Jilani May Allah have mercy on him, Shaykh Abu Umar Ali al-Bazzaz May Allah have mercy on him and numerous saints and scholars throughout the Muslim world.

Literary Contributions

His literary works include Futuh-ul-Ghaib, Ghunyat-ut-Talibeen, Al-Fath-ur-Rabbani, Jila-ul-Khatir and Malfoozat and spiritual discourses preserved by disciples.

Ghunyat-ut-Talibeen

His magnum opus Ghunyat-ut-Talibeen is one of the most celebrated works on Islamic beliefs, worship and spirituality. It is widely studied throughout the Muslim world. It remains an important reference for seekers of sacred knowledge.

Global Influence

The Qadiriyyah Silsilah spread throughout Iraq, Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Persia, India, Pakistan, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia. Millions of Muslims continue to benefit from his teachings and spiritual legacy.

Character and Virtues

He was renowned for humility, generosity and truthfulness. He was deeply devoted to the Qur’an and Sunnah. He was known for compassion, wisdom and unwavering adherence to Shari’ah. He was revered by scholars and saints across generations.

Recognition

He is universally acknowledged as Ghaus-e-Azam meaning The Greatest Helper among the Saints. He is revered as one of the greatest saints in Islamic history. His influence spans nearly a millennium and reaches every corner of the Muslim world.

Wisaal Passing Away

11 Rabi-ul-Akhir 561 AH corresponding to 1166 CE.

Place of Wisaal

Baghdad.

Mazaar Sharif

Shrine of Abdul Qadir Gilani, Baghdad.

Legacy

Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani May Allah be pleased with him is among the most revered saints, scholars and reformers in Islamic history. Through his teachings, books, sermons and spiritual guidance, he revived the hearts of countless believers and established the Qadiriyyah Silsilah, which continues to illuminate the path of millions. His life remains a shining example of scholarship, piety, humility and devotion to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.