The Status and Rank of Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah Sanctify His Soul)

Brothers in Islam! The person of Ghawth al-A’zam, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah be pleased with him), needs no introduction. Allah Almighty granted him the elevated station and majesty of “al-Ghawthiyyat al-Kubra” (The Greatest Spiritual Succor). He (May Allah sanctify his soul) is from the most noble of the Sayyids. Through his esteemed father, Hadrat Abu Salih Musa Jangidost (May Allah be pleased with him), he is a Hasani Sayyid, and through his respected mother, he is a Husayni Sayyid. He (May Allah sanctify his soul) was born in 470 or 471 AH, in the blessed month of Ramadan, in a town called “Jilan” near the Tigris river, close to the noble city of Baghdad. By divine gift, he (May Allah be pleased with him) attained perfection in piety, abstinence, knowledge, and practice. For several decades, he quenched the thirst of knowledge-seekers through teaching and instruction. For forty continuous years, he performed the duty of guiding Allah’s creation through sermons and admonition. Influenced by his preaching and call to reflection, over five hundred Jews and Christians embraced Islam, and more than one hundred thousand robbers, thieves, sinners, transgressors, corrupt individuals, and innovators repented.

In terms of mastery of both exoteric and esoteric sciences, our Master Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul) had no equal. This is why great scholars, righteous people, and students seeking religious knowledge considered it an honor to sit as students before him (May Allah sanctify his soul). Imam Muwaffaq al-Din ibn Qudamah (May Allah have mercy on him) said: “When we went to the noble Baghdad in 561 AH, we saw that Shaykh Sayyid ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah be pleased with him) was among those who were granted sovereignty there in knowledge, action, spiritual state, and issuing legal verdicts. No student would intend to go elsewhere because you (May Allah sanctify his soul) encompass all sciences. And you (May Allah be pleased with him) would patiently teach all these students. Your heart was expansive, your nature was generous. Allah Almighty had gathered in you beautiful attributes and esteemed spiritual states.”

Our Master Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul) passed away on the 9th of Rabi’ al-Thani, 561 AH. At the time of his passing, his noble age was approximately ninety years. His noble mausoleum is located in Baghdad and is a place of visitation for all, commoner and elite alike.

The Importance and Need for the Teachings of our Master Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah Sanctify His Soul)

Respected brethren! From the perspective of moral values, our society today is suffering from a level of degradation and wretchedness unmatched in the past. In fact, it would not be incorrect to say that the funeral of morality has already taken place. Today, mutual love and affection, selflessness and sincerity have been replaced by hatred and malice, selfishness and opportunism, and greed and avarice, which have become common social evils among us. No one is ready to sacrifice or feel for others. The weakness for love of the world and love of status has settled in our minds. Without seeing their own benefit, no one is ready to help another. The desire to attain Allah’s pleasure has taken a secondary status. Materialism is prevalent everywhere. In such tumultuous times, the moral, spiritual, and religious teachings of Hadrat Ghawth al-A’zam, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul), hold immense importance. Just as he (May Allah sanctify his soul), through his sermons, admonitions, and teachings, guided the society of Baghdad—which was suffering from breakdown and devoid of moral values—onto the Straight Path, eliminated social corruption, and revived the religion and the community, in exactly the same way, if we today follow the teachings of Ghawth al-A’zam and make them our guiding light, the Muslim world can be delivered from all its deprivations, and we can confront all the conspiracies of the disbelievers and polytheists against the religion of Islam in the contemporary era!

Therefore, it is necessary that our young generation strengthen their connection with religious seminaries and such Sufi lodges (Khanqahs). They should seek the company of scholars, the righteous, and perfected saints (Awliya). They should study the pure biography (Seerah) of our Master Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul) and strive to control their base desires according to his teachings. They should adhere to obligatory and necessary duties (Fara’id and Wajibat), follow the Shari’ah, always keep the pleasure of Allah and His Messenger in view in every matter, nurture feelings of selflessness, sincerity, and sacrifice in their hearts, and free themselves from selfishness, opportunism, and greed.

The Loss Incurred from Neglecting the Teachings of Ghawth al-A’zam

Dear friends! It is extremely unfortunate to say that today the majority of us know nothing more about our Master Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul) than “the Pir of the Eleventh [of the month].” They think that by having a Khatm (commemorative prayer ceremony) held on the 11th of each month, they have fulfilled the right of devotion. They have never bothered to study the pure biography of Ghawth al-Pak (May Allah sanctify his soul), learn about his religious services, or strive to become aware of his teachings and act upon them.

Our people eagerly and devotionally inscribe the noble name of “Sayyidina Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul)” on their centers (Astana). Some even name their mosques and schools after our Master Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul), such as “Jami’ Masjid Ghawthiyya” or “Dar al-Uloom Ghawthiyya,” etc. This is a good thing. But the objectionable aspect is this: Why don’t they make their disciples (Murids) and students aware of the teachings of Sayyidina Ghawth al-A’zam?! Why don’t they give lessons on Tasawwuf from his books in their mosques and schools?! Why don’t they arrange for their spiritual and moral training by including any book of Sayyidina Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul) in the curriculum?! We need to think: Is this action of ours not contrary to devotion to the Hadrat?! Are we really the followers of Sayyidina Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul)?! How are we the followers or Murids of Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul) when we are not even aware of the instructions and teachings of our “Great Pir Sahib”!

My respected brothers! The result and loss of inattention and neglect towards the teachings of Sayyidina Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul) is that today, corrupt and immoral people have adopted “Tasawwuf and Tariqah” as a means of livelihood. Sufi centers have sprung up in every alley. These fake Pirs have no concern for prayer and fasting. The marks of the Sunnah of the Messenger are also absent from their faces. Under the guise of the “Cry of Haydari” and the “Cry of Ghawthiyya,” they are busy polishing their shops. Free mixing of men and women is common. Un-Islamic practices are being committed openly, and there is no one to stop or question them!

Believe me! If we had propagated the teachings of Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul), the public themselves would have rejected such people today; their shops would have been closed even before opening! But alas, we focused all our attention on having the “Khatm of the 11th” performed and on giving and receiving “Ghawthi Langar,” while we completely forgot the teachings of Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul). And due to this negligence, the entire Ummah is suffering the loss today. Videos showing how these second-rate fake Pirs hug non-Mahram women, kiss them, dance, make them dance, and sing, regularly grace TV channels and social media. Now it is the responsibility of our scholars of religion to deliver people from these fake Pirs, Faqirs, drug addicts, and so-called Malangs through their speeches and sermons, and to make them aware of the teachings of Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul)!

The Contemporary Aspects of the Teachings of our Master Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah Sanctify His Soul)

Honorable assembly! Nearly nine hundred years have passed since Ghawth al-Samadani, Qutb al-Rabbani, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul) departed from this world. Despite this, the importance of his spiritual, moral, and religious teachings remains entirely intact in this era of ruthless competition and materialism. In terms of contemporary relevance and their importance and benefit, some of the teachings of our Master Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul) are as follows:

1. Prohibition of Spiritual Seclusion (Khalwat) Without Acquiring Religious Knowledge

Honorable assembly! It is said with great regret that the number of incompetent people who have adopted “Piri-Faqiri” as a trade is increasing day by day. Whoever cannot find any other work grows long hair like women, puts a rosary around his neck, performs a couple of spiritual exercises (Chilla), and then deceives the public as a fake Pir. This is a most reprehensible matter. Therefore, for goodness’ sake, only hold onto the company of the people of knowledge and those who are practicing, and avoid the sinful and immoral!!

Remember! A person who commits sins openly or is ignorant of religious knowledge is not at all eligible to become a Pir. Therefore, whoever wishes to become a traveler on the path of Tasawwuf and wants to unravel its intricate knots, must first acquire religious knowledge, implement the rules of the Shari’ah upon himself, and only then begin his journey on this thorny path!

For those in the modern age who, without acquiring religious knowledge, try to become Pirs through shortcut methods and claim sainthood (Wilayah) after performing a couple of Chillas, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul) stated centuries ago: “(First) learn Fiqh (Jurisprudence), then become a recluse (Khalwat nashin)! Whoever worships Allah without knowledge, he will spoil more than he rectifies. Therefore, take the lamp of the Shari’ah with you!” This saying of Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul), in terms of contemporary relevance and benefit, is as important today as it was centuries ago.

2. Emphasis on Following the Shari’ah

Honorable assembly! Today’s second-rate Pirs and ignorant Murids have understood the fulfillment of carnal desires to be the religion. On one hand, fake and modern Pirs are seen dancing with young female disciples in their arms, swimming in pools, and arranging musical gatherings for the entertainment of their Murids. On the other hand, ignorant Murids are also seen searching for such Pirs who are not too strict regarding prayer and fasting and do not tell them to adorn their faces with beards!

For such people, the warning given by Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul) regarding the commands of the Pure Shari’ah and observing its limits is still as actionable and perfectly aligned with contemporary demands today. Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul) said: “The pure Muhammadan Shari’ah is the fruit of the tree of Islam. The Shari’ah is that sun whose radiance illuminates the entire world. Following the Shari’ah grants happiness in both worlds. Beware! Do not go outside its boundaries. Beware! Do not separate from the group of the people of the Shari’ah.”

3. Prioritizing Obligatory Duties (Fara’id) over Recommended Acts (Sunan)

Dear friends! These days we show negligence and laziness in performing obligatory and necessary duties (Fara’id and Wajibat), while we give more importance to recommended and supererogatory acts (Sunan, Nawafil, and Mustahabbat). It has often been observed that if a gathering of Naat, a religious meeting, a program, or a rally is being organized, its organizers or participants are so enthusiastic about its management and participation that they even forget the prayer. This is an extremely blameworthy matter; it is absolutely not permitted in Shari’ah.

The Master of Baghdad, Ghawth al-Pak, throughout his life, taught his Murids and devotees to adhere to Fara’id and Wajibat and to prioritize them over every other action. In terms of contemporary relevance, such teachings of his (May Allah sanctify his soul) have become even more important than before. The Beloved of the All-Merciful, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul), said: “A believer must first fulfill the obligatory duties (Fara’id). After being free from them, he should pay attention to the Sunnahs. Then he should engage in supererogatory acts (Nawafil) and virtues (Fada’il). To be busy with Sunnahs without completing the Fara’id is foolishness and ignorance. If a person engages in Sunan and Nawafil instead of performing the obligatory duty, they will never be accepted. His example is like that of a person whom the king calls for his service, but he does not present himself there and remains in the service of the king’s slave.”

4. Opposing the Desires of the Lower Self (Nafs)

Respected brethren! One of the social evils flourishing in the modern era is that people become mortal enemies over trivial matters, without considering each other’s religious standing. To satisfy their own egos, they spend their lives trying to belittle their opponents. In our tribal areas, such enmities have consumed entire families, but nothing was gained except the gratification of the ego. We should practice forgiveness and forbearance, not exceed limits, and keep the Islamic legal rulings in mind. No matter how great someone’s crime, judge it on the scale of the Shari’ah, and never become slaves to your (own) ego!!

Ghawth al-Thaqalayn (May Allah sanctify his soul), teaching the opposition of the desires of the Nafs, said: “When you find in your heart enmity or love for someone, then present his actions to the Quran and Sunnah. If they are praiseworthy therein, then love him; and if they are blameworthy, then dislike him; so that you neither make a friend nor an enemy based on your own desire. Allah the Almighty says: ‘And do not follow [your own] desire, for it will lead you astray from the way of Allah.’ (Surah Sad, 38:26)”

5. Admonition to Avoid Arrogance, Pride, and Self-Praise

My respected brothers! The disease of arrogance, pride, and self-praise is very common in the present age. Whoever, based on wealth, status, or position—be it a businessman, politician, religious scholar, lawyer, journalist, or Pir, etc.—achieves some worldly successes, becomes filled with pride. He thinks that he has achieved all this solely through his own intelligence and power. If he does a good deed related to welfare, or is invited to a forum to give a lecture or speech, there is no limit to his arrogance and pride. They build bridges of self-praise from their own mouths—we seek refuge in Allah!

The Emperor of Baghdad (May Allah sanctify his soul), advising such people to avoid arrogance, pride, and self-praise, said: “When you know all things to be from Allah Almighty, and understand that He alone gives the ability (Tawfiq) to do good deeds, and you attach nothing of it to the self, then you will be saved from this self-conceit and arrogance.”

6. Do Not Disclose Your Poverty and Hardship to Anyone

Companions of the Islamic community! This world is a place of trial. There are different ways of testing from Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Someone is being tested by being given abundant wealth, while another is being tested through hunger, poverty, and hardship. Allah’s righteous servants remain pleased with Allah Almighty in every condition and express gratitude to Him. But some people are seen who, upon facing a minor difficulty, start lamenting. Instead of showing patience, they sit weeping about their domestic circumstances in front of others, expecting them to help. Such behavior is not appropriate at all. For such people, this saying of the Pir of Pirs, the Luminous One (May Allah sanctify his soul), is no less than a great treasure: “It is more appropriate and commendable to conceal poverty.”

7. Achieving Sincerity and Nearness to Allah

My dear friends, brothers, and elders! As Muslims, every one of us desires that Allah, the Lord of Majesty, be pleased with us, that we be granted His nearness, and that we become His obedient servants. But at the same time, we are stuck in the mire of social evils and sins like lying, backbiting, envy, breaking promises, betrayal of trust, and giving short measure. If we truly wish to please our Lord, we must free ourselves from all these evils and sins and become good, practicing Muslims. Ghawth al-A’zam (May Allah sanctify his soul), explaining the way to achieve nearness to Allah, said: “Adopt truthfulness and honesty. If these two qualities were not there, no person could have attained nearness to Allah.”

Dua

O Allah! Grant us the ability to study the pure biography of our Master Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul) and to act upon his teachings. Grant us a full share of his spiritual grace (Fayd). Bestow upon us Your love, obedience, and friendship (Wilayah). Inspire us to become good Muslims in the light of the teachings of the elders of the religion.

O Allah! Purify our outer and inner selves from all filth. Grant us the ability to reform our lives according to the Quran and Sunnah by acting upon the instructions of Your Noble Beloved (ﷺ), and grant us the ability to offer sincere obedience filled with true love and devotion for the Master of Both Worlds (ﷺ) and his noble Companions.

O Allah! Keep us loyal to the religion of Islam. Make us true, steadfast, practicing lovers of the Messenger (ﷺ). Create an atmosphere of unity in our ranks. Make us regular in performing the five daily prayers in congregation, and save us from laziness and slackness in this. Grant us the wealth of sincerity in every good deed. Also grant us the ability to perform all obligatory and necessary duties in the best manner. Protect us from stinginess and miserliness. Grant us the ability to help the poor and needy cheerfully.

Grant us the privilege of serving and protecting our country and nation. Further strengthen mutual unity, harmony, love, and affection among us. Grant us the ability to act upon the commands of the Shari’ah correctly. Accept our prayers in Your Court of the Helpless’s Refuge. We ask You for Your mercies. We seek forgiveness from You. We seek safety and deliverance from every sin. We ask You for all good things. Remove our sorrows. Pay off our debts. Cure our sick. Fulfill our needs!

O Lord! Put blessings in our lawful sustenance. Always protect us from being dependent on created beings. Grant us the ability for true worship along with Your love and obedience. Make our hearts expansive and soft for Allah’s creation. O Divine! Make our character good and our works excellent. Accept our good deeds. Protect us from all sins. Grant freedom to our Palestinian and Kashmiri Muslim brothers and sisters who are victims of the oppression and barbarity of the disbelievers. Protect the lives, wealth, honor, and dignity of the Muslims of India. Resolve their problems with goodness and blessings for them! Amen, O Lord of the worlds!

And may Allah Almighty send blessings upon the best of His creation and the light of His Throne, our Master, our Prophet, our Beloved, and the apple of our eyes, Muhammad, and upon his family and all his companions, and may He send down bounty and peace. And all praise is to Allah, the Lord of the worlds