Founder of the Qadiriyya tariqa (Sufi order) of Sufism, Muhiyuddin Abu Muhammad Abdul Qadir Gilani al Hasani wa’l Husayni was a persian sunni muslim, who was born in Sha’ban 420 AH, around 1077, in Baghdad. (In the month of Ramadan).
Gilani’s (RA) father, Hazrat Abu Salih Musa al Husayni was from Sayyid lineage and his mother’s name was bibi Ummul Khair Fatima. He was respected as a saint by the people of his day, and was known as Jangi Dost “who loves God”. His father taught him the Qu’ran and then Gilani (RA) went on to learn more about Allah.
At the age of 11, Gilani’s (RA) father passed away and after many years, when his mother was around 78 years old – when she needed the support from her son the most, Gillani (RA), with her blessing, went to Baghdad to learn more.
“Ask your Lord for a physician who can treat the illnesses of your hearts, a healer who can heal you, a guide who can guide you and take you by the hand.
Hazrat Shaykh Sayyid Abdul Kadir Gilani (RA)”
― Hazrat Abdul Qadir Gilani
Gilani spent his early life in a small village called Gilan, in Iran, which was also the town of his birth. At the age of eighteen, he went to Baghdad to seek knowledge and guidance. There, he pursued the study of Hanbali law, a more traditional sunni jurisprudence (Fiqh).
He was given lessons on hadith by Abu Muhammad Ja’far al-Sarraj, whilst his Sufi spiritual instructor was Abu’l-Khair Hammad ibn Muslim al-Dabbas. After completing his education over the few years he was there, Gilani (RA) left Baghdad and spent twenty-five years as a reclusive wanderer in the desert regions of Iraq.
“Listen to your heart and not your ego. Your ego prompts you to boast of vain assertions to obtain the glory of this world. Turn away from vanity and seek Him in the recesses of your heart and soul.”
― Hazrat Abdul Qadir Gilani
Hazrat Qadir Gilani (RA) spent 8 years studying at Baghdad university but in these years, sadly his mother (may allah be pleased with her) passed away and he went on to seek more knowledge.
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The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
