* Sultan al-Awliya Abdul-Qadir al-Gilani (1078-1166)
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The great Islamic scholarand teacher Abdul-Qadir al-Gilani was born in
the Persian province of Gilanin 1078.
Abdul-Qadir Gilani was a sayyid and a sharif and was also known by the
names al-Ghawth al-Azam (the greatest helper and saint), Qutb
al-Rabbani (the devout Qutb), Sultan-al-Awliya (Sultan of all the
saints) and Qutb- al-Azam (the greatest Qutb).
Al-Gilani was well trained in the disciplinesof the hadith,
jurisprudence and tasawwuf by some of the leading scholars in
Baghdad. He soon attained a wide knowledge, and after completing his
education began preaching and teaching.
The lectures and sermons he gave in the madrassa of his teacher Abu
Said Mahzumi were so popular that the madrassa proved to be too small,
and the crowds overflowed ontothe streets; the madrassatherefore had
to be enlarged, taking in houses in the surrounding area. The people
of Baghdad wereof great assistance in this enterprise, the wealthy
providing money, and the poor providing labor.
After teaching and describing the truth and the signs leading to
faithfor a while, al-Gilani then abandoned teaching and preaching and
withdrew into seclusion. He later beganliving in the Baghdad ruins of
Kerh, spending all his time in worship.
The superior fame he won in a short space of time spread very
rapidly,and he became a leading scholar and imam of the time. Many
scholars also emerged from those who continued to attend his classes.
Al-Gilani was the sole authority on scholarship of the time, and
taught tasawwuf in a manner accessible to all. He began teaching and
issuing Islamic rulings at the age of 28 and continued until the age
of 60.
Al-Gilani also gave his name to the "Qadiri" Sufiorder. Thousands of
the students who studied under him then went on to preach Islam in a
number of different countries.
Abdul Qadir al-Gilani issued many warnings against heedlessness, thus
recalling people to their proper duty. Some of these are as follows:
"If these virtues are absent from someone who acts as a guide, then he
cannot be a guide. To be forgiving and cover up people's flaws, to be
affectionate and gentle, to speak the truth and be good, to command
what is good, to forbid evil, to be hospitable and worship at night
when others areasleep, to be scholarly and courageous."
"Know that our life is an opportunity for so long as you are alive.
After a time, the door of life willbe closed and you will depart this
world. Seize this opportunity while the door of repentance is open.
Strive to do good with all your might. Repent. Pray while you still
have the opportunity. Take the opportunity to be with virtuous
people."
Because of the way he had an immediate effect on people he met,
al-Gilani was also knownas "al-Baz Allah"(the Falcon of Allah) and
"al-Baz al-Ashab" (The Falcon Who Never MissesHis Prey).
People who had repented their sins, repentant brigands, assassins,
sinners and those with flawed religious beliefs, as well as Jews and
Christians who had converted to Islam were often to be found at his
assemblies. It is related that he was instrumental in more than 5.000
Jews and Christians embracing Islam, and in more than 100,000 thieves
and brigands repenting.
Abdul Qadir al-Gilani wasof average stature, with broad shoulders, a
slim body and a ruddy complexion. He grew his hair long enough to
cover his shoulders. His voice was thick and majestic. He dressed
verywell, and he would take nothing from anyone, not even his
students.
AL-GILANI, A LOVER OF THEMAHDI, SAID THIS IN THE 60 TH COUNCIL OF HIS
WORK AL FATH AR- RABBANI
"NOTHING CAN HOLD BACK WHOEVER LIVES TO SEE THIS PERSON FROM THE GATE
OF ALLAH, THE GREATAND GLORIOUS. THE BANNER OF THE MAHDI CANNOT BE
LOWERED, HIS TROOPS CANNOT BE DEFEATED, HIS VOICE CRYING OUT THE TRUTH
CANNOT BE SILENCED, AND THERE CAN BE NO BOUNDS TO THE SWORD OF
MONOTHEISM. HE WILL WALK WITH SINCERE STEPSAND NEVER TIRE AND NO WORK
CAN WEARY HIM. NOGATE CAN REMAIN CLOSED BEFORE HIM, NOR BE CLOSED
AFTER IT HAS OPENED. THE SHUTTERS OF ALL DOORS WILL FLY APART AND THEY
WILL OPEN UP ON ALL SIDES. NOBODY CAN STOP HIM UNTIL HE COMES INTO THE
PRESENCE OF THE ALMIGHTY ALLAH.
Al-Gilani spent 73 of his 91 years in Baghdad. He lived to see five
Abbasid Caliphs. He spent his whole life teaching and waged a powerful
struggle on behalf of thetruth.
By means of this holy work, Islam spread to many parts of Africa,
Indonesia, the Indian Ocean, Anatolia and many other regions, andits
pure and immaculate nature conquered many hearts.
Abdul Qadir al-Gilani died in Baghdad in 1166.His mausoleum is in
Baghdad. The following words about him are well-known:
"Abdul Qadir al-Gilani, the Sultan of all the saints was born with
love, lived a pure life and was united with ourLord with a pure love."
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And Allah Knows the Best!
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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA
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'' Our Lord ! grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter and save us from the torment of the Fire '' [Ameen]
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{in Arab} :->
Rabbanaa aatinaa fid-dunyaa hasanatan wafil aakhirati hasanatan waqinaa 'athaaban-naar/-
(Surah Al-Baqarah ,verse 201)
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