2 Hazrat Ghause Saqalain Sayyid Abdul Qaadir (R.A) - Sufism Biographies

2) Hazrat Ghause Saqalain Sayyid Abdul Qaadir (R.A)
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2) After intense studies, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu)
qualified from Jaamia Nizaamia. During this time, there was no
Aalimwho was more knowledgable and piousthan Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi
Allaho anhu).
HARDSHIPS FACED DURING STUDIES: While studing inBaghdaad, he faced
various hardships and was tested severely by the life of Baghdaad.
Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) himself used to say, "The
hardship and difficulties that I faced in Baghdaadduring my studies
were so severe, that if they had to be placed on a mountain, then even
themountain would split in two." He further used to say, "When the
hardshipsand difficulties would become ubearable, then I would lay on
the ground and continuosly recite the Ayah of the Holy Quran. 'Then
without doubt there is easiness with shortages, without doubt there is
easiness with shortages.'By making takraar of this Ayah I used to find
great tranquility and peace."
After adjourning from classes, He used to wander into the jungles and
forests of Baghdaad,where he would spend the entire night in the Zikr
of Almighty Allah. This he did regardless of the weather conditions or
season. If he become tired and weak, then he would rest for a while,
making the ground his bed and a boulder his pillow. During these
nights of Zikr, he would dress in a small turban and a thin cloak. If
he became hungry, then he would go towards the river Euphrates and eat
whatever vegetables he could find beside the river. He always said
thathe gained much pleasure in this way of life and it caused him to
gain closeness to Almighty Allah.
ATTAINMENT OF SPIRITUALKNOWLEDGE: After completion of Academic
studies, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) did not cease in his
quest for indept spiritual knowledge. To quech this spiritual thirst,
Almighty Allah presented him with the opportunity of coming under the
guidance of Sheikh Hammaad bin Muslim Ad Dabbaas (radi Allaho anhu)
who was amongst the superior Mashaaikh of Baghdaad-e-Muqaddas. Hazrat
Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) states, that there came a time in
Baghdaad when there was abundance of fitna and fasaad (fighting
andtrouble). Since he did not want any part of this, he decided to
leave Baghdaad-e-Muqaddas for a more peaceful enviroment. Hazrat
Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) says, "I made my intention to leave
Baghdaad due to the unsuitable conditions and was on my way out of
Baghdaad, when from the unseen, some great strength pushed me so hard,
that I fell to the ground. Then from the unseen I heard a voice say,
'Do not leave here. The creation of Allah willgain benefit via you.'
On hearing this I said, What do I have to do with the people? All I
want is to protect my Deen (Imaan). The voice then said, 'No, No, It
is of utmost importance for you to remain here. No harm will come to
your Deen (Imaan).' I then immediately changed my mind and for the
pleasure of Allah, I remained in Baghdaad. The very next day as I was
passing through a street, a man opened thedoor of his house and called
to me. He said, "O Abdul Qaadir! What did you ask from your Creator
yesterday?" Withthese words and in greatJalaal, he closed the door of
his house. I walked for some time and then realised that I had made a
grave error, this person was a Wali, ifnot, then he would have not
known of what had happened the previous day. I went in search of his
door, but was unsuccessful. After this, I would look for him where
ever I went, until one day I saw him in a Majlis and from then on
Istayed in his company. This personality was Sayyidi Hammaad bin
Muslim AdDabbaas (radi Allaho anhu)."
Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam gained deep spiritual knowledge from this
distinguished personality. Sheikh Hammaad was originallyfrom Syria and
was bornin a village near Damascus. He journeyed to Baghdaad and lived
in a place called Muzaffariyyah until he left this mundane world to
travel into the hereafter in the year 525Hijri. His blessed Mazaar is
in the Shawneezia Cemetry in Baghdaad. Apart from Sayyidi Hammaad
(radi Allaho anhu), Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) also
gained spiritual education from Sheikh Abu Saeed Mubaarak Makhzoomi
(radi Allaho anhu). This will be detailed a little later in this book.
HIS STRIVING & ENDURANCE IN THE PATH OF ALLAH: By the year 496Hijri,
Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-Azam (radi Allahuy anhu)had completed his academic and
spiritual studies. After this, he began Mujahaahida and Riyazaat
(spiritual exercises and endeavors in the path of Allah). He continued
these spiritualexercised from the 496 Hijri until the year 592 Hijri;
a period of twenty five years. During these twenty five years, he
engrossed himself in such intense spiritual exercises, that just by
reading about them one can only but marvel at the dedication of this
Great Saint. His sincerity and dedication in controlling his nafs took
him swiftly to the levels of "Fanafir Rasool and Fana Filllah". He was
nowtotally drowned in the sea of love of Allah and His Rasool (Sall
Allaho alaihi wasallam). He turned himself into a strong mountain of
patience and firmness that could not be moved.The notable events that
took place during this part of his life are numerous and if recorded,
then this alone would form volumes. To give us some appreciation of
hisspiritual condition during these twenty fiveyears, a few incidents
are quoted hereinunder.
SUPPRESSING HIS NAFS: Once while delivering a lecture, Huzoor
Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said, "For twenty five years, I roamed
the jungles of Iraq. For forty years, performed my FajrSalaah with the
wudhu of Esha and for fifteen years, I used to stand on one foot until
Fajr and complete (recitation of) the entire Quran. During this time,
I sometimes spent between three and forty days without eating even a
morsel." Hazrat Abul Masood bin Abu Bakr Hareemi (radi Allaho anhu)
reports thatSarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) once said to
him, "Year after year, I spent struggling with my nafs by putting
myself through various strenuous and intense tests. For one year I ate
only vegetables and drank no water. The following year I only drank
water and ate nothing, and the year after that, I did not eat and
drink for the entire year. There were times when I did not sleep a
wink. During this time I used to put myself through various
spiritualexercises. There were times when I would be so drowned in
struggling against my nafs, that I used to roll on thorns until my
entirebody would be severely bruised and cut, and I would become
unconscious. People would pick me up and take me to the Haakim and he
would certify me dead. Thinking that I was dead, they would prepare
for my ghusl and kaffan. When they would place me on the bathing board
to give me ghusl, then I used to awake from this spiritualcondition
and walk away."
MEETING WITH HAZRAT KHIDR (alahis salaam): Sayyiduna Ghaus-e-Azam(radi
Allaho anhu) states that when he had just commenced his spiritual
exercises in the jungles of Baghdaad, he met a person who was very
handsome and had a Pious and bright face. The person asked if he would
like to stay with him. Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said
that he would. The person then said that this could only be done if
Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) promised to be obedient to
his commands, and never toquestion his sayings or actions.
Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) immediately agreed to this.
This person then commanded Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu)
to sit at a prescribed spot and not to move until he returned. The
person leftand only returned after one year, to find
Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) still seated at the
prescribed spot. He spent a few moments with Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam
(radi Allaho anhu) and then asked him to sit their and wait for him to
return once more. This person left and returnedafter another year. He
once again spent some time with the Great Saintand then left again
giving him the same command as he had done twice before. He then
returned after another year, this time bringing with him milk and roti
(bread). He thensaid, "I am Hazrat Khidr (alahis salaam) and I have
been asked to share this meal with you." They sat together and ate of
this blessed meal. Hazrat Khidr (alahis salaam) then asked, "O Abdul
Qaadir! What did you eat for the three years while sitting in one
spot?" He replied, "Whatever the people had thrown away."
HIS BATTLES AGAINST EVIL FORCES: Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho
anhu) states that during his life he had encountered various attacks
from Shaitaan and his partners but through the assistance of Almighty
Allah, he wasalways victorious over Shaitaan. Even when his nafs would
try and force him into certain desires, Almighty Allah always
protected him from this as well. When the Shayateen would attempt with
vigour to sway Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu), then he
reports that he would hear a voice saying, "O Abdul Qaadir! Stand firm
and challenge them. Our helpis with you."
Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) states that when he used to
hear this, then he would stand firmly and challenge the Shayateen
becoming victorious over them. He says that at times the Shayateen
would take daring and frightening forms and come towards him, and in
Jalaal he would say "Laa Howla Wa Laa Quwatta Ilaa Bil laahil Aliyil
Azeem" and firmly strike the face of the Shaytaan, who would then
disappear.
HIS FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH SHAYTAAN: He says that once shaytaan cameto
him. He said, "I am Iblees. You have exhausted me and my students in
our attempts to mislead you. I would now like to become yourservant."
On hearing this,the Ghaus said, "O Cursedone! Leave here at once."
After this command of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu)
Shaytaan still refused to leave, anda hand came from the unseen and
hit Shaytaanwith such force on his head that it caused him to sink
into the ground.
HIS SECOND ENCOUNTER WITH SHAYTAAN: Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho
anhu) states, "Once Shaytaan came to me and in his hand he had balls
of fire, which he threw towards me. While this was happening, a veiled
person on a white horse appeared and gave a sword in my hand. The
moment I took the sword in my hand, Shaytaan turned and began to run."
HIS THIRD ENCOUNTER WITH SHAYTAAN: Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho
anhu) states, "Once again I saw Shaytaan, but this time in a very sad
state. I saw him sitting on the ground putting sand on his head. On
seeing me he said, 'O Abdul Qaadir you have made me very sad and
disillusioned.' I then said, Cursed one! Go Away. I am always asking
protection (in Allah) from you. On hearing this, he said, 'These words
hurt me even more.' He then spread an enormous amount of traps around
me. I asked what this was and he said, 'These are the traps and nets
of this world in which we trap people like you.' After this, for one
year I gave thought to these traps of the world, until Ibroke every
one of them."
HIS STEADFASTNESS ON SHARIAH: After gaining indepth academic and
spiritual knowledge, Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was not
only the most Pious and knolwedgable personality, but he was aguiding
light to the misguided and a firm mountain when it came to speaking
against that which was incorrect. He always said that even until
Qiyaamah, none can change the Shariah, and any person who goes against
the command of Shariah is an evil person (Shaytaan). His son Sheikh
Zia-ud-deen Abu Nasr Moosa (radi Allaho anhu) states, "My father
Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allaho anhu) once told me that he was
making mujaahida in the jungle one day, when he began to feel very
thirsty. Suddenly a cloud appeared above him and drops of cold rain
water fell over him which he drank and quenched his thirst, as this
was the mercy of Allah. After some time, he said that another cloud
appeared over him giving out light so powerful, that the ends of the
sky became lit up with the brightness. He said that he then saw a
figure in the cloud which said, 'O Abdul Qaadir ! I am your Creator. I
have made everything Halaal for you.' He said that on hearing this, he
read theTauooz and the light disappeared immediately and turned into
darkness. A voice then said, 'O Abdul Qaadir! Allah has saved you from
me because of your knowledge and piety, otherwise, I have mislead
various mystics, with this trap.' Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho
anhu) answered by saying,'Verily it is the grace of my Creator, which
is with me.' I then asked my father, how hehad known that this
wasShaytaan, and he replied, 'His saying that he has made that which
is haraam, halaal upon me, because Allah does not command wrong.'
BAI'AT: Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) gained his spiritual
training in Baghdaad from two of the greatest mystics of their time.
Hazrat SayyidiAbul Khair Hammaad binMuslim Ad Dab'baas (radiAllaho
anhu) and Hazrat Qaazi Abu Saeed Mubaarak Al Makhzoom (radi Allaho
anhu). Although he had gained much blessings from both these
personalities,he had not yet taken a Peer-o-Murshid. Finally the time
had come to take a Peer, and according to the will of Almighty Allah,
he presented himself in the court of Hazrat Qaazi Abu Saeed Al
Makhzoomi(radi Allaho anhu) and became his mureed thus joining his
Halqa and spiritual order. Hazrat Sheikh Abu Saeed (radi Allaho anhu)
showed much love and attention to this unique disciple, and blessed
him with gems of spiritualism and mysticism. Once while Ghaus-e-Azam
(radi Allaho anhu) and others where seated in front of the Sheikh, he
asked Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam to fetch something. While he was gone,
Hazrat Makhzoomi (radi Allaho anhu) addressing those present said,
"One day, the foot of that young man will be on the shoulders of all
the Auliya Allah, and all the Auliyah of his time will humble
themselves before him."
ZIYAARAT OF SAYYIDUNA RASOOLULLAH (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam): On
the sixteenth of Shawwal 461 Hijri close to mid day, in his dream, the
King of the Auliyah, Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam Jilani (radi Allaho anhu)
saw The King of the Ambia and Rusul, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sall
Allaho alaihi wasallam). In his dream The Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho
alaihi wasallam) said to him, "O Abdul Qaadir! Why do you not lecture
and give advice to the people so you may save them from being
mislead?" He answered by saying, "Ya Rasoolallah (Sall Allaho alaihi
wasallam)! I am a non-Arab. What am I going to say in front of the
fluent-speaking Arabs." Huzoor (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) said,
"Open You Mouth" and he place his blessed Saliva seven times into the
mouth of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and then said, "Go
lecture and give advice to the people and bring them towards the path
of Almighty Allah."
HIS REFORMATION OF THE PEOPLE: At first he began delivering lectures
and teaching people in the Madrassah belonging to Sayyidi Sheikh Abu
Saeed Makhzoomi (radi Allaho anhu). The peopleof Baghdaad and
neighbouring cities nowbegan to flock to the lectures of
Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) in such great numbers, that
the Madrassah became too small for these gatherings. There wouldoften
be no place inside the Madrassah, forcing people to sit out on the
street to listen to his lectures and advice. In 568 Hijri a few houses
around the madrassah were purchased and incorporated to make the
madrassah bigger. After some time, even this proved too small. The
Mimbar of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was then carried
and placed in a massive open area (Eid Gaah) where more than seventy
thousand peoplewould present themselves in each of hislectures. In
every one of his gatherings, there would be four people recording his
lectures in writing and two Qaaris, who recited the Holy Quran. His
lectures became so famous in a very short space of time and it
attracted people from all parts of the world, thus making Baghdaad
Shareef the center of learning and spiritualism once again. He usually
delivered lectures thrice a week. On Fridays, Wednesday evenings, and
on Sundaymornings. This blessed practice continued for forty years,
from 521 Hijri to 561 Hijri.
HIS POWER OVER JINNS: Hazrat Abu Futooh Muhammad bin Abil Aas Yusuf
bin Ismaeel bin Ahmad Ali Qarshi Tameemi Bakri Baghdadi (radi Allaho
anhu) reports that once Hazrat Sheikh Abu SaeedAbdullah bin Ahmad bin
Ali bin Muhammad Baghdadi Azjaee (radi Allaho anhu) came to
Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and complained about his
sixteen (16) year old daughter, Faatima. Faatima, who was very
beautiful, had gone ontothe roof of the house, and then had suddenly
disappeared. On hearingthis, Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) comforted
him and told him not to worry. Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu), then
asked him to go at night to a certain jungle. On entering this jungle,
Ghause-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) told him that he would see many sand
heaps, and he should sit on the fifth sand heap that he passed.
Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) then said, that he should draw a
circle around him, saying Bismillah, and then say Abdul Qaadir.
Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) then said, Towards the third portion
of the night, youwill find an army of Jinnspassing by. They will look
very frightening and fierce, but you should not fear. You should
remain seated and wait. Exactly at the time of first light, the Most
powerful King of the Jinns will pass that way, and he will personally
come to you, and ask your problem. On his request, you should explain
to him your situation, and then tell him that, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir
Jilaani (radi Allaho anhu) has sent you. You should then tell him
about your daughters disappearance.
Hazrat Muhammad Baghdadi (radi Allaho anhu) states, "I did as
Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said. I sat on the sand heap, drew a
circle around me and waited. After some time, I saw armies of Jinns
passing by in frightening forms. They were very upset with mesitting
in their path, but they passed without saying a word, as they did not
have the courage to enter the circle. In the morning, the King passed
and asked my request. When I explained my problem to him, and said
that Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) had sent me, he got off his horse
and stood with respect listening to me. He then sent the Jinns to
summon back one Jinn who had captured my daughter. My daughter was
brought back, and the mischievous Jinn was punished for his doing."
A THIEF BECOMES AN ABDAAL (SAINT): Once a thief entered the house of
Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) with the intention of
stealing.On entering the house, he became blind and could not see
anything. He was unable thereforeto find his way out of the house, and
eventually he sat in one corner of the house. In the morning, he was
caught and brought before Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu).
Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) on seeing him, placed his
blessed hands on the thieves eyes, and immediately the thief's sight
was restored.Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) then said, "He came to
steal materialistic (worldly) wealth, I will bless him with such a
treasure, that it will remain with him forever."
On saying these words, Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) placed his
blessed sight on the thief once, and elevated him to the status of
Wilaayat. It was during this time, that one of theappointed Abdaals (a
category of Saints) had passed away. Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu)
took the thief, now Wali, and sent his out as the replacement for the
Abdaal that had passed away. Subhaanallah!
TRANSPORTATION FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER: Once whilst Ghaus-e-Azam
Jilani (radi Allahoanhu) was delivering one of his spiritually
enlightening lectures, a person by the name of Abul Muaali was present
in this gathering and was seated directly in front of Ghaus-e-Azam
(radi Allaho anhu). During the course of the lecture, Abul Mu'aali
found that he needed to answer the call of nature(visit the toilet).
He found it disrespectful to leave the gathering of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi
Allaho anhu), so he tried to suppress this need (radi Allaho anhu). He
controlled the urge to the best of his ability, but when he could do
soany longer he decided toleave. As he was about to stand, he saw
Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) walking down thefirst stair of the
pulpit (Mimbar) onto the second stair. As Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho
anhu) came to the second stair, he saw thatan image of Ghaus-e-Paak
(radi Allaho anhu) on the mimbar. Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) came
downto him and threw his shawl over Abul Muaali. As this happened,
Abul Muaali found that he was no longer in the gathering, but rather
in a valley with lush vegetation, beautified even more by a stream
which flowed through it.He immediately answered the call of nature,
performed wudhu and then prayed two rakaats Salaah. As he completed
the Salaah, Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) pulledthe shawl off him.
When Abul Mu'aali looked, he found, to his amasment that he was still
in the gathering of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and he had not
even missed one word of the lecture of the Great Saint. However, Abul
Mu'aali later found that he did not have his set of keys with him. He
then remembered that when he was transported to the valleyby
Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu), he had hung his key ring on the
branch of a tree beside the stream. Abul Mu'aali states, that some
time after this incident, he had the opportunity to go on a business
expedition. During this journey, Abul Muaali reached a valley, and
rested there. He then noticed, that the valley was the exact same
place where Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) had during that lecture
transported him. When he went to the tree, he found that his missing
keys were still hanging on the branch of tree. Subhaan Allah! The
business trip had taken fourteen days to complete. This miracle
ofGhaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) showed that not only did he
transport Abul Muaali spiritually, but also physically.
PROTECTION FROM A STORM: Once the students of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi
Allaho anhu) state that he was delivering his lessons as usual to
them, when suddenly his blessed faceturned red and beads of
perspiration covered his blessed forehead. He then placed his hand
into his cloak and remind silent for a short time. The students state,
that after he removed his hand from inside his cloak, drops of water
began to drip from his sleeves. The students say that because of his
spiritual state, they did not ask any questions, but rather, they
recorded the date, day and time of this astonishing event. The
students say, that two months after this incident, a group of traders
who had come to Baghdad by sea, arrived and presented various gifts to
Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). The students were very
confused by this, as they had never seen these traders in Baghdad
before. The students therefore asked the traders their reason for the
gifts. The traders replied by saying that two months previosly, whilst
they were sailing to Baghdad, their ship was caught in a fierce storm.
When they realised that there was areal danger of sinking, they called
out the nameof Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allaho anhu). On
calling out his name, they found that from theunseen, a hand lifted
their ship to safety. When the students compared this narration to the
incident in the Madrassa, it was confirmed that it was the same, date,
day and time in which Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) had put his hand
into his Cloak.
Subhaanallah! This shows that Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho
anhu) seemed to be placing his hand into his cloak, but in reality, he
was stretching his hand into the sea to assist those who called for
his assistance.
"MY FOOT IS ON THE SHOULDERS OF ALL THE SAINTS" : Once whilst he was
delivering a lecture, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) entered a
spiritual state and said, "My foot is on the Shoulders of all the
Auliyah Allah (Saints)" There were many Auliyah Allah in his presence
when he said these words, and immediately every one of them lowered
their necks. Hazrat Sheikh Ali bin Haiti (radi Allaho anhu) who was
also present in this gatheringimmediately went to Ghaus-e-Azam (radi
Allaho anhu) and physically placed the foot of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi
Allaho anhu) on hisneck. Hazrat Sayyidi Maajid (radi Allaho anhu)
states, "When Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said these words, then
every Wali on earth bowed their necks."
He also states, "There were 300 Auliyah Allah and 700 Rijaalul Ghaib
(Men of the Unseen) present in that gathering, and every one of them
lowered their necks before him."
(To be continued)

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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