Relating to his Birth early Childhood completion of Education striving and Endurance the court of his Pir-o-Murshid the Muslims of Baghdad his Karamaat (Miracles) His wives and Children his Enlightening Lectures incidents relating to his Demise Genealogy. 

It was the arrival of the Sultaanul Awliya (King of the Awliya), which had been foretold for centuries before his birth. Sayyidah Ummul Khair Faatima (R.A)was 60 years old when Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)was born. It is widely known that women at this age are usually incapable of having children. This alone was one of the astounding facts relating to the birth of the great Saint. 

This alone was the proof of his Wilayah (Sainthood). (3). Almighty Allah gave glad tidings to his parents in their dream that their son would be the Sultaanul Awilyahand those who oppose him would be Gumrah (misled). (4). On the eve of his birth, approximately eleven hundred males were born in Jilan. Every one of them was a Wali Allah. (5). He was born on the eve of Ramadaan and during the entire month of Ramadaan he never drank milk after the time of Sehri and before the time of Iftaar. In other words, he kept fast from the day he was born. His mother said that he never cried for milk for the entire day and he would only drink milk at the time of Iftaar! 

After the demise of his father, his grandfather, Shaikh Abdullah Soom’ee, r.a., took care of him. It was his grandfather that was responsible for the marriage of the parents of the great Saint. He moulded Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)from childhood into the personality that he was to be. He blessed Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)with gems of spiritualism. He nurtured him with gentleness and showered him with words of wisdom. 

Al-Ghawth al-A’zam Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)was not like other children who spent their time in play and amusement. From a tender age he spent his time in the remembrance of Almighty Allah. If he at any time ever intended to join the other children, then a Voice from the Unseen would be heard to say, “Come towards Me, O blessed one.” At first, Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)would become afraid when he heard this voice. He would go to his mother and sit on her lap. As time passed, he became accustomed to this voice. Instead of going to his mother, he would abandon the thought of playing and occupy himself in the remembrance of Almighty Allah. 

Whenever Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)would enter the Madrassa he would see bright figures walking ahead of him saying, “Give way to the Friend of Allah.” His son, Sayyidi Abdur Razzaq r.a., reports that once Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)was asked when he first came to know of his Wilayahand the great Ghaus (R.A)replied: “When I was ten years old, I found Angels walking beside me on my way to the Madrassa. When we reached the Madrassa I would hear them say, ‘Give way to the Wali Allah, Give way to the Wali Allah.’ It was when this continued that I knew that I had been blessed with Wilayah”. 

It was such a time where parents in their old age usually depend on their children for moral and financial support, but this pious and pure servant of Allah only wanted the pleasure of Almighty Allah and His Rasool ((S.A.W)). Whilst she was very attached to Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani r.a., she did not let her personal feelings come before the pleasure of Allah. She wanted her son to be a man of knowledge and wisdom. In those days, people used to travel either by foot or by camel or another animal.

 She once again made Du’a for him. On bidding him farewell, she gave him the following advice: “O’ my beloved son! Let this advice, which I am about to give you be an important part of your life. Always speak the truth! Do not even think of lies.” The young Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)said, “My dear mother! I promise from my heart that I will always act upon your advise.” Sayyidah Faatima (R.A)then embraced the apple of her eye with love and motherly gentleness for the last time, and with the words, “Go! May Allah be with you. It is He who is your Helper and Protector”. The journey to Baghdad began. 

After a few days in Baghdad Shareef, al-Ghawth al-A’zam Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)enrolled for academic studies at the famous Jamia Nizamia, which was the centre of learning and spiritualism in the Islamic world. Teachers of great calibre and piety tutored here. 

Amongst his teachers were: Abul Wafa Ali bin Aqeel, Abu Zakariyah Yahyaa bin Ali Tabrezi, Abu Saeed bin Abdul Kareem, Abul Anaa’im Muhammad bin Ali bin Muhammad, Abu Sa’eed bin Mubaarak Makhzoomi, and Abul Khair Hamaad bin Muslim Al Dabbas (R.A)He attained the knowledge of Qirah, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Shari’ah and Tareeqah from the above-mentioned Ulama.

He also excelled in all these subjects. In the field of Adab, his teacher was Allama Abu Zakariyah Tabrezi (R.A)who was a great Aalim of his time. He was also the author of various Kitaabs such as “Tafseerul Quraan Wal E’raab”, “Sharah Qasaa’idul Ashr”a“Sharah Diwaan Abi Tamaam”. In the field of Fiqh and Usool-e-Fiqh, his teachers were: Shaikh Abul Wafa bin Aqeel Hambali, Abul Hassan Muhammad bin Qaazi Abul Ulaa and Shaikh Abul Khataab Mahfooz Hambali, and Qaazi Abu Sa’eed Mubaarak bin Ali Makhzoomi Hambali (R.A)

I picked it up and saw the following words written on it, ‘Almighty Allah has stated in one of the past Books, that the Lions of Allah have no desire for the pleasures of this world. Desires and pleasure (in food) are for the old and weak who depend on this to gain strength for Ibadah. When I read this my entire body began to tremble in the fear of Allah causing all the hair on my body to stand on end. I immediately removed the desire of eating from my mind and read two Rakahs of Salaah and then left the Musjid without eating.” 

Apart from Sayyidi Ham’maad r.a., al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)also gained spiritual education from Shaikh Abu Saeed Mubaarak Makhzoomi (R.A)This will be detailed a little later in this book. 

 This person left and returned after another year. He once again spent some time with the great Saint and then left again giving him the same command as he had done twice before. He returned after another year, this time bringing with him milk and roti (bread). He then said, “I am Hadrat Khidr a.s. and I have been asked to share this meal with you.” They sat together and ate this blessed meal. Hadrat Khidr a.s. then asked, “O Abd al-Qaadir! What did you eat for the three years while sitting in one spot?” He replied, “Whatever the people had thrown away.” 

“After some time, I saw an Abyssinian woman in a veil standing in front of me and looking at me very attentively. She then asked my name and origin. I replied by giving her my name and old her that I was from Jilan. She then said, ‘O Young man! You have made me tired searching for you. I was in Abyssinia when I was spiritually informed that Almighty Allah has filled your heart with His Noor (Light) and has blessed you with such excellence that no other Wali Allah has ever received. After I was informed of this, I left in search of you. Now that I have seen you, my heart desires that I should travel with you today and make Iftaar with you. “When evening came, I saw that a tray descend from the skies. On this tray were six rotis, gravy and vegetables.

Just as she said these words, Shaikh Adi came back to his senses and stood up. “Then, while making Tawaaf Almighty Allah sent his blessed rays of light on me and I heard a voice from the Unseen which said, ‘O Abd al-Qaadir, forget the physical world and remember your Creator. We will show you signs from amongst Our wonders. Do not join your worldly thoughts with Our thoughts. Remain steadfast. Do not look for the pleasure of none other than that of Mine. Be prepared to be of benefit to the creation of Allah, since they are certain chosen servants of Mine who will reach Me through your Wasila’. “When this happened, 

I heard the voice of the Abyssinian woman saying, ‘O Abd al-Qaadir! You have been blessed with a great gift today. I see an umbrella of light above your head and I see Angels all around you. Today, all the Awliya Allah are looking towards you’. After saying these words, she disappeared and was never to be seen again.”

Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)gained his spiritual training in Baghdad from two of the greatest Mystics of their time - Shaikh Sayyidi Abul Khair Ham’maad bin Muslim Ad Dabbaas (R.A)and Shaikh Qaazi Abu Saeed Mubaarak Al Makhzoomi (R.A)Although he had gained many blessings from both these personalities, he had not yet pledged his spiritual allegiance to a spiritual guide (Peer-o-Murshid). 

Shaikh Abu Saeed (R.A)showed much love and attention to this unique disciple and blessed him with gems of spiritualism and mysticism. 

After Sayyidi Abu Saeed Makhzoomi (R.A)admitted Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)into the spiritual order, he fed him a meal with is own hands. Concerning this, Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)says, “For every morsel of food that my Shaikh-e-Tareeqat put into my mouth, my heart began to fill with the light of Marifah.” 

This Reformer and Reviver was none other that Imam-ul-Awliya Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)He entered the arena at this time of corruption and conflict and within a short space of time, he once again turned the blessed city of Baghdad into the center of learning and spiritualism. The enlightened event that led to Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani’s (R.A)first lecture to the people of Baghdad is detailed below: 

On the 16th of Shawaal 461 A.H. Hijri, close to midday, the King of the Awliya, al-Ghawth al-A’zam Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)saw in his dream the King of the Ambiya and Rasool, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (S.A.W) The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said to him, “O Abd al-Qaadir! Why do you not lecture and give advice to the people so you may save them from being misled”? He replied: “Ya Rasoolallah, (S.A.W)! I am a non-Arab. What am I going to say in front of the fluent-speaking Arabs?” The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Open your mouth”. He placed his blessed Saliva seven times into the mouth of Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)and then said, “Lecture and give advice to the people and bring them towards the path of Almighty Allah”.

When he saw this, he paused. Just then he entered a spiritual condition in which he saw Sher-e-Khuda Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtadha (Kar’amallahu ta’aala Wajhahul Kareem) standing in front of him and saying, “Why are you not commencing your lecture?” Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)said, “I feel nervous”. Sayyiduna Ali (R.A)then said, “Open your mouth!” and he placed his blessed saliva six times into the mouth of Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)Al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)then asked. Why did you not place your blessed saliva seven times into my mouth?” Sayyiduna Ali (R.A)answered, “Out of respect for the Holy Prophet, (S.A.W) Saying these words, Sayyiduna Ali (R.A)disappeared. Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)then commenced his lecture in such pure and fluent Arabic that authorities of the Arabic language seated in his lecture where astounded by his lecture. Thus, commenced Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani’s (R.A)reformation of the people of Baghdad. 

Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)usually delivered lectures thrice a week - on Wednesday evenings, Fridays,and on Sunday mornings. This blessed practice continued for forty years, from 521 A.H. to 561 A.H. At first, he began delivering lectures and teaching people in the Madrassah belonging to Sayyidi Shaikh Aby Saeed Makhzoomi (R.A)

There would often be no place inside the Madrassah, forcing people to sit out on the streets to listen to his lectures and advice. In 568 A.H. a few houses around the Madrassah were purchased and incorporated to make the Madrassah bigger. After some time, even this proved to be too small. The Mimbar of Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)was then carried and placed in a massive open area (Eid Gaah) where more than 70,000 people would present themselves in each of his lectures. In each 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 that it attracted people from all parts of the world, thus making Baghdad Shareef the centre of learning and spiritualism once again. 

After listening to his lectures they would find that they could not refute anything he said and they would willingly accept Islam. In addition to the ordinary members of the public, Rijaal-ul-Ghaib and Jinns also frequented his blessed gatherings. Akaabireen and Mashaa’ikh also frequented his gatherings. It was a training school for the young, a place to repent for the sinful, a place of guidance for the misguided, and a bank of spiritualism for the spiritually bankrupt. 

One of the miracles of his Majlis was that each and every person sitting there heard him alike, even though in those times, there was no means of voice amplification, such as microphones and the like. Al-Ghawth al-A’zam’s (R.A)close student, Sayyidi Abdullah Jabaa’ee r.a., states that during this era of his lectures, more than 100,000 sinners repented at the blessed hands of al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)and thousands of Jews and Christians accepted Islam at his hands. 

His Karamat(Miracles)

The month of the year presenting themselves to Al-Ghawthal-azam :-

His Power on Jinn :-

Faatima, who was very beautiful, had gone onto the roof of the house and she suddenly disappeared from there. When Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)heard this he comforted him and told him not to worry. 

Exactly at the time of the 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 Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)has sent you. You should then tell him about your daughter’s disappearance.” 

They were very upset with me sitting 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 told him that Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)had sent me, he got off his horse and stood with respect listening to me. He then sent the Jinns to summon back a Jinn who had captured my daughter. My daughter was brought back and the mischievous Jinn was punished for his doing.” 

Once a thief entered the house of Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)with the intention of stealing. On entering the house, he became blind and could not see anything. He was unable to find his way out of the house and he eventually sat in one corner of the house. In the morning, he was caught and brought before Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A). When Al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)saw him, he placed his blessed hands on the thief’s eyes. The thief’s eyesight was immediately restored. Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)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, Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)placed his blessed sight on the thief once and elevated him to the status of Wilayat (Sainthood). It was also during this time that one of the appointed Abdaals had passed away. Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)took the thief, now a Wali, and sent him out as the replacement for the Abdaal that had passed away. Subhan-Allah! 

As this happened, Abul Mu’aali found that he was no longer in the gathering, but rather in a valley with beautiful lush vegetation. It was 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, Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)pulled the shawl off him. When Abul Mu’aali looked, he found to his amazement that he was still in the gathering of the great Saint (R.A)and he had not even missed one word of the lecture of the great Saint. However, much later Abul Mu’aali discovered that he did not have his set of keys with him. He then remembered that when he was transported to the valley by Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani r.a., 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 Mu’aali reached a valley and rested there. He then noticed, that the valley was the exact same place where the great Saint had transported him during his lecture. When he went beside the tree, he found that his missing keys were still hanging on the branch of the tree. Subhan-Allah! The business trip took fourteen days to complete. This miracle of al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)shows that not only did he transport Abul Mu’aali spiritually, but also physically. 

They asked the traders the reason for them bringing the gifts. The traders said that two months previously, whilst they were sailing to Baghdad, their ship was caught in a fierce storm. 

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 the great Saint (R.A)had put his hand into his cloak. Suhban-Allah! This incident shows that although Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)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! 

The wet-nurse of al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)states that when he was a child, she would carry him in her arms but would suddenly find that he was no longer there. She reports that she noticed that he used to fly into the sky and hide behind the rays of the sun. Once, when Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)was much older, the wet-nurse (S.A.W) went to him and asked if he still did as he used to do when he was a child, in other words, hide behind the sun. Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)replied, “Then I was a child, and it was a time of weakness, and I used to hide in the rays of the sun. Now my strength and power is so immense, that if a thousand suns have to come then they would all be hidden in me rather than me being hidden by them.” 

Shaikh Ali bin Idrees Yaqoobi (R.A)states that once his spiritual guide, Shaikh Ali bin Haiti (R.A)took him to al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)and presented him in the court of the great Saint. Shaikh Ali bin Idrees (R.A)states: “Al-Ghawth al-A’zam Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)was wearing a shawl during this time. He removed the shawl and placed it over me and said, ‘From now on, you will be protected from all illnesses’. From that day on until now, and I am 65 years old, I have never been ill.” 

Shaikh Ali bin Haiti (R.A)who was also present in this gathering, immediately went to Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)and physically placed the foot of the great Ghawth on his neck. Shaikh Sayyidi Maajid (R.A)states: “When al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)said these words, then every Wali on earth bowed his neck.” He also states, “There were 300 Awliya Allah and 700 Rijaalul Ghaib (Men of the Unseen) present in that gathering, and every one of them lowered their necks before him.” Shaikh Makaarim (R.A)states: “The day on which al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)made this statement, every Saint knew that the flag of Kingship was now planted before Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A). On this day, all the Saints from East to West lowered their necks on his command.” Sayyidi Shaikh Khalifatul Akbar (R.A)states: “I saw the Beloved Rasool, (S.A.W) in my dream and I asked him about the statement of al-Ghawth al-A’zam - ‘My foot is on the shoulders of all the Saints.’” He says that the Holy Prophet ((S.A.W) )said, “Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)has spoken the truth and why should he not say this when he is the Qutb, and I am his Guardian”. 

Sultanul Hind Khowaja Moinuddin Chishty:-

When Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)said, “My foot is on the shoulders of all the Saints”, Shaikh Khwaja Mueenud’deen Chishti Hassani Sanjari Ajmeri (R.A)was at this moment in the prime of his youth. He was deep in the remembrance of Allah on a mountain in Khurasaan. As soon as Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)said these words, Khwaja Mueenud’deen Chishti (R.A)heard this and lowered his neck and said, “But your blessed foot is on my eyes and on my head.” It was through the blessing of this act of submission that (R.A)Khwaja Mueenud’deen Chishti (R.A)was made the King of the Saints of India and is known as “Sultaanul Hind”. 

Shaikh Sayyidi Baqaa (R.A)states that once he accompanied Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)to the tomb of Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (R.A). He says: “I saw Shaikh Imam Ahmed bin Hambal’s (R.A)grave split open, and I saw him emerge from his blessed grave. He embraced al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)and then said, ‘Even I am dependent on you in Tariqah’”. 

Once Shaikh Bataa’ihi (R.A)presented himself in the court of Shaikh Ahmed Kabeer (R.A)He states that Shaikh Ahmed Kabeer (R.A)said, “Do you know anything about the condition of al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)?” Shaikh Ahmed (R.A)states: “On hearing this, I began to praise al-Ghawth al-A’zam (R.A)and say what I knew concerning him. I said as much as I knew and then remained silent.” Shaikh Ahmed Kabeer ( (R.A)) then said: “On his right is the Sea of Shari’ah and on his left is the Sea of Tariqah. From this, he gives whom he desires. In this era, there is none equal to him.” 

It was during this gathering that a bright ray of light emerged from the blessed chest of al-Ghawth al-A'zam (R.A)and travelled into the heart of each of the one hundred Jurists. This light could only be seen by them and to those whom Almighty Allah desired to see. As this light entered their hearts, each one of them entered a state of spiritual ecstasy. Each one of them fell at the feet of al-Ghawth al-A'zam (R.A)and repented from their improper intentions. The great Saint, with great compassion, embraced each one of them, filling their hearts with Noor, and at the same time answering every one of their questions, even though they had not asked. 

Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)delivered thousands of lectures in his lifetime on various topics. His gatherings were frequented by thousands of ordinary people, learned scholars and great Saints. It has been stated in authentic sources that during his lectures there would be approximately four hundred scribes who recorded his lectures in writing. Two such lectures, which were then recorded are being presented below for your perusal. 

Just before al-Ghawth al-A’zam’s (R.A)demise, his son, Shaikh Saifud’deen Abdul Wahab r.a., requested his father for advice. On his request, Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)said, “Fear Almighty Allah. Fear none but Allah. Always turn towards Him. Ask all your wishes from Allah. Do not turn to any besides Allah. Do not have faith in any but in Allah. Remain firm on Tauheed (belief in One Allah). There is no salvation without Tauheed. When the heart becomes linked with Allah then nothing else seems to look good to him. I have reached the level of True Love. It is a domain where worldly love has no place”. 

Just before his demise, he turned to the rest of his sons and said, “Move away from me. Right now, you seem to be before me, but in reality you are not the only ones here. With the exception of your selves, there are other creations of Allah here as well. Give enough space for them. Show respect to them. Give way. This is now a place of exalted pardon and forgiveness. Do not crowd this place.” After saying these words, he would continue saying, “And may there be peace, blessings and Allah’s Mercy upon you. May Allah forgive us all and may He bestow His Mercy upon us.” This was his reply to the greetings of the Angels that had presented themselves before him. It is stated that he replied to their greetings for a full twenty-four hours. 

His son, Sayyidi Abdul Aziz r.a., asked him concerning his illness and what type of illness be had. He replied: “None of you know about my illness. No person, Jinn or Angel even is aware of the kind of illness I have”. 

His son, Sayyidi Abdul Jabbar r.a., asked him if he was in any pain and discomfort. He said: “My entire body is in pain except my heart. My heart is protected as it is the treasure chest of the remembrance of Allah Almighty and the Madina (City) of the Rays of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W)” 

In his last moment on this physical earth, Sayyidi (R.A)Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilani (R.A)said: “I ask assistance from Allah. I bear testimony that there is none worthy of worship but One Allah. He is the Exalted and the only True Existing Who does not die. Pure is He, Who through His Powers is superior over His servants, and has caused death for them. There is none worthy of worship but Allah. Muhammad (S.A.W)is the Prophet of Allah”.