Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani's statement, "My foot is on the neck of all the Saints," not only means that his status is exalted over all the Saints but that his spiritual order is also above all the other orders. In fact, all the orders obtain beneficence from his Sufi order. It also means that Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani holds authority over the treasures of Faqr and sainthood by the permission of the Prophet and without his consent no one can even achieve the most basic level of Faqr and sainthood.

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani was the reflection of the beauty of Prophet Mohammad, be it his appearance or conduct. He was the esteemed vicegerent of the Prophet, the perfect Mystic and the absolute light of guidance.

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani got practical knowledge of Sufism and mysticism, severed his ties from worldly affairs to seek Allah only and worshipped the Lord ardently. Thus, he reached the highest levels of annihilation in the Prophet and Allah and became immortal with Him. His entire existence stormed with an ardent love for the Almighty and the Prophet. His mystic struggle and hardships were based on the footsteps of the Prophet's Companions of al-Suffa.

In 488 AH, when Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani came to Baghdad, the Islamic nations had become enfolded in evils and fitna. Till 521 AH, Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani remained engrossed in mystic endeavours. Afterwards, he stepped into the arena of jihad armoured with virtue and piety, well acquainted with sharia and armed with the knowledge of Quran and Sunna. He started a war against satanic and spurious beliefs through assemblages during which he guided and persuaded towards piety and righteousness.

On the path of Faqr when the spiritual guide chooses a seeker for entrusting the Divine Trust, he first of all presents him to Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani for approval. If he approves, only then the seeker is presented in the Mohammadan Assembly for final decision.

When the chosen seeker is approved by the Mohammadan Assembly for entrusting the Divine Trust, the Holy Prophet hands over that person to Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani for his spiritual training to hold the Trust and throne of Divine guidance and persuasion.

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani wrote numerous books which unfold the secrets of Faqr. They cleanse and enliven the inward of a devoted reader.

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani is called Mohiyuddin, the reviver of Islam in the Muslim world. His unprecedented struggle for the revival of Islam is his biggest achievement. Whether it was sermons, gatherings at his khanqah, lectures of madrasa or the throne of Divine guidance and persuasion, all his efforts revolved around reviving the glory of Islam.

There is no denying that Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani proved to be the reviver of Islam due to his selfless and sympathetic nature, ardent love and fear of Allah, unwavering personality, influencing discourse and extreme passion to revive Islam. He strengthened the religion of the Prophet. This achievement of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani is like the sun shining with all its power. His stellar services for the path of Truth make one wonderstruck. His title, Mohiyuddin, the reviver of religion is beyond any doubt.

I am a slave in the court of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani and proud of it. I am an eternal seeker of his beneficent and powerful glance because without it I am just an empty vessel.