The Life and Legacy of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه
Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه is a high figure in Islamic history, wide paying attention as one of the superior saints and scholarly person of all time. Best-known for his deep righteousness, natural event (karamat), and dedication to Allah, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه has a place of broad honour in the hearts of billion of Muslims world-wide. His name is similar with morality, cognition, and religious potency.
The name "Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani" is composed of several significant components. "Sheikh" is an honorific title often given to a scholar or spiritual leader in Islam. "Abdul Qadir" means "Servant of the All-Powerful," reflecting his submission to Allah, who is omnipotent. The title "Jeelani" refers to his birthplace, Jeelan (also known as Gilan), a town located in present-day Iran. Thus, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani’s name essentially denotes a devoted servant of Allah from Jeelan, highlighting both his lineage and his immense spiritual stature.
Early Life and Miracles of Birth
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was born on the 1st of Ramadan in a town near Baghdad called 'Jilaan'. According to his paternal bloodline, he رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه is the 11th grandson of Imam Hassan Mujtaba رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, the grandchild of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم (Bahjat-ul-Asrar, p. 171). On his maternal side, he is the 12th grandson of the honourable Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, (as mentioned by ‘Allamah Ali Qaari رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه. (Nuzhat-ul-Khaatir Al-Fatir, p. 12).
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه Born in 1077 CE (470 AH) in Jeelan, His life was full of miracles from the first. It is said that upon his birth, he refused to drink his mother’s milk during the daylight hours of Ramadan, signal natural awareness of fasting and emotions for the holy month. This supernatural event expected the importance that would afterwards become apparent in his life.
The greatness fact that at the age of five, he recited the Bismillah (In the name of Allah, the Most Graceful, the Most Merciful) and 18 portions of the Quranic verses in Arabic. He said, "I remembered it after hearing it from my mother (may Allah's mercy be upon her)." (Bahjat al-Asrar, Dhikr Turuq, p. 164).
The name "Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani" is composed of several significant components. "Sheikh" is a respectful title frequently granted to a scholar or spiritual leader in Islam. "Abdul Qadir" means "Servant of the All-Powerful," Reflective his status to Allah, who is almighty. The title "Jilani" Relate to his place of birth, Jeelan (also known as Gilan), a town situated in present-day Iran. Thus, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani’s name basically line a dedicated servant of Allah from Jilan, highlight both his bloodline and his huge religious respect.
At the age of 18, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani travelled to Baghdad, which was the part of Islamic education during that time. He studied below some of the most known scholars of his time period, admit Sheikh al-Mukharrimi and Abu Saeed al-Mubarak al-Mukharrimi. His thirstiness for knowledge was quenchless, and he soon became a scholar of special grade in different Islamic sciences, especially in Shafi'i and Hanbali legal philosophy.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani felt up a deep desire for religious growing. He entered a time period of self-purification, spending years in separation, fasting, and engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah). His concentrated loyalty and pride during these years helped him accomplish a high spiritual status, earning the title "Ghawth al-Azam," meaning "The Greatest Helper" in times of hurt, a kindness of his role as a sacred guide and protector.
One of the defining aspects of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani’s life is the countless miracles (karamat) attributed to him. His miracles are a testimony to his deep connection with Allah and his raised spiritual rank. There are many stories of people being healed of wellness through his prayers, his power to walk on water, and even transfer dead animals back to life through his prayer.
However, contempt these miracles, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani always stay on humbled and attributed everything to Allah's power. He ever sought-after fame or fortune; rather, he lived a simple life, dedicating himself to serving the people and guiding them on the path of morality.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani’s dedication to Islam and his sincerity to the principles of the faith were steady. His lectures and preaching in Baghdad attracted thousands of people, and his power to justify complex Islamic misconception in simple terms made him a loved figure among both scholars and the general public. He accented the importance of sincerity in worship, support to the Quran and Sunnah, and the need for inner cleansing through dhikr and reflexion.
Others Names of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه
Al-Ghawth al-A'zam Sultaan al-Awliyaa' Sayyidunaa 'sh-Shaikh Muhyid-Diin Abd al-Qaadir al-Jilaanii al-Hasanii al-Husaini (Radiyallaahu 'anh).
Qadri Kar Qadri Rakh Qadrio Me Utha
Qadri Abdul Qadri Qudrat Numa Ke Waste
"Our Master, the Shaikh." A writer who respect himself as a Qadrii, a devoted follower of Shaikh 'Abdul-Qadir, will generally refer to the last mentioned .
Al-Ghawth al-A'zam
"The Supreme Helper" (or, "The Powerful Succour") Ghawth is an Arabic word meaning: (1) A cry for aid or succor. (2) Aid, help, comfort improvement from misfortune. (3) The chief of the Saints, who is authorized by Allah to bring succor to suffering humanity, in response to His creatures' cry for help in times of extreme misfortune.
Sultaan al-Awlivaa'
The Sultan of the Saints." This reinforces the preceding title, emphasizing the supremacy of the Ghawth above all other orders of holiness.
AL-Hasanii al-Husainii
"The descendant of both al-Hasan and al-Husain, the grandsons of the Prophet (Allaah bless him and give him peace)." To quote the Turkish author, Shaikh Muzaffer Ozak Efendi (may Allah bestow His mercy upon him): "The lineage of Shaikh Abd al-Qaadir is known as the Chain of Gold, since both his parents were relative of the Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), His noble father Abdule derived his origin by way of Imaam Hasan, while his honorable mother, Umm al-Khair, traced hers through Imaam Husain."
As for the many other surnames, tiles and honorifc proceeding that have been presented upon Shaikh Abdal-Qaadir a-Jilaani
Conclusion
Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) is a towering figure in Islamic history, whose life serves as a beacon of guidance and inspiration for Muslims worldwide. From his miraculous birth to his lifelong devotion to knowledge and spirituality, he remains an enduring symbol of piety, wisdom, and humility. The legacy he left behind continues to shape the hearts and minds of millions who follow his teachings and seek his intercession in times of need. His name, "Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani," will forever be associated with the highest ideals of Islamic spirituality and scholarship