Jilani, Abd al-Qadir al-
Jilani, Abd al-Qadir al- (d.1166 C.E.) was a revered Sufi mystic, scholar, jurist, and theologian born in Persia. Recognized posthumously as the patron and founder of the Qadiri order, Jilani’s teachings formed the basis for much of the order’s spiritual practice and thought.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The name “Jilani” refers to his place of origin, Jilan (modern-day Gilan in Iran). “Abd al-Qadir” means “servant of the Powerful,” deriving from one of the 99 names of Allah—al-Qadir.
- Arabic Translation: عبد القادر الجيلاني (ʻAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī)
- Turkish Translation: Abdülkadir Geylani
Early Life and Education
Born in 1077 C.E., Jilani left Persia to pursue religious studies in Baghdad. He specialized in Hanbali jurisprudence, where he excelled under various distinguished scholars.
Mystic and Scholar
Jilani dedicated twenty-five years to ascetic life in the deserts of Iraq before emerging as a public preacher. His teachings stressed a blend of rigorous Hanbali jurisprudence and esoteric Sufism.
Despite not initiating a formal Sufi order during his lifetime, Jilani’s methods and ethics became foundational to what is now known as the Qadiri order. His followers and descendants further developed and propagated his teachings globally.
Jurist and Mufti
In addition to his Sufi practices, Jilani served as a Hanbali jurist and occasionally assumed the role of a part-time mufti, offering legal opinions grounded in Islamic jurisprudence.
Influence and Legacy
Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani is celebrated as one of Islam’s most universally admired saints. His theological clarity and depth have made his works a cornerstone for other Islamic thinkers.
See Also
- Qadari Tariqah: The spiritual order named after Jilani, emphasizing a lineage of mystical practice and adherence to his teachings.
Recommended Reading
- “The Secrets of Secrets: The Essence of the Principles and Rulings of Islam” byAbd al-Qadir al-Jilani
- “Sufism: The Formative Period” by Alexander Knysh
- “The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn al-Arabi’s Metaphysics of Imagination” by William C. Chittick
Takeaways and Conclusion
Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani stands as a pivotal figure in Islamic mysticism, characterized by his combination of devout ascetic practices and influential scholarly contributions. His teachings laid the groundwork for the Qadiri order, flourishing as a testament to his theological and spiritual legacy.
By understanding Jilani’s life and works, one can gain deeper insights into the fabric of Sufi thought and its significance in Islamic history and contemporary practice.
