Syed Majid Gilani
Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, also known as Gilani, was born in the beautiful region of Gilan or Jilan, Iraq, in 471 Hijri (1077 A.D.). He came from a respected family with a strong lineage. His parents were descendants of Hazrat Ali Murtaza (R.A), with his father’s roots tracing back to Hazrat Imam Hassan (A.S) and his mother’s to Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S).
Tragedy stuck at a young age when Hazrat Ghousul Azam’s father passed away, leaving his mother to raise him alone. Despite this hardship, his mother was determined to provide him with the best education. By the age of eight, Hazrat had not only learned the Holy Quran but also memorized the Holy Quran, becoming Hafiz-e-Quran.
When he turned eighteen, he sought his mother’s permission to travel to Baghdad, the renowned centre of education at that time. Despite the potential dangers of the journey, his mother wholeheartedly permitted him to go and even hid forty dinars in his shirt pocket, as an extra precaution. She advised him to always speak the truth and made him promise to do so.
During their journey, their caravan was attacked and looted in Hamadan. When questioned about his possessions, Hazrat fearlessly spoke the truth without hesitation. Surprisingly, the attackers brought him before their chief, who was astonished by Hazrat’s truthful response regarding the hidden dinars. Intrigued, the chief asked Hazrat why he chose to speak the truth despite dire circumstances, without hesitation. Hazrat explained that his mother had commanded him to always speak the truth, and he could never disobey her orders. The chief was deeply moved by Hazrat’s unwavering commitment to his mother’s teachings. Overwhelmed with emotion, he realized the errors of his misguided and disobedient life. He felt ashamed for disobeying Allah’s orders.In a life-changing moment, the chief ordered the return of all looted belongings to the travelers. Inspired by his encounter with Hazrat Ghousul Azam (R.A), the chief pledged to abide by Allah’s and the Holy Prophet’s orders from then on.
Following a pivotal event in his life, Syedna Hazrat Ghousul Azam (R.A), a knowledgeable and spiritually inclined individual, began spreading Islam’s teachings with love, compassion, and heartfelt connection. Hazrat Ghousul Azam (R.A) successfully propagated the religion of peace, Islam.Notably, Islam was spread purely through love and compassion, devoid of force or coercion. Many non-Muslims, inspired by Hazrat’s teachings, willingly embraced Islam, including Christians and Jews. Hazrat’s reputation as a scholar and theologian spread globally, attracting seekers from various parts of the world. They found satisfying answers to their religious queries. Even rulers became his disciples, respecting his simplicity, humanity, and unwavering determination.
Hazrat’s saintly mother instilled values of truthfulness and honesty, which he diligently followed throughout his life. For twenty-five years, Hazrat wandered in Iraq’s desert regions, performing countless miracles. One of Hazrat’s remarkable miracles occurred during his infancy in the month of Ramadhan. He abstained from milk during daylight hours, a miraculous feat. News spread quickly, and on the 29th of Ramadhan, when cloudy skies obscured the crescent, people sought confirmation from Hazrat’s mother about his milk consumption. Taking this as a sign, they observed the day as the 30th of Ramzan and fasted. He displayed profound wisdom throughout his life. These miracles testified to the divine blessings bestowed upon him, reinforcing his influence and teachings.
Throughout his life, Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) left an enduring impact on humanity through his teachings, literary works, and contributions. Though he departed this world, his teachings remain a guiding light for all. His shrine, situated on the east bank of the Tigris in Baghdad, Iraq, remains a revered pilgrimage site. Hazrat Gilani (RA) was revered by various titles, including: Mohiud din, Mehboobi Subhani, Quttub-i Rabbani, Sheikh ul Jin Wal Ins, Ghousul Azam,Ghousul Sakalain, and Peerani Peer etc. These esteemed titles were bestowed upon Hazrat Gilani due to his extraordinary contributions to Islam and humanity.
He exemplified Shariah- (Islamic Law and Jurisprudence) principles, emphasizing steadfast adherence. In a congregation on 19th Shawal, 545 Hijri, Hazrat Gilani clarified that anything outside Shariah’s boundaries was unacceptable. This valuable lesson inspires us to emulate Hazrat Gilani’s (R.A) personality and teachings. Just as travelers explore new horizons, we can delve into his books, like Futuh Al Ghaib, Aurad I Qadriyah, Ghunyatut Talibeen, Sirrul Asrar, etc quenching our thirst for knowledge and guidance. Hazrat Dastgeer Sahib Jilani (RA) may have physically departed this world, but his legacy endures, inspiring peaceful coexistence and Shariah adherence. Let us embrace his teachings, positively impacting our lives and others.
The relation between Hazrat Ghousul Azam (R.A) and Dastgeer Sahib Shrine, Khanyar, Srinagar is a testament to the power of faith and its impact on people. As we step into the sacred Dastageer Sahib shrine, we are surrounded by the aura of the presence of holy relics. The shrine houses a copy of Quran handwritten by Hazrat Ali Murtaza (RA) and the holy strand of the hair of Hazrat Ghousul Azam (R A). The holy relic of Ghouse Azam (R.A.) is displayed on special occasions like the Urs days which is annually celebrated in the Islamic month of Jamid-us-sani. Besides, on the every 11th day of the Islamic lunar month, we honor the life and teachings of Hazrat Ghousul Azam Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A.), the revered founder of the Qadriyah order by observing Ghyarvi Sharif. This monthly occasion provides a sacred opportunity for devotees and followers of Ahli Bayt and Auliya e Kiram to offer heartfelt praises and supplications to Allah, our sole sustainer. Through “Zikr Azkaar” and “Khatmaat ul Moazamat”, we seek Allah’s blessings and guidance. We also pay tribute to our beloved Prophet (PBUH) with “Darood Azkaar” and we recite “Kibrat Sharif”—a book containing praises showered by Hazrat Ghous (R.A) upon the Holy Prophet (SAW) .May Allah inspire us to follow in the footsteps of the noble saints, who reminded us that there is no God but Allah, and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is His servant and messenger.
In Kashmir, the central gathering takes place at the revered Dastgeer Sahib Shrine in Khanyar, Srinagar, where the observance of Gyarvi Sharif commenced with the arrival and permanent settlement of Hazrat Syed Mohammed Fazil Shah Gilani (R.A) lovingly known as “Hazrat Sakhi Shah”. History reveals that inthe year 1095 Hijri / 1322 A Dtwo brothers namely Hazrat Syed Abul Hassan Gilani (R.A) and Hazrat Syed Mohammed Fazil Gilani (R.A) arrived in Srinagar and firstly stayed near Iddgah. Both came to Kashmir as per the spiritual directions of their ancestor Harat Ghousul Azam (R.A). Their companions, friends and servants had come along with them. Later, Khwaja Abdul Qadir Chewoo gifted them with his land and a house at Khanyar. This transformed Khanyar into a hub of spiritual seekers, attracting scholars and Sufi saints. Noted personalities of the time like Baba Usman Qadri, Khwaja Abdul Rahim Qadri, Khwaja Mohammad Murad Tang became your disciples.
In the revered lineage of Sufi saints, Hazrat Sakhi Shah Mohammad Fazil Qadiri Gilani (R.A) shines as a radiant exemplar of spiritual excellence.
The family tree goes lies this- Syed Sakhi Mohammad Fazil Gilani S/o Syed Abdullah Thathvi Gilani S/o Syed Mehmood Hamvi Gilani S/o Syed Abdul Qadir Sani Gilani S/o Syed Abdul Basit Gilani S/o Syed Shah Hussain Gilani S/o Syed Shahab ud din Ahmed Gilani S/o Syed Sharaf ud din Qasim Gilani S/o Syed Mohiud din Yahya Salis Gilani S/o Syed Badru din Hassan Gilani S/o Syed Ala ud din Ali Gilani S/o Syed Shams ud din Abu Abdullah Gilani S/o Syed Saif ud din Abu Zakariya Gilani S/o Syed Zahir ud din Abu Masood Gilani S/o Syed Mohi ud din Mir Abu Nasr Gilani S/o Syed Imad ud dun Mir Abu Sualeh Gilani S/o Syed Abdur Razaq Gilani S/o Ghousul Azam Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) (References from ‘Zikr Sadati Gilania’, by Syed Mubarak Shah Fitrat Gilani).
Actually this family had came from Baghdad to Hamma. From Hamma Syed Abdul Qadir Sani had shifted to Thatha Sakhar Sindh. Hazrat Syed Abul Hassan Gilani (R.A), who along with his brother had arrived Srinagar, returned back to Peshawar in abidance with the spiritual guidance of Hazrat Ghousul Azam (R.A). His Shrine is famous in Peshawar by the name of Dargah Hassan Badshah. He is the father of renowned saint Hazrat Syed Shah Mohammad Ghous Lahori, whose shrine is famous in Lahore.It was due to the permanent stay of Hazrat Sakhi Shah Mohammed Fazil Gilani in Kashmir that thousands of people including the contemporary religious scholars, nobles, landlords, and leaders joined “Silsilai-Qadria” and Khanyar Shareef came to be the centre of its operations
Hazrat Syed Mohammed Fazil Qadri Gilani (RA) was the first Heir (Sajada Nisheen) of the Holy Shrine. He was followed by his son Hazarat Syed Mehmood Qadri Gilani (R.A), then his son Hazrat Syed Ghulam-ud-Din Azad Qadri Gilani and then his son Hazrat Syed Buzarg Shah Qadri Gilani became the Shrine Heirs (Sajada Nisheen).
Here in Khanyar, Srinagar Hazrat Syed Sakhi Shah, a direct descendant of Ghouse Azam (R.A), followed the spiritual guidance of Jinabi Ghousul Azam (R.A) to reach this sacred destination.His mausoleum, nestled within the heart of the Dastgeer Sahib Shrine at Khanyar remains a sacred site, attracting devotees seeking blessings and guidance. The majestic Dastgeer Sahib Shrine, built in 1806 A.D. in Srinagar’s Khanyar locality, honors Hazrat Ghousul Azam’s (R.A) memory. Renovated by Khwaja Sonaullah Shawl in 1877 A.D., this sacred site embodies spirituality.
As we walk through the shrine, let us strive to cultivate Hazrat Ghousul Azam’s (R.A) virtues, guided by his legacy. Kashmir’s spiritual heritage dates back to Aurangzeb’s rule in 1095 Hijri (1322 A.D.), when Hazrat Syed Sakhi Shah Gilani arrived in Khanyar. This land has long been a spiritual hub, blessed by great saints. Hospitable Kashmiris have preserved meditation sites and holy tombs. Notably, Hazrat Ghouse-ul-Azam (R.A) never visited Srinagar; instead, his great-grandson Hazrat Syed Sakhi Shah Fazil Gilani (R.A) settled permanently. These historical facts are documented in “Aainay Fitrat” authored by Syed Mubarak Shah Fitrat Gilani, a famous scholar, Persian poet, Author and founder of Bazm Sadati Gilani, Jammu & Kashmir.
(The author works as a GST Inspector for the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He can be reached at [email protected])