The Prophet’s descendant, Shaykh ʿAbd al-Qādir Jīlānī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه strove tirelessly to acquire knowledge. His endeavours took him to countless scholars and seniors of his time, ultimately resulting in the shaykh becoming the foremost scholar and senior authority himself. This was not an easy process, however, as he had to endure severe difficulties in this path.

A time then came in which he totally disconnected himself from worldly matters, engrossing himself in the remembrance of Allah and guiding others towards righteousness.

He became acclaimed and reputable worldwide. Through his efforts and blessings, the status of Islam became openly apparent to all, and Islamic knowledge began to be appreciated as it deserved. A vast number of scholars flocked to him, as they all sought to be his student or disciple. Many paupers, scholars and spiritual guides went on to become his successors (khulafā).^[1]

Shaykh Muhammad b. Yaḥyā رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه adds:

When Shaykh ʿAbd al-Qādir Jīlānī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه completed his studies, he began issuing fatwā, teaching, and inviting others towards righteousness. He sought to enkindle the lamp of knowledge and practice in this manner. Scholars from around the world came to learn from him, and there was none like him in the whole of Baghdad.^[2]

In actuality, the shaykh was an ocean of knowledge. When his teachers issued him authority in the sciences of hadith, they said “O ʿAbd al-Qādir, to you we relay authorisation regarding the wording of hadith. In reality, we have understood their meanings from you.”^[3]