Urs Shareef; 'Ghawth al-A'zam' Shaykh Sayyiduna Muhiyyud'deen Abu Muhammad Abd'al-Qadir al-Jilani(radi Allahu Anhu), Baghdad

11th Rabi al-Thani - Urs Shareef; 'Ghawth al-A'zam' Shaykh Sayyiduna Muhiyyud'deen Abu Muhammad Abd'al-Qadir al-Jilani(radi Allahu Anhu), Baghdad;

HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA:

Maqbool-e-Bargahe Ilaahi, Gohar Darya-e-Wilaayat, Qutbul Aqtaab, Fardul Ahbaab, Hazrat Abu Muhammad, Sayyid Muhiyyudeen, Mahboob-e-Subhani Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allaho anhu) is the seventeenth Imam and Sheikh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qaaderiyah Barakaatiyah Razviyah Nooriyah.

BLESSED BIRTH:

He was born on the eve of the 1st of Ramadaan 470 Hijri in the city of Gilan.

HIS BLESSED NAME:

His blessed name was Sayyid Abdul Qaadir.

TITLES:

His title was Abu Muhammad and he is famously known as Muhiyyuddeen, Ghaus-e-Azam, Ghaus-e-Paak and Ghaus Piya (radi Allaho anhu) etc. He is tarafain Sayyid (descendant of Imam Hassan and Hussain)

HIS PARENTS :

He was a descendant of the Holy Prophet Muhammad from both his mother's and father's side. His father's name was Sayyid Abu Saleh Moosa (radi Allaho anhu) and his mother's name was Sayyida Ummul Khair Faatima. (radi Allaho anhu)

HIS FEATURES:

He was very well built and of medium height. Broad chest, a long broad beard, tan in color, joint eyebrows, strong voice, and of beautiful character.

HIS FAMILY TREE:

His family tree reaches Sayyiduna Ali-e-Murtaza (radi Allaho anhu) from his father through 14 generations and through his mother by 12 generations.

Hazrat Sayyiduna Abdur Rahmaan Jaami (radi Allaho anhu) said the following concerning the geneology of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) :

"He is an exalted King, who is known as Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). He is Sayyid from both his parents. Hassani from his father and Hussaini from his mother."

Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salall Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)

Sayyidatun Nisa Fathima Sayyiduna Ali-e-murtaza

Shaheed-e-karbala Imam Husain Sayyiduna Imam Hassan

Sayyiduna Imam Zainul Abedeen Sayyid Hassan Mathni

Imam Muhammad Baaqir Sayyid Abdul Mahdh

Sayyiduna Imam Jaafar Saadiq Sayyid Moosa Al Jawn

Sayyiduna Imam Moosa Kaazi Sayyid Abdullah Thaani

Sayyiduna Sheikh Ali Raza Sayyid Moosa Thaani

Sayyid Aboo Ala'ud'deen Sayyid Dawood

Sayyid Kamaalud'deen Esa Sayyid Muhammad

Sayyid Abul Ataa Abdulla Sayyid Yahya Az Zaahid

Sheikh Sayyid Mahmood Sayyid Abi Abdillah

Sayyid Muhammad Sayyid Abu Saaleh Moosa (Father)

Sayyid Aboo Jamaal

Sayyid Abdullah Soomee

Sayyida Ummul Khair Faatima (Mother)

Sayyiduna Muhiyyud'deen Abu Muhammad Adul Qaadir Jilaani

(Ridwaanullahi Ta Aala Alaihim Ajmaeen)

SHEIKHUL MASHA'IKH SAYYIDUNA JUNAID-E-BAGHDADI (radi Allaho anhu):

lived two hundred years before Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) foretold his coming in the following manner. Once while Hazrat Junaid-e-Baghdaadi (radi Allaho anhu) was in a state of Spiritual Ecstacy, He stated: "His foot is on my Shoulders, His foot is on my shoulders." After he had come out of this spiritual condition, his disciples questioned him concerning these words and he said, "I have been informed that a great Saint will be born towards the end of the fifth century. His name shall be Abdul Qaadir (radi Allaho anhu) and his title will be Muhiyyuddeen. He will be born in Jilaan and he will reside in Baghdad. One day, on the command of Allah, he will say, 'My foot is on the shoulders of all the Awliyah Allah.' While in my spiritual condition, I saw his excellence and these words were uttered by me without my control."

IMAM HASSAN ASKARI (radi Allaho anhu):

Sheikh Abu Muhammad (radi Allaho anhu) states that before his demise, Imam Hassan Askari handed his Jubba (Cloak) over to Sayyiduna Imam Maaroof Karghi (radi Allaho anhu) and asked him to pass it over to Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). Hazrat Imam Maroof Karghi (radi Allaho anhu) passed this Cloak over to Sayyiduna Junaid-e-Baghdaadi (radi Allaho anhu), who in turn passed it over to Sheikh Danoori and it was then passed down until it reached Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) in the year 497 Hijri. (Makhzanul Qaaderiah)

SHEIKH ABU BAKR BIN HAWWAAR (radi Allaho anhu) lived before the time of Huzoor Ghuas-e-Azam. And was amongst the distinguished Mashaaikh of Baghdaad. Once while sitting in his majlis, he said, "There are seven Aqtaab of Iraq:

1. Sheikh Maaroof Karghi (radi Allaho anhu)

2.Hazrat Imam Ahmad bin Hambal (radi Allaho anhu)

3. Hazrat Bishr Haafi (radi Allaho anhu)

4. Sheikh Mansoor bin Amaar (radi Allaho anhu)

5. Sayyiduna Junaid Baghdaadi (radi Allaho anhu)

6. Hazrat Sahl bin Abdullah Tastari (radi Allaho anhu)

7. Hazrat Abdul Qaadir Jeelani (radi Allaho anhu)."

On hearing this, Sayyidi Abu Muhammad (radi Allaho anhu), who was a mureed of Sheikh Abu Bakr (radi Allaho anhu) asked, "We have heard and know six of these names, but the seventh, we have not heard of. O Sheikh! Who is Abdul Qaadir Jeelani."

Sheikh Abu Bakr (radi Allaho anhu) replied by saying, "Abdul Qaadir (radi Allaho anhu) will be a non-Arab (and a) pious man. He will be born towards the end of the fifth century Hijri and he will reside in Baghdaad." [Bahjatul Asraar]

SHEIKH KHALEEL BALKHI (radi Allaho anhu):

He is a great Wali-Allah and had passed away before the time of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). Once while seated with his disciples he said, "A pure servant of Allah will become apparent in Iraq towards the end of the fifth century. The world will gain brightness from his presence. He will be the Ghaus of his time. The creation of Allah will be obedient to him, and he will be the Leader of the Awliyah Allah." [Azkaarul Abraar]

IMAM MUHAMMAD BIN SAEED ZANJANI (radi Allaho anhu) stated as follows in his distinguished work Nuzhatul Khawatir: AFrom the era of Hazrat Abi Ali Hassan Yasaarajuwi (radi Allaho anhu) , up to the era of Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilaani (radi Allaho anhu) , every Wali that passed this earth, foretold the coming and the excellence of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) @ [Nuzhatul Khawatir]

HIS BLESSED BIRTH:

There are two narrations concerning the date of birth of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). The first narration is that he was born on the first of Ramadaan 470 Hijri and the second is that he was born on the eve of the second of Ramadaan 470. The second narration seems to be the one more favoured amongst the learned scholars. The birth of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam was a great blessing to the Ummah as it was not only the birth of a child, but it was the coming of the King of the Awliyah, which had been foretold for centuries before his birth. Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was blessed to his mother at an age when women are usually unable to have children. Sayyida Ummul Khair Faatima (radi Allaho anhu) was sixty years old when Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was born. This alone was one of the astonishing incidents relating to the birth of the Great Saint.

MIRACULOUS EVENTS SURROUNDING HIS BLESSED BIRTH: Apart from this, there were various other miraculous events which surrounded the birth of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam. Hazrat Sayyiduna Shahabudeen Suharwardi (radi Allaho anhu) quoted the following five miracles (Karamaat) which surrounded the birth of Ghaus-e-Azam, in his distinguished book, Manaqib-e-Ghausia:

(1). On the eve of the birth of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu), his father, Sayyidi Abu Saalaeh, saw in his dream, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) who gave him the following glad tiding: "O Abu Saaleh! Almighty Allah has blessed you with a pious son. He is my beloved and the beloved of Almighty Allah and he is the most exalted amongst the Awliya and Aqtaab."

(2). When he was born, he had the impression of the footprint of Rasoolullah (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) on his shoulder. This alone was the proof of his Wilaayah.

(3). Almighty Allah gave glad tidings to his parents in their dream that their son would be the Sultaanul Awliyah and those who oppose him would be mislead (Gumraah).

(4). On the eve of his birth approximately eleven hundred males were born in Jilaan and every one of them a Wali Allah.

(5). He was born on the eve of Ramadaan. During the entire month of Ramadaan between Sehri and Iftaar, he never drank milk after the time of sehri and before the time of Iftaar. In other words, he kept fast from the day he was born. His blessed mother says that he would never cry for milk the entire day and would only take milk at the time of Iftaar. Subhaanallah!

DEMISE OF HIS FATHER :

After the demise of his father, he was taken under the care of his illustrious grandfather Hazrat Abdullah Soomee, the very same personality who was responsible for the marriage of the parents of the Great Saint. He took Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam under his wing and blessed him with gems of spiritualism. He molded the Great Saint from childhood into the personality that he was to be. He nurtured him with gentleness and showered him with words of wisdom.

VOICE FROM THE UNSEEN:

Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was not like other children who spent their time playing and fooling around. From a tender age, he spent his time in the remembrance of Almighty Allah. If he at any time ever intended to join the other children, then from the unseen a voice would be heard to say, "Come Towards Me O Blessed one" At first, on hearing this voice, he would become afraid and go to his mother and sit on her lap. As the time passed, he became accustomed to this voice, and instead of going to his mother, he would abandon the thought of playing and occupy himself in the remembrance of Allah.

COMMENCEMENT OF ACADEMIC STUDIES:

When Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was four and a half years old, and according to certain narrations, five years old, his mother enrolled him into a local Madrassah in Jilaan. He thus commenced his early education at this Madrassah. He remained in this Madrassah until the age of ten. During this period a certain amazing event occured. Whenever Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam would enter the Madrassah he would see bright figures walking ahead of him saying,"Give way to the Friend of Allah" His son Sayyidi Abdur Razzaq (radi Allaho anhu) reports that once Hazrat Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) was asked when he first came to know of his Wilaayah and Hazrat Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) answered by saying, "When I was ten years old, I found Angels walking beside me on my way to the Madrassah, and when we reached the Madrassah I would hear them say, 'Give way to the Wali Allah, Give way to the Wali Allah' It was when this continued that I knew that I had been blessed with Wilaayah."

DEMISE OF SAYYIDI ABDULLAH SOOM'EE (radi Allaho anhu): Hazrat Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) was still a student at the Madrassah in Baghdaad when his grandrather Hazrat Abdullah Soom'ee (radi Allaho anhu) journeyed from this world to the Hereafter. After the demise of his grandfather, the responsibility of his education fell to his blessed mother. With patience, sincerity and dedication, she fulfilled this responsibility that had been blessed to her. Once, while Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was about eighteen years old. he went out of his house for a stroll. He walked in the streets of Jilaan and found an ox in front of him. He walked behind it for some time. Then the animal turned around, and in the language of humans said, "You have not been created for this and you have not been commanded to do this." On hearing this, he immediately returned home and explained this incident to his mother. He then requested permission to journey to Baghdaad in order to complete his academic studies and seek more spiritual knowledge. His mother, without a second thougth who was now seventy eight years old, acceded to this noble request.

HIS MOTHER'S ADVICE:

So, in her old age, Sayyida Ummul Khair Faatima (radi Allaho anhu) said farewell to her eldest son Sayyiduna Abdul Qaadir Jilaani (radi Allaho anhu). It was that time in her life, where parents usually depend on their children for moral and financial support, but this pious and pure servant of Allah wanted only the pleasure of Allah and His Rasool (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam). Whilst she was very attached to Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu), she did not let her personal feelings come before the pleasure of Allah. She wanted her son to be a man of knowledge and wisdom.

In those days, people used to travel either by foot or by camel etc. and the roads passed through dense jungles and forests. There was always a real danger of travelers being robbed and killed. Knowing all this, she still supported his request and wished him well with her duas. She said, "O my dear son! I have now become very old and I do not think I will ever get to see you again, but my duas will always be with you. May Almighty Allah grant you success in your quest for academic and spiritaul knowledge." She then said, "Your Marhoom father left eighty Dinaars, from which I am giving forty dinaars to you, for your journey and forty dinaars I will keep for your younger brother Sayyid Abu Ahmad Abdullah." She took the forty dinaars and sewed them under the arm of his coat. She once again made dua for him and on bidding himfarewell gave him the following advice, "O my beloved son! Let this advice which I am about to give you be an important part of your life. Always speak the truth! Dont even think of lies."

On hearing this Huzoor Ghuas-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said, "My dear mother! I promise from my heart, that I will always act upon your advice." Sayyida Faatima (radi Allaho anhu) then embraced the apple of her eye with love and motherly gentleness for the last time, and with the words "Go May Allah be with you. It is He who is your Helper and Protecter." The journey to Baghdaad began.

ADHERENCE TO HIS MOTHER'S ADVICE:

After bidding farewell to his mother, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu), joined a caravan which was on its way to Baghdaad. In those days, people travelled in groups for the sake of safety. The caravan of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) reached the city of Hamdaan without incident. After leaving Hamdaan, they journeyed further. Their journey took them into a vast forest, where they were attacked by sixty robbers. The leader of this band of robbers was a very notorious bandit called Ahmad Badwi. The travellers did not have the means to defend themselves against the robbers and were forced to surrender their belongings and valuables to them. After looting the travellers, the robbers gathered all the loot and began to distribute the it amongst themselves. While all this was happening, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was standing very calmly amongst the travellers. Regarding him as just a young boy, none of the robbers approached him, until one of them decided to approach him. He went up to Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and asked if he had anything valuable. Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) replied by saying that he had in his possession forty dinaars. On hearing this the robber laughed at Ghaus-e-Azam and walked away, thinking that he was lying. After some time another of the robbers asked him the same question and recieved the same answer. He too dismissed this statement of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) as a joke. When the robbers had gathered, then both these robbers began to joke about the young boy who thought he had forty dinaars. On hearing their discussion, their leader Ahmed Badawi asked them to bring Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) to him. When the Great Saint was brought before Ahmed Badawi, he asked whether he had any valuables in his possession, and the Saint replied in the same way as before. When Ahmed Badawi heard this, he asked for the forty dinaars. Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) calmly showed them where the dinaars were hidden. On tearing open the coat of Ghaus-e-Azam, they found that there were really forty dinaars sewn under the arm of the coat. On seeing this, Ahmed Badawi and his accomplices were taken aback. Ahmed Badawi then asked, "O Young man! None of us knew that you had any money. Knowing we are are bandits, why did you still tell us where the money was hidden?"

The young Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) replied by saying, "When I had left on this journey, I had promised my elderly and pious mother that I would never lie. How then could I break this promise just for the sake of sixty bandits."

On hearing this, Ahmed Badawi felt great shame and in tears said, "O young boy! You are so loyal in your promise to your mother, Shame on me, that for years I have been disloyal to my promise with my Creator Almighty Allah."

After saying these words, the bandit cried bitterly and then fell to the feet of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and repented for his sins. When his accomplices saw this, then they too did likewise and repented sincerely from all their sins. They then returned all the belongings of the travellers and escorted them out of the jungle. It has been stated that the tauba of these bandits was so sincere, that they were blessed with Wilaayah, through the sadqa of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) personally stated, "This was the first tauba that a group of mislead persons had made at my hands."

GHAUS-E-AZAM ENTERS BAGHDAAD: The City of Baghdaad was blessed with the feet of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) in the year 488 Hijri. Upon arrival in Baghdaad Shareef, the great Saint had already spent the forty dirhams given to him by his mother. He began to spend his days in hunger and poverty. Due to immense poverty, he went towards the Arcade of Chosroes in search of halaal food. There he found that there were already seventy Awliyah Allah in search of Halaal food. Seeing this, he did not wish to be in their way and thus returned to Baghdaad Shareef. On his way back, he met a traveller from Jilaan. The traveller, on hearing that Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was from Jilan, asked if he knew a yound man by the name of Abdul Qaadir. Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) informed him that he was Abdul Qaadir. The traveller then handed a block of gold to Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) saying that it had been sent to him by his mother. On hearing this, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) immediately made the Shukr of Almighty Allah, and then returned to the Arcade of Chosroes, where he presented most of the gold to the Awliyah Allah that were in search of food. He then took a little for himself, and returned to Baghdaad. On returning to Baghdaad, He prepared meals and fed the poor and then shared this meal with them. SubnanAllah! This alone shows the character of the Great Saint, that even though he was without food, he first gave most of his gold to the Awliyah Allah, then fed the poor, before he himself ate anything. Without doubt this is the sign of a true servant of Allah. It was in this manner that the life of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) commenced in the Holy City of Baghdaad.

DISTINGUISHED TEACHERS: After a few days in Baghdaad Shareef, Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) enrolled for academic studies at the famous Jaamia Nizaamia. During this time, this Jaamia was the centre of learning and spiritualism for the entire world. Jaamia Nizaamia was blessed by Teachers of great calibre and piety. He studied with great sincerity and dedication. Amongst his Teachers were : Abul Wafa Ali bin Aqeel , Abu Ghaalib Muhammad bin Hassan Baaqilaani, Abu Zakariyah Yahyaa bin Ali Tabrezi, Abu Saeed bin Abdul Kareem, Abul Anaaim Muhammad bin Ali bin Muhammad, Abu Saeed bin Mubaarak Makhzoomi, and Abul Khair Hamaad bin Muslim Al Dabbas (ridwaanullahi ta aala alaihim ajmaeen). He attained knowledge in the following subjects from the above mentioned Ulama: Qirat, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Shariah and Tareeqat etc. Not only did He attain knowledge in these subjects, but he excelled in every one of them.

In the field of Adab, his teacher was Allama Abu Zakariyah Tabrezi, who was a great Aalim of his time. He was also the author of various kitaabs such as: Tafseerul Quraan Wal Eraab; Sharah Qasaaidul Ashr and Sharah Diwaan Abi Tamaam. In the field of Fiqh and Usool-e-Fiqh, his Ustaads were: Sheikh Abul Wafa bin Aqeel Hambali, Abul Hassan Muhammad bin Qaazi Abul Ulaa, Sheikh Abul Khataab Mahfooz Hambali, Qaazi Abu Saeed Mubaarak bin Ali Makhzoomi Hambali.(ridwaanullahi ta aala alaihim ajmaeen).

In the field of Hadith, he attained knowledge from the following Ulama:

Sayyidi Abul Barkaat Talhaa Al Aaqooli, Abul Anaim Muhammad bin Ali bin Maimoon Al Farsi, Abu Uthmaan Ismaeel bin Muhammad Al Isbihaani, Abu Ghaalib Muhammad bin Hassan Al Baaqilaani, Abu Muhammad Jaafar bin Ahmad binil Husainil, Sayyidi Muhammad Mukhtaar Al Haashmi, Sayyidi Abu Mansoor Abdur Rahmaan Al Qazzaaz, Abul Qaasim Ali bin Ahmad Bannaan Al Karghi, Abu Taalib Abdul Qaadir bin Muhammad bin Yusuf (ridwaanullahi ta aala alaihim ajmaeen) .

After intense studies, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) qualified from Jaamia Nizaamia. During this time, there was no Aalim who was more knowledgable and pious than Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu).

HARDSHIPS FACED DURING STUDIES: While studing in Baghdaad, he faced various hardships and was tested severely by the life of Baghdaad. Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) himself used to say, "The hardship and difficulties that I faced in Baghdaad during my studies were so severe, that if they had to be placed on a mountain, then even the mountain would split in two." He further used to say, "When the hardships and difficulties would become ubearable, then I would lay on the ground and continuosly recite the Ayah of the Holy Quran. 'Then without doubt there is easiness with shortages, without doubt there is easiness with shortages.' By making takraar of this Ayah I used to find great tranquility and peace."

After adjourning from classes, He used to wander into the jungles and forests of Baghdaad, where he would spend the entire night in the Zikr of Almighty Allah. This he did regardless of the weather conditions or season. If he become tired and weak, then he would rest for a while, making the ground his bed and a boulder his pillow. During these nights of Zikr, he would dress in a small turban and a thin cloak. If he became hungry, then he would go towards the river Euphrates and eat whatever vegetables he could find beside the river. He always said that he gained much pleasure in this way of life and it caused him to gain closeness to Almighty Allah.

ATTAINMENT OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE: After completion of Academic studies, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) did not cease in his quest for indept spiritual knowledge. To quech this spiritual thirst, Almighty Allah presented him with the opportunity of coming under the guidance of Sheikh Hammaad bin Muslim Ad Dabbaas (radi Allaho anhu) who was amongst the superior Mashaaikh of Baghdaad-e-Muqaddas. Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) states, that there came a time in Baghdaad when there was abundance of fitna and fasaad (fighting and trouble). Since he did not want any part of this, he decided to leave Baghdaad-e-Muqaddas for a more peaceful enviroment. Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) says, "I made my intention to leave Baghdaad due to the unsuitable conditions and was on my way out of Baghdaad, when from the unseen, some great strength pushed me so hard, that I fell to the ground. Then from the unseen I heard a voice say, 'Do not leave here. The creation of Allah will gain benefit via you.' On hearing this I said, What do I have to do with the people? All I want is to protect my Deen (Imaan). The voice then said, 'No, No, It is of utmost importance for you to remain here. No harm will come to your Deen (Imaan).' I then immediately changed my mind and for the pleasure of Allah, I remained in Baghdaad. The very next day as I was passing through a street, a man opened the door of his house and called to me. He said, "O Abdul Qaadir! What did you ask from your Creator yesterday?" With these words and in great Jalaal, he closed the door of his house. I walked for some time and then realised that I had made a grave error, this person was a Wali, if not, then he would have not known of what had happened the previous day. I went in search of his door, but was unsuccessful. After this, I would look for him where ever I went, until one day I saw him in a Majlis and from then on I stayed in his company. This personality was Sayyidi Hammaad bin Muslim AdDabbaas (radi Allaho anhu)."

Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam gained deep spiritual knowledge from this distinguished personality. Sheikh Hammaad was originally from Syria and was born in a village near Damascus. He journeyed to Baghdaad and lived in a place called Muzaffariyyah until he left this mundane world to travel into the hereafter in the year 525 Hijri. His blessed Mazaar is in the Shawneezia Cemetry in Baghdaad. Apart from Sayyidi Hammaad (radi Allaho anhu), Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) also gained spiritual education from Sheikh Abu Saeed Mubaarak Makhzoomi (radi Allaho anhu). This will be detailed a little later in this book.

HIS STRIVING & ENDURANCE IN THE PATH OF ALLAH: By the year 496 Hijri, Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-Azam (radi Allahuy anhu) had completed his academic and spiritual studies. After this, he began Mujahaahida and Riyazaat (spiritual exercises and endeavors in the path of Allah). He continued these spiritual exercised from the 496 Hijri until the year 592 Hijri; a period of twenty five years. During these twenty five years, he engrossed himself in such intense spiritual exercises, that just by reading about them one can only but marvel at the dedication of this Great Saint. His sincerity and dedication in controlling his nafs took him swiftly to the levels of "Fanafir Rasool and Fana Filllah". He was now totally drowned in the sea of love of Allah and His Rasool (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam). He turned himself into a strong mountain of patience and firmness that could not be moved. The notable events that took place during this part of his life are numerous and if recorded, then this alone would form volumes. To give us some appreciation of his spiritual condition during these twenty five years, a few incidents are quoted hereinunder.

SUPPRESSING HIS NAFS: Once while delivering a lecture, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said, "For twenty five years, I roamed the jungles of Iraq. For forty years, performed my Fajr Salaah with the wudhu of Esha and for fifteen years, I used to stand on one foot until Fajr and complete (recitation of) the entire Quran. During this time, I sometimes spent between three and forty days without eating even a morsel." Hazrat Abul Masood bin Abu Bakr Hareemi (radi Allaho anhu) reports that Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) once said to him, "Year after year, I spent struggling with my nafs by putting myself through various strenuous and intense tests. For one year I ate only vegetables and drank no water. The following year I only drank water and ate nothing, and the year after that, I did not eat and drink for the entire year. There were times when I did not sleep a wink. During this time I used to put myself through various spiritual exercises. There were times when I would be so drowned in struggling against my nafs, that I used to roll on thorns until my entire body would be severely bruised and cut, and I would become unconscious. People would pick me up and take me to the Haakim and he would certify me dead. Thinking that I was dead, they would prepare for my ghusl and kaffan. When they would place me on the bathing board to give me ghusl, then I used to awake from this spiritual condition and walk away."

MEETING WITH HAZRAT KHIDR (alahis salaam): Sayyiduna Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) states that when he had just commenced his spiritual exercises in the jungles of Baghdaad, he met a person who was very handsome and had a Pious and bright face. The person asked if he would like to stay with him. Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said that he would. The person then said that this could only be done if Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) promised to be obedient to his commands, and never to question his sayings or actions. Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) immediately agreed to this. This person then commanded Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) to sit at a prescribed spot and not to move until he returned. The person left and only returned after one year, to find Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) still seated at the prescribed spot. He spent a few moments with Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and then asked him to sit their and wait for him to return once more. This person left and returned after another year. He once again spent some time with the Great Saint and then left again giving him the same command as he had done twice before. He then returned after another year, this time bringing with him milk and roti (bread). He then said, "I am Hazrat Khidr (alahis salaam) and I have been asked to share this meal with you." They sat together and ate of this blessed meal. Hazrat Khidr (alahis salaam) then asked, "O Abdul Qaadir! What did you eat for the three years while sitting in one spot?" He replied, "Whatever the people had thrown away."

HIS BATTLES AGAINST EVIL FORCES: Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) states that during his life he had encountered various attacks from Shaitaan and his partners but through the assistance of Almighty Allah, he was always victorious over Shaitaan. Even when his nafs would try and force him into certain desires, Almighty Allah always protected him from this as well. When the Shayateen would attempt with vigour to sway Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu), then he reports that he would hear a voice saying, "O Abdul Qaadir! Stand firm and challenge them. Our help is with you."

Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) states that when he used to hear this, then he would stand firmly and challenge the Shayateen becoming victorious over them. He says that at times the Shayateen would take daring and frightening forms and come towards him, and in Jalaal he would say "Laa Howla Wa Laa Quwatta Ilaa Bil laahil Aliyil Azeem" and firmly strike the face of the Shaytaan, who would then disappear.

HIS FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH SHAYTAAN: He says that once shaytaan came to him. He said, "I am Iblees. You have exhausted me and my students in our attempts to mislead you. I would now like to become your servant." On hearing this, the Ghaus said, "O Cursed one! Leave here at once." After this command of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) Shaytaan still refused to leave, and a hand came from the unseen and hit Shaytaan with such force on his head that it caused him to sink into the ground.

HIS SECOND ENCOUNTER WITH SHAYTAAN: Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) states, "Once Shaytaan came to me and in his hand he had balls of fire, which he threw towards me. While this was happening, a veiled person on a white horse appeared and gave a sword in my hand. The moment I took the sword in my hand, Shaytaan turned and began to run."

HIS THIRD ENCOUNTER WITH SHAYTAAN: Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) states, "Once again I saw Shaytaan, but this time in a very sad state. I saw him sitting on the ground putting sand on his head. On seeing me he said, 'O Abdul Qaadir you have made me very sad and disillusioned.' I then said, Cursed one! Go Away. I am always asking protection (in Allah) from you. On hearing this, he said, 'These words hurt me even more.' He then spread an enormous amount of traps around me. I asked what this was and he said, 'These are the traps and nets of this world in which we trap people like you.' After this, for one year I gave thought to these traps of the world, until I broke every one of them."

HIS STEADFASTNESS ON SHARIAH: After gaining in depth academic and spiritual knowledge, Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was not only the most Pious and knolwedgable personality, but he was a guiding light to the misguided and a firm mountain when it came to speaking against that which was incorrect. He always said that even until Qiyaamah, none can change the Shariah, and any person who goes against the command of Shariah is an evil person (Shaytaan). His son Sheikh Zia-ud-deen Abu Nasr Moosa (radi Allaho anhu) states, "My father Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allaho anhu) once told me that he was making mujaahida in the jungle one day, when he began to feel very thirsty. Suddenly a cloud appeared above him and drops of cold rain water fell over him which he drank and quenched his thirst, as this was the mercy of Allah. After some time, he said that another cloud appeared over him giving out light so powerful, that the ends of the sky became lit up with the brightness. He said that he then saw a figure in the cloud which said, 'O Abdul Qaadir ! I am your Creator. I have made everything Halaal for you.' He said that on hearing this, he read the Tauooz and the light disappeared immediately and turned into darkness. A voice then said, 'O Abdul Qaadir! Allah has saved you from me because of your knowledge and piety, otherwise, I have mislead various mystics, with this trap.' Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) answered by saying,'Verily it is the grace of my Creator, which is with me.' I then asked my father, how he had known that this was Shaytaan, and he replied, 'His saying that he has made that which is haraam, halaal upon me, because Allah does not command wrong.'

BAI'AT: Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) gained his spiritual training in Baghdaad from two of the greatest mystics of their time. Hazrat Sayyidi Abul Khair Hammaad bin Muslim Ad Dab'baas (radi Allaho anhu) and Hazrat Qaazi Abu Saeed Mubaarak Al Makhzoom (radi Allaho anhu). Although he had gained much blessings from both these personalities, he had not yet taken a Peer-o-Murshid. Finally the time had come to take a Peer, and according to the will of Almighty Allah, he presented himself in the court of Hazrat Qaazi Abu Saeed Al Makhzoomi (radi Allaho anhu) and became his mureed thus joining his Halqa and spiritual order. Hazrat Sheikh Abu Saeed (radi Allaho anhu) showed much love and attention to this unique disciple, and blessed him with gems of spiritualism and mysticism. Once while Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and others where seated in front of the Sheikh, he asked Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam to fetch something. While he was gone, Hazrat Makhzoomi (radi Allaho anhu) addressing those present said, "One day, the foot of that young man will be on the shoulders of all the Auliya Allah, and all the Auliyah of his time will humble themselves before him."

ZIYAARAT OF SAYYIDUNA RASOOLULLAH (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam): On the sixteenth of Shawwal 461 Hijri close to mid day, in his dream, the King of the Auliyah, Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam Jilani (radi Allaho anhu) saw The King of the Ambia and Rusul, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam). In his dream The Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) said to him, "O Abdul Qaadir! Why do you not lecture and give advice to the people so you may save them from being mislead?" He answered by saying, "Ya Rasoolallah (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam)! I am a non-Arab. What am I going to say in front of the fluent-speaking Arabs." Huzoor (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) said, "Open You Mouth" and he place his blessed Saliva seven times into the mouth of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and then said, "Go lecture and give advice to the people and bring them towards the path of Almighty Allah."

HIS REFORMATION OF THE PEOPLE: At first he began delivering lectures and teaching people in the Madrassah belonging to Sayyidi Sheikh Abu Saeed Makhzoomi (radi Allaho anhu). The people of Baghdaad and neighbouring cities now began to flock to the lectures of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) in such great numbers, that the Madrassah became too small for these gatherings. There would often be no place inside the Madrassah, forcing people to sit out on the street to listen to his lectures and advice. In 568 Hijri a few houses around the madrassah were purchased and incorporated to make the madrassah bigger. After some time, even this proved too small. The Mimbar of Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) was then carried and placed in a massive open area (Eid Gaah) where more than seventy thousand people would present themselves in each of his lectures. In every one of his gatherings, there would be four people recording his lectures in writing and two Qaaris, who recited the Holy Quran. His lectures became so famous in a very short space of time and it attracted people from all parts of the world, thus making Baghdaad Shareef the center of learning and spiritualism once again. He usually delivered lectures thrice a week. On Fridays, Wednesday evenings, and on Sunday mornings. This blessed practice continued for forty years, from 521 Hijri to 561 Hijri.

HIS POWER OVER JINNS: Hazrat Abu Futooh Muhammad bin Abil Aas Yusuf bin Ismaeel bin Ahmad Ali Qarshi Tameemi Bakri Baghdadi (radi Allaho anhu) reports that once Hazrat Sheikh Abu Saeed Abdullah bin Ahmad bin Ali bin Muhammad Baghdadi Azjaee (radi Allaho anhu) came to Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and complained about his sixteen (16) year old daughter, Faatima. Faatima, who was very beautiful, had gone onto the roof of the house, and then had suddenly disappeared. On hearing this, Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) comforted him and told him not to worry. Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu), then asked him to go at night to a certain jungle. On entering this jungle, Ghause-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) told him that he would see many sand heaps, and he should sit on the fifth sand heap that he passed. Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) then said, that he should draw a circle around him, saying Bismillah, and then say Abdul Qaadir. Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) then said, Towards the third portion of the night, you will find an army of Jinns passing by. They will look very frightening and fierce, but you should not fear. You should remain seated and wait. Exactly at the time of first light, the Most powerful King of the Jinns will pass that way, and he will personally come to you, and ask your problem. On his request, you should explain to him your situation, and then tell him that, Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilaani (radi Allaho anhu) has sent you. You should then tell him about your daughters disappearance.

Hazrat Muhammad Baghdadi (radi Allaho anhu) states, "I did as Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said. I sat on the sand heap, drew a circle around me and waited. After some time, I saw armies of Jinns passing by in frightening forms. They were very upset with me sitting in their path, but they passed without saying a word, as they did not have the courage to enter the circle. In the morning, the King passed and asked my request. When I explained my problem to him, and said that Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) had sent me, he got off his horse and stood with respect listening to me. He then sent the Jinns to summon back one Jinn who had captured my daughter. My daughter was brought back, and the mischievous Jinn was punished for his doing."

A THIEF BECOMES AN ABDAAL (SAINT): Once a thief entered the house of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) with the intention of stealing. On entering the house, he became blind and could not see anything. He was unable therefore to find his way out of the house, and eventually he sat in one corner of the house. In the morning, he was caught and brought before Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) on seeing him, placed his blessed hands on the thieves eyes, and immediately the thief's sight was restored.Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) then said, "He came to steal materialistic (worldly) wealth, I will bless him with such a treasure, that it will remain with him forever."

On saying these words, Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) placed his blessed sight on the thief once, and elevated him to the status of Wilaayat. It was during this time, that one of the appointed Abdaals (a category of Saints) had passed away. Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) took the thief, now Wali, and sent his out as the replacement for the Abdaal that had passed away. Subhaanallah!

TRANSPORTATION FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER: Once whilst Ghaus-e-Azam Jilani (radi Allaho anhu) was delivering one of his spiritually enlightening lectures, a person by the name of Abul Muaali was present in this gathering and was seated directly in front of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). During the course of the lecture, Abul Mu'aali found that he needed to answer the call of nature (visit the toilet). He found it disrespectful to leave the gathering of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu), so he tried to suppress this need (radi Allaho anhu). He controlled the urge to the best of his ability, but when he could do so any longer he decided to leave. As he was about to stand, he saw Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) walking down the first stair of the pulpit (Mimbar) onto the second stair. As Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) came to the second stair, he saw that an image of Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) on the mimbar. Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) came down to him and threw his shawl over Abul Muaali. As this happened, Abul Muaali found that he was no longer in the gathering, but rather in a valley with lush vegetation, beautified even more by a stream which flowed through it. He immediately answered the call of nature, performed wudhu and then prayed two rakaats Salaah. As he completed the Salaah, Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) pulled the shawl off him. When Abul Mu'aali looked, he found, to his amasment that he was still in the gathering of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and he had not even missed one word of the lecture of the Great Saint. However, Abul Mu'aali later found that he did not have his set of keys with him. He then remembered that when he was transported to the valley by Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu), he had hung his key ring on the branch of a tree beside the stream. Abul Mu'aali states, that some time after this incident, he had the opportunity to go on a business expedition. During this journey, Abul Muaali reached a valley, and rested there. He then noticed, that the valley was the exact same place where Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) had during that lecture transported him. When he went to the tree, he found that his missing keys were still hanging on the branch of tree. Subhaan Allah! The business trip had taken fourteen days to complete. This miracle of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) showed that not only did he transport Abul Muaali spiritually, but also physically.

PROTECTION FROM A STORM: Once the students of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) state that he was delivering his lessons as usual to them, when suddenly his blessed face turned red and beads of perspiration covered his blessed forehead. He then placed his hand into his cloak and remind silent for a short time. The students state, that after he removed his hand from inside his cloak, drops of water began to drip from his sleeves. The students say that because of his spiritual state, they did not ask any questions, but rather, they recorded the date, day and time of this astonishing event. The students say, that two months after this incident, a group of traders who had come to Baghdad by sea, arrived and presented various gifts to Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). The students were very confused by this, as they had never seen these traders in Baghdad before. The students therefore asked the traders their reason for the gifts. The traders replied by saying that two months previosly, whilst they were sailing to Baghdad, their ship was caught in a fierce storm. When they realised that there was a real danger of sinking, they called out the name of Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allaho anhu). On calling out his name, they found that from the unseen, a hand lifted their ship to safety. When the students compared this narration to the incident in the Madrassa, it was confirmed that it was the same, date, day and time in which Ghaus-e-Paak (radi Allaho anhu) had put his hand into his Cloak.

Subhaanallah! This shows that Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) seemed to be placing his hand into his cloak, but in reality, he was stretching his hand into the sea to assist those who called for his assistance.

"MY FOOT IS ON THE SHOULDERS OF ALL THE SAINTS" : Once whilst he was delivering a lecture, Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) entered a spiritual state and said, "My foot is on the Shoulders of all the Auliyah Allah (Saints)" There were many Auliyah Allah in his presence when he said these words, and immediately every one of them lowered their necks. Hazrat Sheikh Ali bin Haiti (radi Allaho anhu) who was also present in this gathering immediately went to Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and physically placed the foot of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) on his neck. Hazrat Sayyidi Maajid (radi Allaho anhu) states, "When Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said these words, then every Wali on earth bowed their necks."

He also states, "There were 300 Auliyah Allah and 700 Rijaalul Ghaib (Men of the Unseen) present in that gathering, and every one of them lowered their necks before him."

Hazrat Makaarim (radi Allaho anhu) states that, "The day on which Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) made this statement, every Saint knew, that the flag of Kingship was now planted before Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). On this day, all the Saints from East to West lowered their necks on his command."

Hazrat Sayyidi Sheikh Khalifatul Akbar (radi Allaho anhu) states, "I saw the Beloved Rasool (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) in my dream, and I asked him about the statement of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) My foot is on the shoulders of all the Saints"

He says, that they Holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) said, AAbdul Qaadir Jilani (radi Allaho anhu) has spoken the truth and Why should he not say this, when his is The Qutb, and I am his Guardian?"

SULTANUL HIND KHWAJA GHAREEB NAWAAZ (radi Allaho anhu) : When Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said, AMy foot is on the Shoulders of all the Saints@. At this time, Hazrat Khwaja Mueenuddeen Chishti Hassani Sanjari Ajmeri (radi Allaho anhu) was in the prime of his youth, and was deep in the remembrance of Allah on a mountain in Khurasaan. As soon as Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) said these words, Hazrat Ghareeb Nawaaz (radi Allaho anhu) heard this and lowered his neck and said, "But your blessed foot is on my eyes and on my head." It was through the blessing of this act of submission, that Huzoor Khwaja Mueenuddeen Chishti (radi Allaho anhu) was made the King of the Saints of India and is known as Sultan-ul-Hind.

HUZOOR MUFTI-E-AZAM HIND (radi Allaho anhu) : Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allaho anhu), who is the son of the renowned Aala Hazrat Ash Shah Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allaho anhu) says in one of his Manqabat, which he wrote in praise of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) as follows:

"Ye Dil Ye Jigar He Ye Aankhe Ye Sar He"

My Heart, My liver, My eyes and My head are all here

"Jahaa Chaaho Rakhlo Qadam Ghaus-e-Azam"

O Ghaus! Your Keep your blessed foot wherever you desire

This couplet of Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) shows that even though he had not yet been born when this statement was made, but even after coming to this physical world, he showed his allegiance to Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) by accepting and confirming the Command of Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu). This, and his immense love for Sarkaar-e-Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) gained him the exalted status of Ghaus-ul-Waqt meaning the Ghaus of the Time.

HAZRAT IMAM AHMED BIN HAMBAL (radi Allaho anhu) : Hazrat Sayyidi Baqaa (radi Allaho anhu) states that once he accompanied Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) to the Mazaar of Hazrat Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (radi Allaho anhu). He says, I saw Hazrat Imam Ahmed bin Hambals (radi Allaho anhu) grave split open, and I saw him emerge from his blessed grave. He embraced Ghause-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) and then said, Even I am dependent on you in Shariat and Tariqat.

SHARIAT AND TARIQAT : Once Hazrat Sheikh Bata'ihi (radi Allaho anhu) presented himself in the court of Sheikh Ahmed Kabeer (radi Allaho anhu). He states that Sheikh Ahmed Kabeer (radi Allaho anhu) said, "Did you know anything about the condition of Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu)." Hazrat Sheikh Ahmed Kabeer (radi Allaho anhu) states,"On hearing this, I began to praise Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam Jilani (radi Allaho anhu) and say what I knew concerning him. I said as much as I knew, and then remained silent." Hazrat Sheikh Ahmed Kabeer then said, "On his right is the Sea of Shariat and on his left is the Sea of Tariqat. From this, he gives whom he desires. In this era, there is none equal to him."

HIS MARRIAGE AND WIVES : Once someone asked Huzoor Ghaus-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) why he had made Nikah given in his (Ghaus-e Azams (radi Allaho anhu) ) unique and elevated spiritual condition. Ghause-e-Azam (radi Allaho anhu) replied by saying, "I would have not married, but my Beloved forefather, Nabi Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihi wasallam) has commanded me to marry. It is on this basis that I have made Nikah. I was in reality afraid of making Nikah, for this reason that my time may be lost in other things rather than in the love of my Creator, but when the time came, then My Creator blessed me with four wives, and each one of them loved me dearly."