Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Rehmatullahi Alayh), popularly known as Ghaus-e-Azam, is a revered Islamic saint, whose wisdom and teachings hold profound significance for Muslims around the world. His words guide believers towards a life of purity, sincerity, and absolute devotion to Allah (SWT). This article explores his key teachings that emphasize distancing from worldly desires and focusing solely on Allah, fostering a life of inner peace and true faith.
Key Teachings of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (Rehmatullahi Alayh)
Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA) provided valuable guidance on matters of faith, discipline, and spiritual purification. His teachings help Muslims understand the importance of keeping one’s heart free from worldly attachments and sincerely dedicated to Allah (SWT). Below are some of his key lessons that serve as a beacon for Muslims in their spiritual journey.
1. True Understanding of Shirk (Association with Allah)
Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Rehmatullahi Alayh) teaches that shirk (association with Allah) is not limited to idol worship alone. Instead, it includes following one’s selfish desires (nafsani khawahishat) or attaching oneself passionately to any worldly thing. Such attachments deviate one’s devotion from Allah, which is essentially a form of shirk.
2. Avoiding Desires Beyond Allah
According to Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA), everything apart from Allah is ghairullah (other than Allah). Desiring anything beyond Allah is a subtle form of associating partners with Him. Therefore, true believers must refrain from harboring desires that detract from their worship and attachment to Allah alone.
3. True Security Lies in Fearlessness
Hazrat Sheikh (RA) states that as long as a believer has greed (laalach) or fear of any creation, they lack complete faith (imaan). True faith brings one to a state of fearlessness and absolute reliance on Allah alone, free from the concerns of the material world.
4. Learning, Practicing, and Teaching
He advises that the purpose of learning virtues (khobiyan) is not only to gain knowledge but also to act upon it and share it with others. Knowledge is beneficial only when it is practiced and becomes a guiding light for others.
5. The Reality of Time – Past, Present, and Future
Hazrat Sheikh (RA) teaches that time comprises only three days: yesterday, which has passed and serves as a lesson; today, which is an opportunity to act; and tomorrow, which remains uncertain and merely a hope with no guarantee. Thus, yesterday is a reminder, today is a gift, and tomorrow is a notion.
6. True Eid for the Faithful
He says, “People keep saying, ‘Tomorrow is Eid, tomorrow is Eid,’ but my true Eid will be the day I leave this world in peace, with my faith intact.” This reflects his deep connection to faith over material celebrations, emphasizing the importance of a life well-lived in obedience to Allah.
7. Mercy for All Living Beings
Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA) describes someone who lacks mercy for creatures (makhluq) as truly unfortunate (bad naseeb). This highlights that a compassionate heart for all living beings is an essential quality of a true Muslim.
8. The Safety in Solitude
Hazrat Sheikh (RA) explains that solitude (tanhai) can offer protection, as sinful acts often require collaboration. Solitude can act as a shield against sin, allowing a person to remain pure and focused solely on Allah.
9. Remembering Death – The Cure for Desires
Remembrance of death (maut) is an effective remedy for all ailments of the self (nafs). Constantly recalling the reality of death helps a person overcome worldly desires, bringing them closer to Allah.
10. The Quran as a Divine Connection
Hazrat Sheikh (RA) describes the Quran as a rope, with one end held by Allah and the other by His creation (makhluq). The believer should view the Quran as a means (wasila) to reach Allah, by adhering to its teachings and acting upon them wholeheartedly.
11. Inner Purification Before Outward Beauty
Just as a house is built from the inside first, Hazrat Sheikh (RA) encourages believers to beautify their inner selves (batin) before focusing on outward appearances. Purifying one’s soul leads to true righteousness that is then reflected outwardly.
Conclusion
The teachings of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Rehmatullahi Alayh) offer timeless guidance, urging Muslims to live with devotion, compassion, and sincerity toward Allah (SWT). His words inspire believers to seek inner peace, place their faith above worldly desires, and show compassion to all of creation. Following his teachings strengthens a Muslim’s connection with Allah, guiding them to a life of righteousness.
May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to act upon these teachings and make us true followers of His path. Ameen.
FAQs
Q: What does Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) say about shirk?
A: He teaches that shirk is not limited to idol worship but includes excessive love or desire for worldly things or desires (nafsani khawahishat), which detract from devotion to Allah.
Q: How does Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA) define the true Eid for a believer?
A: According to him, true Eid is not merely a festival but the day when a person leaves this world with their faith (imaan) intact, as a day of true peace for the soul.
Q: What remedy does Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (RA) suggest for controlling worldly desires?
A: He recommends remembering death (maut), as it reminds one of the temporary nature of life, serving as a cure for all ailments of the nafs (self).
Q: How does Hazrat Sheikh (RA) emphasize the importance of the Quran?
A: He describes the Quran as a divine rope, with one end held by Allah and the other by mankind, urging believers to use it as a means (wasila) to reach Allah by following its teachings.
Q: What is Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam’s (RA) advice on inner purification?
A: He teaches that, like building a house from the inside, one should first beautify the inner self (batin) before focusing on outward appearances, leading to a life of genuine righteousness.