Jillani Families of Holiness Hadhrat Syedina Ghous-ul-Azam Al Sheikh Muhyiuddin Abdul Qadir Gillani (R.A)

In the prime of his life Hazrat Ghousul Azam regarded marriage as an obstacle in the way of his spiritual advancement. But, in order to adhere the 'Sunna' what the Prophet preached and practised of the Holy Prophet, He married. He subsequently married four times. All the four wives were all models of virtue and devotion.

During day time, he rendered service to the public and at night offered prayers and remained in devotion to Allah inspite of his crowded engagements, he also found time to perform his duties towards his family. He would pass some time with his wives and children and attend to their needs personally. Sometimes he would himself go marketing. The wives were not jealous of each other, but all of them were always eager to please him with their absolute obedience. This apparent, attachment, however, did not in any way distracted his attention and devotion to Allah in which he always found real pleasure.

He took care to educate his sons properly. He himself taught some of them and also arranged for their education under the savants of the time. Thus most of them became well educated and pious. When they grew up, some of them resided in Baghdad

While the rest went to different parts of the world. Wherever they settled down, they offered free education to the students who gathered round them. The public admired them for their pious life and appreciated their sermons.

ABU MUHAMMAD ABDULLAH was the youngest brother of Hazrat Ghousul Azam and was very widely known for his piety and religious knowledge. He died when young and was buried in Jilan.

SALEHA-UME-AISHA was the Aunt of Hazrat Ghousul Azam. She was also known for her piety and knowledge. Her miracles were also very widely known in Jilan. She was considered to be a great devotee of Allah and many people benefited themselves from her knowledge and spiritual insight. She too died and was buried in Jilan.

Amongst his sons, HAZRAT SHEIKH ABDUL WAHAB was the eldest; He was a great scholar. He was given charge of the Madrasa of his father in 543 A.H. He learnt Fiqh and Hadith from his father and other savants of Islam of the time. He too visited several towns in Ajam for the acquisition of knowledge. After his father's death, he used to deliver sermons and express his opinion on question of Islamic Shariath. He also held an office under the state and was very popular. He breathed his last in 593 A. H. and was buried in the Graveyard of Mohallah Halbah.

HAZRAT SHEIKH SHARFUDDIN ABU MUHAMMAD ISSA. He was a teacher of Hadith and a great Jurist. He was also a poet and a very good preacher. He was written books on Sufism. He settled down in Egypt and died in 573 A.H. One of his famous books is known as 'Jawahir-ul-Asrar'.

HAZRAT SHEIKH HAFIZ ABU BAKAR ABDUL RAZZAK. He was born in 528 A.H. like his brothers; he learnt Fiqh and Hadith from his father. He was also Hafiz of Hadith. He was very pious and like his father enjoyed a reputation for truthfulness. He was also known as a great Wali of his time. Inspite of his limited means, he was charitable and kind to the students. He was more inclined towards solitude and would not come out of his closet, except during times for prayers, teaching and such other religious necessities. He possessed the spiritual trend of his father and like him became very popular in Baghdad. His soul departed on 7th Shawal at Baghdad in 603 A.H. A large crowed attended his funeral prayers. Which were held also in many other places in Baghdad.

HAZRAT SHEIKH MUSA Was born in 533 A.H. He migrated to Damuscuss and settled down there. He too learnt Fiqh and Hadith from his father and from Abu Said Bin Noba and other scholars of the time. He was pious and exalted man and people of that place greatly benefited by him. He died in Damuscuss and was buried there.

HAZRAT SHEIKH ABDUL AZIZ From amongst the sons of Hazrat Ghousul Azam, Syed Sheikh Abdul Aziz is well famed for his knowledge and adoption of the ways of his father. He was born on 27th Shiwal in 522 A.H. in Baghdad. Like his brothers he had also learnt Hadith and Fiqh from his father and other scholars of his time. He had for a considerable time been teaching these subjects in Baghdad and also delivering sermons. He migrated from Baghdad in 585 A.H. towards the mountains and chose to reside there. The condition in the city of Asqualan became alarming and antisocial and in religious activities prevailing in that city. The city was therefore attacked by him and conquered for the Khalifa of his time. He restored Law and order in that city by dealing effectively with all the undesireable elements. He was well known for his religious and spiritual knowledge. His soul departed on 18th Rabe-ul-Sani 602 A.H. in the country where he migrated earlier. He was buried in Aqahrah 85 miles away from Mousel.

DECENDENTS OF SYED ABDUL AZIZ WHO HELD THE VENERABLE AND HIGH OFFICE OF NAQEEB OF BAGHDAD.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH ZAINUDDIN IBN AL-SHEIKH MUHAMMAD SHARAFUDDIN was the Naqeeb-ul-Ashraf of the Dargah Jilania. He bequeathed his entire property in 978 Hijri for the benefit of the Madrassa of his Great Grand Father. He died in 981 Hijri and was buried within the premises of Dargah Jilania.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH WALUDDIN IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH ZAINUDDIN. He was a renowned scholar of his time and held the office of Naqeeb until 1027 A.H. when he died in Baghdad and was buried in Dargah Jilania.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH NOORUDDIN IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH WALIUDDIN. In addition to holding the above office he was also the Imam of Jamia Masjid Jilania, named after his father. He was great devotee and used to observe fast throughout the year. He always spent his nights in prayers. He died in 1075 A.H.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH HASSAMMUDDIN IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH NOORUDDIN His devotion and worship of Allah were examplary. He died in 1163 A.H.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH MUHAMMAD DARVESH IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH HASSAMMUDDIN.He was prayerful and Allah fearing man and combined within him self-purity of thought and action. He died in 1175 A.H.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH ZAINUDDIN (YOUNGER). He was a Doctor of Hadith, Fiqh and Scholar of Islamic Literature. He died in 1192 A.H.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH SULEMAN IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH MUSTAFA. He was the Leader of the Muslim Community and the caretaker of the Auqaf Qadiria, in addition to his above office. He was a Doctor of Hadith and Fiqh. He died in 1235 A.H.

AL SYED SHEIKH MURAD IBN AL SYED SHEIKH USMAN. He was a very popular Leader of the Muslim Community. He also managed the Auqaf Qadiria and was a Doctor of Hadith and Fiqh. He died in 1268 A.H.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH ALI IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH SULEMAN. He was granted in 1261 A.H. a Royal Firman for the care and management of Auqaf Qadiria. He was the Leader of the Muslim Community and died in 1289 A.H.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH SULEMAN IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH ALI AL NAQEEB. He was born in 1250 A.H. He acquired spiritual leadership of the Muslims of the World and in addition to the office of the Naqeeb, the management of Auqaf Qadiria was also entrusted to him. Ghazi Sultan Abdul Hameed of Turkey was one of his Murids. The Sultan had a great regard for him. In 1312 A.H. he constructed a Masjid and a pool in Mohallah Al Sanah Baghdad and bequeathed a part of his property for its management. He died in 1315 A.H.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH ABDUR REHMAN AL MAHED IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH ALI AL NAQEEB.

He was born in 1261 A.H. and died in 1341 A.H. A foreign observer, Sir Percy Cox states in page-128 of the 'HAND BOOK OF MESOPOTAMIA' that he was the most influential 'Suni' and official head of the Arab Community He continues it is worthy of note that extreme deference is paid to the Naqib of Baghdad and his family by many of the most influential and wealthy as well as the humble and poorest, of Indian and Afghan Muslims'. The views of this writer are based on his personal observation during his stay in IRAQ, do not matter much since this family enjoyed deference of and recognition of the whole Muslim world.

In 1920 the establishment of a provisional Arab Government in Iraq was under consideration and the most vital question at that time was the selection of a head for such a Government. The name of Syed Abdul Rehman Aljilani had been repeatedly suggested by the notables of his time and seemed to be a more logical choice. The high prestige and religious standing of this venerable personality was another factor for the British Government to consider for the choice of an Amir of IRAQ, in 1918.

It was felt doubtful, however, in view of his great age, ill-health and habitual seclusion whether he would accept, in view of his statement made at an interview declaring his resentment to take part in political activities, and emphasizing that even if it were to save IRAQ from disaster, would he accept the post? The British Administration, however though convinced of his probable refusal to accept the post and his aversion to recommend any one else prevented upon him to head the Counsel of State, on the plea of the security of and the floor of tyranny if any IRAQ other ambitious men were to be selected. Ultimately he consented to accept the post, to the joy and satisfactioned of all concerned. This is well portrayed by the Oriental Secretary of Ambassador in Persia. Miss Bell who describes 'In came Mr. Philby and others and on top of them Sir Percy. Every one but Mr. Philby melted away, and we two turned to Sir Percy breathless with excitement. 'Well he said, he has accepted'. He had come straight from the Naqib who had agreed to undertake the formation of the Provisional Government. So the first success is scored and not one but Sir Percy could have done it. Indeed, that even he should have inducted the Naqib to take a hand in Public affairs is nothing short of a miracle (Page-82 IRAQ by Philip Willard Ireland).

Despite the information of the Council of Ministers, the question as to the form of permanent Government and of the person of its ruler was constantly, under discussion in the Cofee houses, in the tents of the Sheikhs, or wherever Iraqis met in social and political gatherings.

Amongst the possible local notables, the Naqib of Baghdad stood high Despotic his advanced age and feeble health, the throne was offered to him but under such conditions and limitations as would have made him, in his own words no more than an 'IRAQI RAJA'. He himself never sought it and felt that if it had been freely offered to him by the people he would be obliged to accept the honour and the duties (page 304 IRAQ by Philip Willard Ireland).

During another interview to Miss Bell the Oriental Secretary to the Ambassador in Persia, recorded in Arnold Wilson's book 'A clash of Loyalities Vol. II Mesopotamia 1917-20'.

Replying to a question regarding his or one of his son's candidatures of the Sharif or Amir of Mesopotamia, he said, 'I am a relative of the Sharif. I come of the same stock and I share the same religious opinion, you therefore understand that I am not actuated by difference of blood, of thought when I tell you that I would never consent to the appointment of myself or of my sons as Amir. The Hijaz is one and IRAQ is one. There is no connection between them out that of faith. Our politics, out trade, our agriculture is all different from those of Hijaz. The Hijaz is the Holy Land of Islam. It must remain a separate and independent state by which all Muslims can profit'.

He was asked again 'if for political reasons, it, were necessary, to put an Amir at the head of IRAQ would you accept the responsibility with British help and support'? He said 'can you put a question as that to me? I am a Darwesh concern is not with the things of this world. It would be contrary to the deepest principles of my creed to become the political head of the state. In the time of my ancestor, Syed Abdul Qadir al Jilani, the abbassi Khalifs were accustomed to consult him as you and your coleagues consult me, but he would never have consented to take an active part in public affairs. Neither would I, nor any of his descendants consent to do so. This is my answer on the ground of religion, but I will give you also an answer, based on personal reason I am an old man. These five or six years of life, which remain to me, I wish to spend in reflection and study. When you came to day, I kept you waiting. I was busy with my books. They are my constant pre-occupation'.

SYED ABDUR REHMAN was a great scholar and his personal Library consists of thirty six thousand books on various subjects. Of these, about two thousand were manuscripts. The Present Makteba Qadiria is in fact, the altered name of the personal library of Syed Abdur Rehman. A copy of the QURAN written in gold was, after his death, presented to the king of LIBYA, IDRIS SANOSSI by Pir IBRAHIM SAIF-UD-DIN. This manuscript of the Quran was seven hundred years old. In 'Tarikh Ahwarat IRAQIA' by Abdul Razak Al Hassani, it has been stated that he was well known for his examplary piety and charity, and as a great Alim who loved books and had acquired abundant knowledge. He was also a man devoted to prayer and a great Wali of his time. Hazrat Seyidena Ghousul Azam conferred upon him the Khilafat of his Order in a dream, which was later affirmed by the Walis of his time. He had million of Murids and devotees.

AL SYED AL SHEIKH MAHMOOD HUS- SAMMUDDIN IBN AL SYED, SYED AL SHEIKH ABDUR REHMAN AL NAQIB-UL-ASHRAR-MU- TAWALI UL AUQAF QADRIA born in 1189 A.H. He was a scholar and also possessed profound religious know-ledge. He led a strict religious life that was symbolised in his impressive and attractive personality, He was known for his charity, and devotion to the faith His Murids included Kings, Amirs and Nawabs and many other prominent people all over the world. He always associated with his father in the political deliberations of the Country.

He himself formed in Baghdad a new political party known as Hizb-Al-Hurr (Freedom party). Once under his presidency, in a Joint meeting with two other nationalist parties, he drew up an address which they presented to the King. The most important of the three demands, was the question of British influence in IRAQ.

At the time when Arab feelings and sentiments were being crushed with a view to convert them in to the Turkish pattern, he opposed the emergence of such feelings in Iraq on the grounds of irreligiousness prevailing in modern Turkey.

The library of Syed Abdur Rehman included a big and valuable collection of books and thousands of manuscripts. After the death of their father the other brothers intended to dispose the library he purchased it from them and placed it at the disposal of the Qadira School known as Makteba Qadiria as a waqi (trust) of Syed Abdul Rehman. He was the Mutawalli and after him, the, management would go to the eldest son in his family. (A clash of Loyalities by Arnold Wilson in 'IRAQ' by Pholip Willard, Ireland).

AL SYED AL SHEIKH HASSAN MASUD IBN AL SYED AL SHEIKH ABDUR REHMAN NAQEEB UL ASHRAF. He was a virtuous and tender hearted man and a great devotee of Allah. He held the office of Naqeeb from 1936 to 1941.

AL SYED RASHID ALJILLANI IBN AL SYED ABDUL WAHAB. A shrewd, prudent and cosmopolitan lawyer. He held different port-folios in the Various ministries and also was Prime Minister of Iraq and head of Royal Diwan. He is one of the leaders who have played an important role in the national activities of Baghdad.

His ministerial Programme included was against immorality, the cleanse of places of evil entertainment prevention of drunkeness and ostentatious improvement of waqi Buildings. The foundation stone of Faysel Mosqus was laid observance of Ramdhan fast was enforced by the restaurants being ordered to be closed during day time. Apart from this, commercial and industrial activities were well encouraged progressed.

AL SYED AHMED ASSIM IBN AL SYED SHEIKH ABDUR REHMAN AL NAQEEB. He had a very wide circle of Murids and friends. He spent much time in propagating the Tariq-Qadiria. On the invitation of Governor General Ghulam Mohammed, he visited Pakistan. He held the office of Naqeeb from 1941 to 1952.

AL SYED AHMAD ZAFAR IBN SYED MAHMOOD HUSSAMMUD DIN ALJILANs. He is one of the diplomats of the Government of Iraq and enjoys complete confidence of both the Government and the public. He is a great supporter of the poor. He is virtuous, Allah fearing and popular. He is well regarded and held in very high esteem by his own family, friends and Murids. He has rendered valuable services towards the propagation of Islam and Tariqa Qadiria.

AL SYED AL SHAIHB IBRAHIM SAIFUDDIN IBN AL SYED MUSTAFA AL-JILANI. He remained for a long time in Bombay and propagated Tariq Qadiria. He is an elderly and pious man and was appointed Naqeeb in place of Syed Jamal-ud-Din who declined to accept the responsibility due to certain personal reasons, and nominated him in his place. He has very wide circle of Murids.