On 5 October 2025 (11 Rabi‘ al-Thani 1447 AH), the Muslim world — especially in places like Iraq, Pakistan, India and Kashmir — observes the Urs of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A), widely venerated as Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam and Dastgeer Sahib. For many, this is not simply an anniversary of a saint’s death but a festival of spiritual union: the word Urs literally means a wedding, symbolising the soul’s joyful reunion with the Divine. Across centuries, millions have found in his life and teachings a bridge between law and love, learning and compassion. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Early life and background
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) was born around 470 AH (1077–1078 CE) in the region of Gilan in what is now northern Iran. He is known by the nisba al-Jilani, linking him to Gilan, and later spent most of his public life in Baghdad, the intellectual and spiritual centre of his age. Many sources describe him as thoroughly learned in the Qur’an, Hadith, fiqh and spiritual disciplines. He combined rigorous study with deep devotion, a pattern that would shape his teaching for generations.
Although details of his early family life are not always certain in historical records, he is widely said to have been descended from the Prophet’s family through Hasan ibn Ali (R.A). He studied under leading scholars of his time and was initiated into Sufism by spiritual masters who guided his inner journey. His training combined legal learning (especially within the Hanbali tradition) with a strong emphasis on the discipline of the heart.
The long retreat and spiritual formation
A defining period of his life was a long retreat he undertook in the deserts of Iraq. For many years he lived simply, dedicating himself to worship, meditation, and spiritual struggle (mujahada). These years of solitary discipline formed the inner ground from which his later teaching sprang. When he returned to Baghdad, he was already recognised as a person of deep knowledge and spiritual insight.
His style of teaching was notable for balancing strict adherence to religious law with a compassionate and practical spirituality. He did not separate outward worship and inward purification; instead, he taught that true religion requires both correct practice and sincere inner transformation.
Scholar, preacher and teacher
In Baghdad, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) became a well-known preacher and teacher. He lectured on Hadith, Tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis), jurisprudence and spiritual ethics. His sermons drew large crowds: scholars, traders, officials and ordinary people alike came to listen. He founded a school — the madrasa that later gave its name to the Qadiriyya order — where students studied both the legal sciences and the path of the heart.
He earned respect from a wide range of scholars and even political leaders of his time. His influence crossed social and religious lines; people of different backgrounds sought his guidance. He emphasised justice, moral courage and public service alongside personal piety.
Key teachings and spiritual approach
The heart of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani’s (R.A) teaching can be summarised in a few clear, practical points:
- Tawhid (Oneness of God): All spiritual striving must be rooted in sincere belief in God alone. Recognition of God’s unity was the foundation of every teaching.
- Balance of Sharia and Tariqa: He taught that law (Sharia) and spiritual discipline (Tariqa) are complementary. Observance of the outward rules without inner reform is incomplete; likewise, inward experience without moral conduct can be misleading.
- Purification of the heart: Spiritual life requires constant effort to remove pride, attachment and selfishness. Virtues such as patience, gratitude and humility were central to his message.
- Service and compassion: True faith shows itself through kindness to people — feeding the poor, caring for the weak and standing for justice.
- Practical holiness: He discouraged empty display and encouraged sincere, practical acts of worship and charity.
Books attributed to him — such as Futuh al-Ghaib (Revelations of the Unseen) and Ghunyat al-Talibin (Sufficiency for Seekers) — present these teachings in accessible, often direct language aimed at seekers at different levels.
Miracles and karamat
Stories of miracles (karamat) are numerous in the hagiographical tradition surrounding Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A). These accounts include times of supernatural help in famine, healings, and instances where food or resources were miraculously provided to those in need. For followers, such stories are signs of God’s favour manifesting through a saintly person. Classical Sufi authors emphasise, however, that the inner aim of these stories is moral: they strengthen faith and inspire service, not mere wonder.
Whether taken literally or seen symbolically, these narratives have helped generations relate to the saint’s life in a personal way and have supported a living devotional practice centred on compassion.
Founding of the Qadiriyya order
The Qadiriyya is one of the oldest and most widespread Sufi orders, carrying the name of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A). Its core practices focus on remembrance of God (dhikr), ethical conduct and striving for inner purity. Over time the order spread across many regions: the Middle East, South Asia, North Africa and beyond. Local branches adapted the Qadiriyya teachings to their cultures while preserving the central emphasis on spiritual sobriety, public service and devotion.
The order’s spread owed much to the charismatic force of the teacher’s reputation and the clarity of his teachings, which offered a pathway that was at once rigorous and accessible.
Writings and legacy
The works attributed to Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A) blend legal learning with spiritual guidance. They are written in a language meant to instruct and motivate seekers: short, sharp reminders, moral counsel and deep spiritual insights. Apart from Futuh al-Ghaib and Ghunyat al-Talibin, other shorter treatises and letters circulate in manuscript and published forms, often used by students and readers wanting practical guidance.
His legacy is not limited to texts. The living tradition of Sufi practice, the institutions founded in his name, and the social projects inspired by his model of piety and service continue to influence millions.
The shrine in Baghdad and its history
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) was buried in Baghdad, at the site of his madrasa. Over the centuries his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. The mausoleum has seen repair and rebuilding many times. It stands as a major site for pilgrims who come to offer prayers, recite the Qur’an, attend lectures and perform acts of charity. For the many who visit, the shrine represents continuity with a living spiritual tradition that reaches back nearly a thousand years.
Dastgeer Sahib shrine in Srinagar
Though Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) never visited Kashmir, his influence reached the valley through teachers and disciples who brought Qadiri teaching to South Asia. In Srinagar’s Khanyar area stands the famous Dastgeer Sahib shrine, a focal point of devotion for many Kashmiris. The shrine houses relics and has its own local history of devotion and repair. It represents how spiritual figures take root in local cultures, adapting and enriching regional practice.
What is Urs and why it matters
Urs anniversaries mark the death of a saint as a commemoration of union with the Divine. Rather than mourning, the event is celebrated: devotees gather to remember the saint’s life, recite the Qur’an, engage in communal dhikr, listen to sermons and hold gatherings of spiritual music (sama or qawwali in South Asia). Charity and feeding the poor are typical features. Urs is a time for renewal: individual devotees seek spiritual blessings, while communities reinforce bonds of faith and mutual care.
For many people, Urs functions on multiple levels:
- A spiritual gathering that revives devotional practice.
- A social occasion that brings people together across class and background.
- A cultural event that preserves local devotional arts, poetry and music.
- A charitable opportunity to serve the needy.
Typical rites and rituals
Although practices vary by region, common elements of an Urs include:
- Qur’anic recitation: collective reading and supplication.
- Dhikr: groups reciting the names of God and short litanies.
- Hamd and Naat: praise-poems in Arabic and local languages celebrating God and the Prophet (PBUH).
- Sermons and lectures: teaching that explains the saint’s life and message.
- Mehfil-e-sama / qawwali: devotional music sessions in many South Asian shrines.
- Ziarat: visiting and paying respects at the tomb, sometimes viewing relics.
- Charity and feeding: distribution of food to the poor, a central component.
- Processions: in some places, processions and public displays occur, especially where the tradition is deeply rooted.
Organisers generally stress that the core purpose is spiritual: to turn hearts toward God and to renew ethical commitment.
Contemporary observances in 2025
On 5 October 2025, shrines associated with Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A) were active with devotees. In Baghdad, the mausoleum drew local and international pilgrims for multi-day gatherings of dhikr, lectures and communal prayers. In South Asia, especially at the Dastgeer Sahib shrine in Srinagar, the day was observed with special programmes: night vigils, recitations, qawwali sessions and large-scale charity meals. Many shrines also used modern tools — live streaming and social media — to include remote devotees who could not travel.
For many devotees, the Urs is a reminder that living spiritual traditions can adapt to new times while keeping their essential message: humility, compassion and service.
The social and moral relevance today
Why does Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam’s message endure? Several features explain this:
- Practical ethics: His teachings stress compassion and justice, which are timeless concerns in any society.
- Balance of law and spirit: People facing modern anxieties respond to a message that honours both outward duty and inner peace.
- Community orientation: The Qadiriyya emphasis on service and charity offers a framework for organised social aid.
- Accessible guidance: His short, direct counsels speak to ordinary people as well as scholars.
In an era of increasing fragmentation, his insistence on unity, tolerance and moral responsibility speaks to both personal transformation and social healing.
Debates and differing views
Like many historical religious figures, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) is seen differently across traditions. Some scholars stress hagiographical excesses in later stories; others defend these narratives as expressions of devotional memory rather than literal history. In scholarly circles, there is healthy debate about chronology, authorship of certain works, and the exact historical facts of his life. For devotees, however, the spiritual fruits of his teachings are the primary point of concern.
How to observe Urs with respect and understanding
If you plan to attend an Urs or read about it, here are a few simple suggestions to observe the occasion respectfully:
- Approach with sincere intent: the celebrations are primarily devotional, not mere spectacle.
- Participate in communal prayers and charity where possible.
- Listen to the teachings and reflect on their moral implications.
- Remember the central message of service: feeding the poor or assisting the needy is a fitting tribute.
- Be mindful of local customs and the diverse ways people express devotion.
Conclusion
The Urs of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A) is more than an annual event; it is a living reminder of a tradition that combines deep learning with compassionate action. Whether observed in Baghdad, Srinagar, or in homes and mosques across the globe, the day calls believers to renew their commitment to inner reform, social justice, and sincere worship. On 5 October 2025, countless hearts turned to the example of this great teacher — a reminder that faith, properly lived, unites people across time and place.
May his example inspire humility, compassion and steadfastness in the service of humanity. Ameen.
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Why Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A) Still Inspires Millions Nearly 900 Years After His Death
Centuries have passed since the earthly life of Abdul Qadir Gilani, yet his influence continues to shape the spiritual imagination of millions across the Muslim world. From the streets of Baghdad to the shrines of Kashmir, from villages in South Asia to gatherings in Africa and Turkey, his name remains alive in sermons, prayers, poetry, and devotional gatherings.
Very few personalities in Islamic history achieved the unique combination of scholarship, spirituality, moral authority, and public influence that Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) attained. He was not only a saintly figure revered by ordinary people, but also a jurist, theologian, preacher, and reformer respected by scholars across generations.
Today, nearly nine centuries later, the Urs of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A) continues to gather immense crowds because his message addresses timeless human needs: spiritual peace, moral discipline, compassion, humility, and hope.
Baghdad During the Time of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A)
To understand the extraordinary impact of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A), one must first understand the world in which he lived.
During the 11th and 12th centuries, Baghdad was one of the greatest intellectual centres on earth. Under the Abbasid Caliphate, the city had become a meeting point for scholars, jurists, philosophers, theologians, poets, and mystics. Yet beneath this intellectual brilliance existed social unrest, political uncertainty, sectarian tensions, and spiritual confusion.
Philosophical debates had become intense. Material luxury had spread among sections of society. Religious formalism often overshadowed spirituality. Many ordinary people longed for moral clarity and sincere guidance.
It was in this environment that Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) emerged as a voice of balance — combining deep scholarship with spiritual purification.
He neither rejected religious law nor reduced religion to dry legalism. Instead, he taught that outward worship and inward sincerity must exist together.
Why He Was Called Ghaus-e-Azam and Dastgeer
Across the Muslim world, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) is known by several titles, each reflecting the immense love and reverence people developed for him over centuries.
The title “Ghaus-e-Azam” means “The Greatest Helper” or “The Greatest Spiritual Support.” In Sufi understanding, a “ghaus” refers to a saintly figure through whom Allah grants spiritual assistance to people.
Another famous title is “Dastgeer,” meaning “one who helps or reaches out to those in difficulty.”
He is also called:
- Peeran-e-Peer (The Master of Masters)
- Mehboob-e-Subhani (Beloved of the Divine)
These titles were not political honours or royal designations. They emerged organically from generations of devotion and admiration for his spiritual teachings and moral influence.
For millions of devotees, these names symbolise compassion, guidance, and hope.
A Scholar Before He Was a Saint
One of the greatest misunderstandings today is the idea that spirituality and scholarship exist separately. Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) completely rejected this division.
Before becoming widely known as a spiritual guide, he mastered:
- Qur’anic sciences
- Hadith
- Tafsir
- Islamic jurisprudence
- Arabic literature
- Theology
He was strongly associated with the Hanbali school of Islamic law and taught publicly in Baghdad. His lectures attracted scholars, rulers, merchants, students, and ordinary people alike.
Many people remember him primarily for spirituality and miracles, but his intellectual legacy was equally significant.
He issued legal verdicts, trained students, taught hadith, and engaged deeply with theological questions of his time.
His greatness lay precisely in this balance:
- rigorous scholarship,
- combined with profound spirituality.
The Long Years of Spiritual Retreat
Among the most powerful chapters of his life were the years he spent in solitude in the deserts and wilderness of Iraq.
Historical traditions describe how he withdrew from society for long periods, dedicating himself to worship, fasting, reflection, and spiritual struggle. These years were not escapism. They were preparation.
In Islamic spirituality, this struggle against the ego is called mujahada — the discipline of purifying the self from pride, greed, anger, and attachment.
When Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) eventually returned to public life, people sensed something extraordinary in him. His sermons carried not only knowledge but spiritual force. His words affected hearts because they emerged from lived experience rather than mere theory.
His Message of Compassion and Service
At the centre of his teachings was a remarkably practical message:
true spirituality must benefit people.
He consistently taught:
- feeding the poor,
- helping the weak,
- speaking truth,
- avoiding arrogance,
- serving society,
- and purifying the heart.
For him, worship without compassion was incomplete.
This emphasis explains why his teachings spread so widely among ordinary people. He did not present spirituality as something reserved for elites or scholars. He made it accessible to everyone.
His message spoke to human suffering, moral weakness, fear, and hope.
Influence on Islamic Scholarship and Sufism
The influence of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) extended far beyond Baghdad.
The Qadiriyya order became one of the oldest and most widespread Sufi traditions in the world. Over centuries, it spread through:
- Iraq
- Syria
- Turkey
- India
- Pakistan
- Kashmir
- Africa
- Central Asia
Numerous Islamic scholars respected and referenced him, including:
- Shah Waliullah Dehlawi
- Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi
- Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi
Even scholars from different intellectual traditions acknowledged his impact on Islamic spirituality and moral reform.
His influence endured because his teachings remained rooted in:
- sincerity,
- ethical discipline,
- humility,
- and devotion to Allah.
The Emotional Power of Urs Gatherings
The Urs of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A) continues to attract millions because it is not merely historical remembrance.
For devotees, Urs represents:
- spiritual renewal,
- collective prayer,
- emotional healing,
- charity,
- and remembrance of Allah.
In places like Baghdad and Kashmir, the atmosphere during Urs becomes deeply emotional. Mosques and shrines illuminate through the night. Qur’anic recitations echo through gatherings. Qawwali and dhikr sessions bring people together across social backgrounds.
Many visitors describe feeling:
- peace,
- spiritual closeness,
- humility,
- and emotional connection.
For some, it is tradition.
For others, it is faith.
For many, it is both.
The Deep Connection Between Kashmir and Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A)
Although Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) never physically visited Kashmir, his spiritual influence became deeply woven into Kashmiri religious culture.
The famous Dastgeer Sahib shrine in Srinagar remains one of the valley’s most important spiritual centres. Every year, thousands gather there during Urs to participate in:
- prayers,
- dhikr,
- charity,
- sermons,
- and communal remembrance.
The emotional attachment Kashmiris feel toward Dastgeer Sahib is profound. Even after devastating fire incidents damaged the shrine in the past, people participated passionately in its restoration.
This reflects something larger:
the endurance of spiritual memory across generations.
Why His Legacy Still Matters Today
Modern society struggles with:
- anxiety,
- materialism,
- loneliness,
- division,
- and moral confusion.
The enduring relevance of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A) lies in the fact that his message directly addressed the human heart.
He taught:
- humility instead of arrogance,
- service instead of selfishness,
- sincerity instead of showmanship,
- and spiritual balance instead of extremism.
His teachings continue to resonate because they speak not only to religious identity but to universal human concerns.
Conclusion
Nearly 900 years after his death, the name of Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam (R.A) still echoes across continents, mosques, shrines, homes, and hearts.
Empires disappeared.
Dynasties collapsed.
Languages evolved.
But his influence endured.
Perhaps this is the true measure of spiritual greatness — not power over people, but permanence within them.
And that is why, year after year, millions continue to gather in his memory: not simply to remember a saint of the past, but to reconnect with values they believe the modern world desperately needs — compassion, sincerity, humility, and closeness to Allah.