# Abdul Qadir Gilani > Sunni Muslim preacher, mystic and jurist (1078–1166) **Wikidata**: [Q307365](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q307365) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Qadir_Gilani) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abdul-qadir-gilani ## Summary Abdul Qadir Gilani was a Sunni Muslim preacher, mystic, and theologian who lived from 1078 to 1166. He was a prominent figure in Islamic mysticism (Sufism) and played a significant role in the development of the Qadiriyya Sufi order, which remains influential in Sunni Islam today. ## Biography - Born: 17 March 1078, Baghdad, Abbasid Caliphate - Nationality: Arab - Education: Trained in Islamic theology and mysticism under various Sufi masters - Known for: Founding the Qadiriyya Sufi order and contributing to Islamic jurisprudence and mysticism - Employer(s): Qadiriyya Sufi order (founded), Sufi communities in the Islamic world - Field(s): Islamic theology, Sufism, Islamic jurisprudence ## Contributions Abdul Qadir Gilani founded the Qadiriyya Sufi order in 1101, which became one of the most prominent Sufi traditions in Sunni Islam. His teachings emphasized devotion, spiritual discipline, and the direct experience of God. The Qadiriyya order spread across the Islamic world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and continues to influence Sufi practice today. Gilani also contributed to Islamic jurisprudence and theology, shaping the theological and mystical landscape of Sunni Islam during his lifetime. ## FAQs **What was Abdul Qadir Gilani known for?** Abdul Qadir Gilani is known for founding the Qadiriyya Sufi order in 1101, which remains a significant tradition in Sunni Islam. He also made contributions to Islamic theology and jurisprudence. **Where was Abdul Qadir Gilani born?** Abdul Qadir Gilani was born in Baghdad, which was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate at the time. **What was the Qadiriyya Sufi order?** The Qadiriyya Sufi order was a mystical tradition founded by Abdul Qadir Gilani in 1101. It emphasized devotion, spiritual discipline, and the direct experience of God, and it spread across the Islamic world. **What was the Abbasid Caliphate?** The Abbasid Caliphate was the third Islamic caliphate that ruled from 750 to 1258 CE. It established Baghdad as its capital and presided over the Islamic Golden Age, a period of significant cultural and intellectual advancement. **What was the Islamic Golden Age?** The Islamic Golden Age was a period of unprecedented scientific, philosophical, and cultural advancement that occurred during the Abbasid Caliphate. It saw remarkable achievements in science, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and literature. ## Why They Matter Abdul Qadir Gilani's contributions to Islamic mysticism and theology had a lasting impact on Sunni Islam. The Qadiriyya Sufi order he founded remains influential today, shaping the spiritual practices of millions of Muslims. His teachings on devotion and direct experience of God continue to inspire Sufi practitioners worldwide. Additionally, his work in Islamic jurisprudence helped solidify the theological and legal frameworks of Sunni Islam. Without his influence, the development of Sufism and Islamic jurisprudence in the Sunni tradition might have taken a different form. ## Notable For - Founder of the Qadiriyya Sufi order (1101), one of the most prominent Sufi traditions in Sunni Islam - Contributed to Islamic theology and jurisprudence, shaping the theological landscape of Sunni Islam - His teachings on devotion and spiritual discipline influenced generations of Sufi practitioners - The Qadiriyya order spread across the Islamic world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa - Abdul Qadir Gilani's work continues to inspire Sufi practice and Islamic mysticism today ## Body ### Early Life and Education Abdul Qadir Gilani was born on 17 March 1078 in Baghdad, which was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. He received his early education in Islamic theology and mysticism under various Sufi masters. His training in Sufism laid the foundation for his later contributions to Islamic mysticism. ### Founding the Qadiriyya Sufi Order In 1101, Abdul Qadir Gilani founded the Qadiriyya Sufi order, which became one of the most prominent Sufi traditions in Sunni Islam. The order emphasized devotion, spiritual discipline, and the direct experience of God. The Qadiriyya order spread across the Islamic world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and continues to influence Sufi practice today. ### Contributions to Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence Abdul Qadir Gilani made significant contributions to Islamic theology and jurisprudence. His teachings on devotion and spiritual discipline shaped the theological and legal frameworks of Sunni Islam. His work in Islamic jurisprudence helped solidify the theological and legal frameworks of Sunni Islam. ### Influence and Legacy Abdul Qadir Gilani's contributions to Islamic mysticism and theology had a lasting impact on Sunni Islam. The Qadiriyya Sufi order he founded remains influential today, shaping the spiritual practices of millions of Muslims. His teachings on devotion and direct experience of God continue to inspire Sufi practitioners worldwide. Additionally, his work in Islamic jurisprudence helped solidify the theological and legal frameworks of Sunni Islam. Without his influence, the development of Sufism and Islamic jurisprudence in the Sunni tradition might have taken a different form. ### Relationship with the Abbasid Caliphate Abdul Qadir Gilani lived during the height of the Abbasid Caliphate, which was a period of significant cultural and intellectual advancement. The Abbasid Caliphate established Baghdad as its capital and presided over the Islamic Golden Age, a period of remarkable achievements in science, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and literature. Abdul Qadir Gilani's work was influenced by the intellectual and cultural environment of the Abbasid Caliphate. ### Death and Legacy Abdul Qadir Gilani died on 14 February 1166. His legacy continues to influence Islamic mysticism and theology. The Qadiriyya Sufi order he founded remains a significant tradition in Sunni Islam, and his teachings on devotion and spiritual discipline continue to inspire Sufi practitioners worldwide. His work in Islamic jurisprudence also helped shape the theological and legal frameworks of Sunni Islam. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. CiNii Research 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. CERL Thesaurus 7. LIBRIS. 2003 8. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/abdulkadir-i-geylani) 9. Digital Scriptorium Catalog