What is Giyarhwi Sharif?

On the 11th of every Islamic month, gatherings are held for conveying rewards to Sayyiduna Ghaus-e-Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رحمۃ اللہ علیہ — commonly known as "Giyarhwi Sharif." The 11th of Rabi-us-Sani holds special significance, as it marks the day of his passing, which is why it is known as "Badi Giyarhwi Sharif" (the Grand Eleventh). These gatherings include recitation of Quran Pak, Naat, a short bayan, and Fatiha, and can be held anywhere — at home, in a mosque, or at a madrasa.

A Brief Seerah

Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani رحمۃ اللہ علیہ was born in a town near Baghdad called Jilan. On his father's side, his lineage reaches Sayyiduna Imam Hasan رضی اللہ عنہ, and on his mother's side, Sayyiduna Imam Husayn رضی اللہ عنہ (Bahjat-ul-Asrar, p. 171). Signs of his sainthood appeared from infancy — it is narrated that he would not nurse during daylight hours, taking milk only after sunset (Booklet: Corpse of a Child, p. 4). At the age of five, he recited eighteen parts of Quran Pak from memory (Al-Haqaiq fil Hadaiq, p. 140).

He travelled to Baghdad to study under the leading scholars of his time and endured great hardship in his spiritual striving. He himself said that if the same hardship had fallen upon a mountain, it would have crumbled (Qalaaid-ul-Jawahir). During these trials, he would recite verses 5-6 of Surah Alam Nashrah, the meaning of which is that “So indeed, with hardship, there is ease. Indeed, with hardship, there is ease”.

A Few Saintly Miracles

• Reaching out from a distance to save a drowning man
• Multiplying food to feed the hungry
• Healing the sick through his attention and dua
• Hundreds of non-Muslims accepting Islam at his hands, and thousands of sinners turning to repentance (Bahjat-ul-Asrar, p. 184)

Demise

Ghaus-e-Azam رحمۃ اللہ علیہ passed away on the 11th of Rabi-us-Sani, 561 A.H., in Baghdad, at the age of 91. His shrine remains a place of visitation for devotees from around the world to this day.

What to Do on This Blessed Day

Mark Giyarhwi Sharif with recitation of Quran Pak, Durood Shareef, and Niyaz — and reading authentic books on the seerat and karamat of Ghaus-e-Azam رحمۃ اللہ علیہ is also a beautiful way to keep the day's blessings alive.

 Seerat-e-Ghaus-e-Pak series or Fazail-e-Ghaus-e-Azam

Bring this spiritual connection home by exploring these books at Maktaba tul Madinah.