Qadiriyya

Definition

Qadiriyya is a Sufi order founded by the 12th-century Islamic scholar Abdul Qadir Gilani, who is revered as a saint and spiritual guide. This order emphasizes the importance of personal experience of God through mystical practices, devotion, and a deep commitment to Islamic teachings. Followers of qadiriyya seek to cultivate a close relationship with the divine, often through prayer, meditation, and remembrance of God (dhikr).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The qadiriyya order places a strong emphasis on the importance of following Sharia (Islamic law) while engaging in mystical practices.
2. Abdul Qadir Gilani's teachings encourage followers to rely on God's mercy and grace, promoting a belief in divine intervention in daily life.
3. The qadiriyya order has a widespread following across different regions, especially in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia.
4. Qadiriyya emphasizes community, with many followers gathering for group prayers and rituals to strengthen their bonds and collective spirituality.
5. The teachings of qadiriyya have influenced various cultural practices and artistic expressions in regions where it is practiced, including poetry, music, and dance.

Review Questions

• How does qadiriyya illustrate the connection between Islamic law and mystical practice?
  • Qadiriyya showcases the balance between adhering to Islamic law (Sharia) and pursuing personal spiritual experiences. While followers engage in mystical practices such as meditation and dhikr, they are also expected to follow Islamic teachings diligently. This blend highlights how Sufism can coexist with orthodox beliefs, allowing individuals to deepen their faith while maintaining a commitment to the core tenets of Islam.
• Discuss the role of Abdul Qadir Gilani in the development of the qadiriyya order and its impact on Sufism.
  • Abdul Qadir Gilani is central to the qadiriyya order as its founder and spiritual leader. His teachings emphasized the need for personal experience with God and a strong adherence to Islamic values. This dual focus helped shape Sufism by integrating rigorous religious observance with mystical exploration, attracting a diverse following that continues to influence contemporary spiritual practices within Islam.
• Evaluate how the cultural expressions of qadiriyya followers reflect their spiritual beliefs and practices.
  • The cultural expressions among qadiriyya followers provide insight into their spiritual beliefs by showcasing how devotion manifests in daily life. Poetry, music, and dance often serve as forms of worship and communal bonding that reinforce their mystical connection with God. These artistic forms not only celebrate divine love but also facilitate communal identity, illustrating how spirituality is interwoven with cultural practices within the qadiriyya tradition.

Related terms

Sufism: A mystical branch of Islam focused on the inward search for God and shunning materialism.

Dhikr: A form of devotional remembrance in Islam that involves repeating the names of God or phrases that glorify Him.

Murshid: A spiritual guide or teacher in Sufism who leads disciples on the path to spiritual enlightenment.