Qadiriyya

Deviant

القادرية

Overview

The oldest and one of the most widespread Sufi orders, named after Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (1077–1166 CE) of Baghdad. Has tens of millions of followers across Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. The order emphasizes the practice of dhikr and service to creation as spiritual disciplines. Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani himself is venerated to a degree that has crossed into grave worship in many branches of the order.

Key Beliefs

  • Silsilah traced to Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani then to the Prophet ﷺ via Ali ibn Abi Talib
  • Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani considered a Qutb (Pole) of the universe, with cosmic spiritual authority
  • Dhikr sessions as the primary spiritual practice
  • Visitation of Abd al-Qadir's tomb and seeking his intercession (widespread in popular practice)

Scholarly Evaluation

The order's bid'ah institution aside, the primary theological concern is the popular veneration of Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani that has evolved in many branches into grave worship and invocation of the dead — both of which are shirk per Ahl us-Sunnah. Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani himself was a Hanbali scholar whose authenticated writings are free of these excesses — they were added by later followers.

Key Figures

  • Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (1077–1166 CE)

Sources

  • Futuh al-Ghayb (Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani — authentic works)
  • Iqtida al-Sirat al-Mustaqim (Ibn Taymiyyah)

Parent Group

Sufi Orders (Tariqahs)

Founder

Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani

Founded

1166 CE