Abd al-Qadir al-Gailani would pause his lectures and sermons in Baghdad, preferring solitude for a time, before resuming his teachings, legal opinions (fatwas), and guidance. He became widely renowned, with people flocking from all directions to attend his gatherings. Scholars and righteous individuals were assembled.
The expansion of the madrasa where he previously taught was completed in 528 AH (1134 CE). He delivered his lectures and discourses within this madrasa. His son, Abd al-Wahhab, recounts: “My father dedicated three times a week to teaching. These were Friday mornings, Tuesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. During these times, all scholars and righteous individuals would gather to listen to his sermons and discourses. This continued for forty years. Additionally, he taught students in his own madrasa for thirty-three years. Occasionally, during his gatherings, a few people would become so enraptured that they passed away.
Four hundred scribes recorded his lectures. Sometimes, due to the crowd’s size, they wrote on each other’s backs.” He taught in thirteen different branches of knowledge and sciences. Furthermore, he provided lessons in Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) and Hadith (Prophetic traditions) for those who desired them. Usul (principles of jurisprudence) and Nahw (Arabic grammar) were taught in the mornings and evenings, while recitation of the Holy Quran took place in the afternoons. His speech was exceptionally clear and profoundly impactful. Even a hardened heart would soften upon seeing him, experiencing awe and reverence. Those present at his lectures and gatherings listened attentively, deeply moved by what was being said. Even those who sat far back due to the crowd could clearly hear his voice. Anyone who beheld him would immediately feel under his influence, sensing that they were in the presence of a blessed individual. On Fridays, as he proceeded to the mosque, people would gather in the streets seeking blessings from his sight. He provided clear and comprehensive answers to those seeking legal opinions (fatwas), resolving their difficulties.
He had six hundred students. Every day, he taught them, oversaw their studies, and provided writing implements for those who lacked them. For those seeking affiliation (intisar), he would personally write out his blessed lineage. He spread the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah and religious knowledge far and wide. He never spent a night without guests. He assisted the weak and fed the poor. He never became angry when answering the various questions of his students; rather, he was exceedingly patient with them. Those sitting near him would feel that “no one could be more generous and benevolent than him.” When a friend traveled abroad, he would inquire about their well-being and maintain affection and connection. He forgave those who treated him poorly. He purchased slaves and freed them. He kept his promises and never harbored ill will towards anyone. In his granary, there was wheat earned through lawful means. His servant stood at the door with bread in hand and would call out to the people: “Is there anyone who wants food, bread, or a place to sleep? Come!” When gifts were brought to him, he distributed them among those present, setting aside a portion for himself. He always reciprocated gifts.
The expansion of the madrasa where he previously taught was completed in 528 AH (1134 CE). He delivered his lectures and discourses within this madrasa. His son, Abd al-Wahhab, recounts: “My father dedicated three times a week to teaching. These were Friday mornings, Tuesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. During these times, all scholars and righteous individuals would gather to listen to his sermons and discourses. This continued for forty years. Additionally, he taught students in his own madrasa for thirty-three years. Occasionally, during his gatherings, a few people would become so enraptured that they passed away.
Four hundred scribes recorded his lectures. Sometimes, due to the crowd’s size, they wrote on each other’s backs.” He taught in thirteen different branches of knowledge and sciences. Furthermore, he provided lessons in Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) and Hadith (Prophetic traditions) for those who desired them. Usul (principles of jurisprudence) and Nahw (Arabic grammar) were taught in the mornings and evenings, while recitation of the Holy Quran took place in the afternoons. His speech was exceptionally clear and profoundly impactful. Even a hardened heart would soften upon seeing him, experiencing awe and reverence. Those present at his lectures and gatherings listened attentively, deeply moved by what was being said. Even those who sat far back due to the crowd could clearly hear his voice. Anyone who beheld him would immediately feel under his influence, sensing that they were in the presence of a blessed individual. On Fridays, as he proceeded to the mosque, people would gather in the streets seeking blessings from his sight. He provided clear and comprehensive answers to those seeking legal opinions (fatwas), resolving their difficulties.
He had six hundred students. Every day, he taught them, oversaw their studies, and provided writing implements for those who lacked them. For those seeking affiliation (intisar), he would personally write out his blessed lineage. He spread the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah and religious knowledge far and wide. He never spent a night without guests. He assisted the weak and fed the poor. He never became angry when answering the various questions of his students; rather, he was exceedingly patient with them. Those sitting near him would feel that “no one could be more generous and benevolent than him.” When a friend traveled abroad, he would inquire about their well-being and maintain affection and connection. He forgave those who treated him poorly. He purchased slaves and freed them. He kept his promises and never harbored ill will towards anyone. In his granary, there was wheat earned through lawful means. His servant stood at the door with bread in hand and would call out to the people: “Is there anyone who wants food, bread, or a place to sleep? Come!” When gifts were brought to him, he distributed them among those present, setting aside a portion for himself. He always reciprocated gifts.