A Spiritual Guide to the Great Sufi Saints of Baghdad

Baghdad is a special city, known as a beacon of light for seekers. This blessed land is the resting place of many great Sufi saints, also known as 'Awliya' (Friends of Allah). This guide helps you learn about them as you prepare for your Sufi tour and Ziyarat of Iraq.

Sayyiduna Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA)

Ghous-e-Azam, The Great Helper

Known as 'Ghous-e-Azam' (the Great Helper), he is one of the most beloved saints in the world. He is the founder of the Qadiriyya Sufi order, which has spread to millions. His holy shrine (Maqam) in Baghdad is the heart of the Ziyarat for many pilgrims. People come from all over to pay their respects and feel the deep peace of his presence.

Sheikh Sayed Tanveer Hashmi at the Zarih of Ghous-e-Azam Sayed Abdul Qadri Jilani — Sheikh Sayed Tanveer Hashmi at the Holy Shrine

The exterior dome of the Maqam of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani — The magnificent dome of the complex

Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi (RA)

The Master of the Order

He is called the 'Master of the Order' (Sayyid-ut-Taifa). Imam Junayd was a very important early teacher in Sufism. He taught that a true Sufi must always follow the main path of Islam (Shariah) and be sober in their spiritual state. His teachings are a foundation for almost all Sufi groups that came after him. His Maqam is a place of deep reflection.

The Holy Maqam of Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi in Baghdad — The Holy Maqam of Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi

Sufi tour group with Sheikh Tanveer Hashmi outside Imam Junayd's shrine — Pilgrims at the shrine entrance

Sheikh Sari Saqti (RA)

The Teacher of Masters

He was the uncle and the main spiritual teacher of Imam Junayd al-Baghdadi. Sheikh Sari Saqti was a famous early Sufi master in Baghdad, known for his deep wisdom and piety. He taught about true sincerity and the real meaning of divine love. His blessed Maqam is located near his nephew's, and pilgrims often visit them together.

The resting place of Sheikh Sari Saqti in Baghdad — Resting place of Sheikh Sari Saqti

A view of the Maqam of Sari Saqti — A view of the Maqam

Bahlool Dana (RA)

The Wise Man of God

Bahlool was a famous 'wise man of God' who lived during the time of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid. He acted like a simple or 'crazy' man, but he was filled with wisdom. He taught important lessons about life and the hereafter in funny or strange ways. He is famous for the story of "selling a house in heaven" to the Caliph's wife.

The Maqam of Bahlool Dana — Maqam of Bahlool Dana

Pilgrims at the shrine of Bahlool Dana — Pilgrims at the shrine

Bishar al-Hafi (RA)

The Barefooted Saint

He is known as the 'barefooted saint'. His life is a famous and powerful story of turning back to Allah (tawbah). He found a piece of paper with Allah's name on it, cleaned it, and perfumed it. Because of this respect, Allah guided his heart. He changed his life completely and became one of the greatest saints of his time, known for his humility.

The holy shrine of Bishar al-Hafi — Shrine of Bishar al-Hafi

Details of the Maqam of Bishar al-Hafi — Details of the Maqam

Sheikh Shahabuddin Omar Soharwadi (RA)

Founder of the Soharwadi Order

His full name is Sheikh Shahabuddin Omar Soharwadi. He was a great scholar of Islam and a powerful Sufi master. He is the founder of the Soharwadi Sufi order, which became very famous and spread all over the world. He also wrote a very important book on Sufism called 'Awarif al-Ma'arif' (The Gifts of Knowledge).

Sheikh Sayed Tanveer Hashmi at the Maqam of Omar Soharwadi — Tomb of Sheikh Omar Soharwadi

Sufi tour group at the shrine of Omar Soharwadi — Pilgrims at the mosque complex

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (RA)

The Great Imam

This is the Maqam of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal. He is one of the four great Imams of Islamic law (Fiqh). He is famous for his incredible knowledge, piety, and strong faith, especially during his "mihna" (trial). Many great Sufis, including Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, followed his school of thought (the Hanbali madhhab).