QADIRIYAH

probably the oldest of the Muslim mystic (Sufi) orders, founded by the Hanbali theologian 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (10781166) in Baghdad. Al-Jilani may have intended the few rituals he prescribed to extend only to his small circle of followers, but his sons broadened this community into an order and encouraged its spread into North Africa, Central Asia, and India. The order, which stresses philanthropy, humility, piety, and moderation, is loosely organized, allowing each regional community to develop its own ritual prayers (dhikrs). The main body (the Qadiriyah proper) maintains an orthodox and peaceful Sufi system and is governed by a descendant of al-Jilani, who serves as the keeper of his tomb in Baghdad. A smaller group in North Africa, the Jilaliyah, worships al-Jilani as a supernatural being and combines Islamic mysticism with pre-Islamic beliefs and practices.