Instruction by Shaikh ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Gaylānī on Taking the Pledge

Date: 12/10/2012
Location: Saraipalya – Bangalore – Karnataka

I went to the land of the takya in the company of two people, a driver and a dervish who helped me with my needs. I sat looking at the place and thinking: “O Shaikh Muḥammad! I am sad today, and I do not know why. Deep sorrow has set in on my heart. Every day I hear news that hurts my heart. Now I am on your land, in your takya, so do you accept that I am alone?” I was thinking of what I was going to tell the Shaikh about preaching that day as not much had happened.

Less than ten minutes had passed when ten men and ten women came. They greeted me and sat down. I asked them about their needs. They replied: “We have agreed to come to the land of ḥaḍrat Shaikh ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Gaylānī and ask for needs we have to be fulfilled. Each one of us has a need, and you are the servant of this place, so tell us what to do.” I gave them all the pledge and the dhikrs. Then one of them said:

A week ago I saw in a dream a man talking to me about a pledge and repentance[1] but I did not know what he meant. I said: “Sir, please explain.” He said: “Go and take the pledge.” I said: “Who are you?” He replied: “I am the Greatest Ghawth.” Now I know the meaning of the pledge, which is to dedicate myself to Allah and pledge that to Him.

He was then overcome by crying.

Footnote

[1] The practice of taking the pledge of Ṭarīqa Kasnazāniyya involves a declaration of repentance.