ग्यारहवीं शरीफ

Gyarvi Shareef (Gyarhween Shareef) is observed on the 11th of every Islamic month in honor of Hazrat Ghous-e-Azam Shaikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani R.H (470–561 AH / 1077–1166 CE) — the founder of the Qadiriyya Sufi order, the most widespread Sufi order in the world with millions of followers across every continent. The practice commemorates the 11th because Ghous-e-Azam R.H passed away on the 11th of Rabi al-Thani, 561 AH in Baghdad, and his devotees honor his memory on the 11th of every month as a recurring act of love and spiritual connection. Ghous-e-Azam R.H was born in Jilan (modern-day Iran) and traveled to Baghdad at age 18 to seek knowledge.

He studied under 13 scholars and became the greatest saint, scholar, and preacher of his era — his sermons in Baghdad would attract audiences of over 70,000 people, and it is narrated that hundreds would repent and accept Islam at each gathering. He was given the title "Ghous-e-Azam" (Greatest Helper) and "Muhyiddin" (Reviver of the Religion) because through him, the spiritual life of Islam was revived during a period of moral and spiritual decline in the Muslim world. His famous declaration: "My foot is on the neck of every saint" was acknowledged by all the Awliya (saints) of his era, confirming his supreme spiritual authority.

On Gyarvi Shareef, Muslims prepare special food (Niyaz/Fatiha), recite Surah al-Fatiha and Surah al-Ikhlas, send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, and convey the reward (Isaal-e-Sawab) to Ghous-e-Azam R.H. Many also recite his famous manqabat (praise poetry) and portions of his masterwork "Futuh al-Ghaib" (Revelations of the Unseen). The practice is widespread across South Asia, Turkey, Iraq, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and wherever the Qadiri order has reached — making it one of the most universally observed Sufi commemorations in the Muslim world.

It is a day of spiritual renewal, increased charity, feeding the poor, and strengthening one's connection to the Qadiri spiritual chain that links every follower back to Ghous-e-Azam R.H and through him to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.