The Reality of Giyarhwin Sharif: Understanding Its Impact on Faith and Practice

Giyarhwin Sharif: An Examination of Rituals and Beliefs in Sufi Tradition

What is the reality of Giyarhwin Sharif?

Answer: Up to the eleventh or Giyarhwin is fine, but adding “Sharif” is not appropriate. This name itself suggests a ritualistic practice. Regardless of the severe differences in the dates of death, the Sufis have given so much importance to the eleventh of Rabi’ al-Awwal that on the eleventh night of every lunar month, food is prepared in the name of Jilani, animals are sacrificed in his name, and offerings are made in his name. Those who celebrate it say that Pir Sahib is a friend of Allah, and by holding gatherings and making offerings on his death anniversary, the love of Allah and His Messenger is instilled in people’s hearts, and the desire to adopt his character is awakened.

This Giyarhwin is actually a new invention in religion; there was no such practice before the thirteenth century. Regarding such actions, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever introduces into this religion of ours something that is not part of it, it will be rejected.” (Bukhari)

In this innovation, just as people’s money is looted through donations, their faith and beliefs are also destroyed. By diverting trust and reliance away from Allah, all attention is directed towards the saints in such a way that they are considered the ultimate controllers, and the world runs because of them. Therefore, they should be pleased, their support should be sought, and they should be called upon for help. If they are pleased, then both worldly and eternal success is guaranteed. This is a complete destruction of faith.

Additionally, celebrating the death anniversary in Giyarhwin, designating a specific day for any act, holding specific gatherings in the name of worship, unnecessary illumination, wearing fine clothes and preparing special dishes like on Eid, mixing of men and women, dancing and singing, making vows in the name of others besides Allah, worshiping others besides Allah, reciting polytheistic poetry by faithless and immoral singers, and attributing fabricated and baseless stories to Abdul Qadir, and elevating his status above that of Allah and His Messenger – all these practices are contrary to religion and faith.

✍ Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫