Marriage and Daily Appearance
The members of the Kadri order were not forbidden to marry. Unlike some religious groups that required lifelong celibacy, the Kadri dervishes allowed marriage if a member wished to live an ordinary family life Istanbul Day Tours.
However, once a dervish married, he was no longer allowed to remain living inside the convent. He had to leave the religious community and live separately. After leaving, he could dress in whatever clothing he preferred.
Even so, married members often continued to wear black buttons on their clothes as a sign of their connection to the Kadri order.
Those who remained inside the convent dressed very simply. They wore a white cloak or mantle made from coarse cloth, showing humility and separation from luxury. Their hair was left unshaven, and they usually wore no hats or head coverings. They also walked barefoot as a symbol of poverty, discipline, and devotion.
In Constantinople, one of their important convents was located in the district of Tophane.
Abdul Kadir Ghilani, Founder of the Order
The founder of this religious order was Abdul Kadir Ghilani, one of the most famous spiritual teachers in the Islamic world. According to the account, he was born in the Islamic year 561 after the Hijra and died in the year 657.
Abdul Kadir was respected not only as a holy man but also as a scholar, lawyer, and philosopher. His learning and wisdom greatly increased his influence, and many students gathered around him to study religion and spirituality.
His followers admired him for his discipline, knowledge, and devotion to God. Over time, stories about his holiness spread throughout the Islamic world, and his teachings became the foundation of the Kadri order.
His Teacher and Learning
Abdul Kadir’s teacher was a scholar named Abdul Mumin Gazeh. This teacher was known for his learning and for writing important books.
Among his works were a book on Arabic grammar called Muorib and another work named Andalus. These books helped students study language, religion, and scholarship during that period.
The mention of these writings shows that the Kadri order valued education as well as spiritual devotion. Their leaders were expected to possess both religious knowledge and personal discipline.
Historical Events During His Lifetime
During the lifetime of Abdul Kadir Ghilani, the Islamic world experienced many political troubles and invasions. One important event mentioned in the account concerns Helaku, the son of Genghis Khan, who invaded the region around Babylon.
According to the story, Helaku ordered the death of a ruler named Alkami, who governed the city at that time. Alkami was accused of belonging to the Persian religious sect that the Ottoman Turks called “Bafizi,” meaning heretics.
The dispute centered on differences within Islam regarding the honor given to the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Religious Differences Among Muslims
The group criticized in the account rejected the authority of Abu Bakr, Omar, and Osman, who were highly respected by Sunni Muslims and the Ottoman Turks. Sunni Muslims regarded these men as holy leaders and rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad.
However, some Persian religious groups did not accept them in the same way and instead followed different religious traditions and beliefs.
These disagreements created serious tensions between various Muslim communities and sometimes led to accusations of heresy and political conflict.