To fully understand a sect and to grasp the thoughts, views, and beliefs of its followers, it is essential to study the biographies and backgrounds of its founders. Below, we will introduce the founders of the Qadriyyah sect, with two of the most prominent individuals being:
Ma’bad Al-Juhani
There are various reports regarding the name of Ma’bad’s father: some say he was Abu Ruwa’a Ma’bad ibn Khalid Al-Juhani Al-Basri, others mention Ma’bad ibn Abdullah ibn Uwaymir, and some refer to his grandfather’s name as “Hakim” instead of “Alim.” Just as there is disagreement regarding his lineage, there is also conflicting information about the circumstances of his death.
Ma’bad Al-Juhani was killed by Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf. He participated in the rebellion of Ibn Ash’ath in 83 AH against Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf. After being wounded in this conflict, his injuries ultimately led to his demise. Malik ibn Dinar (may Allah have mercy on him) (d. 131 AH) said:
“After the rebellion of Ibn Ash’ath, I saw Ma’bad Al-Juhani in Mecca, wounded. He had participated in many battles against Al-Hajjaj. He said: ‘I have met many jurists and people, but I have not found anyone like Al-Hasan. If only we had obeyed him.’” It seems he expressed regret for having fought against Al-Hajjaj.
Saeed ibn Ghafīr (d. 226 AH) reported, “In the year 80 AH, Abdul Malik crucified Ma’bad Al-Juhani in Damascus.”
Amr ibn Dinar (MABH) said: “One day, Imam Tawus (MABH) was performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba when Ma’bad encountered him. Imam Tawus asked, ‘Are you Ma’bad?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ Tawus then turned to the people and said: ‘This is Ma’bad; humiliate him.’”
Ghaylan Al-Dimashqi
Ghaylan Al-Dimashqi was one of the major founders of the science of theology and was a key figure in the Qadriyyah sect. His leaders participated in one of the greatest intellectual and political conflicts in Islamic history.
His name was Ghaylan ibn Abi Ghaylan, also known as Ghaylan ibn Yunus. He was nicknamed Abu Muslim and Abu Marwan Al-Qadari. Originally, he was from the Copts of Egypt. His father converted to Islam during the time of Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) and became one of his freedmen. Ghaylan was born and raised in Damascus, leading to his association with the city. He traveled to many cities to seek knowledge and studied under various scholars. In matters of creed, he followed Ma’bad Al-Juhani.
Ghaylan Al-Dimashqi was renowned for his eloquence and writing skills among his contemporaries. However, some critics argued that both Ghaylan and Ma’bad were ignorant and unlearned, asserting that they borrowed their beliefs from either Jews or Christians.
In the second half of the first century, when the Qadriyyah sect emerged, many of the late companions opposed this sect, including Abdullah ibn Umar, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Jabir ibn Abdullah, and Wathila ibn Al-Asqa’ (may Allah be pleased with them all). Among them, Abdullah ibn Umar was the most severe; he warned people against them, exposed their flaws, and cautioned individuals not to associate or even meet with Ma’bad Al-Juhani and his companions. Likewise, Ibn Abbas treated them similarly.
When Ghaylan Al-Dimashqi publicly expressed heretical views regarding “Divine Decree (Qadar),” the noble Tabi’in (successors of the Sahaba)—led by Mujahid, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, and Imam Al-Awza’i (may Allah have mercy on them)—stood against him. Despite their efforts, Ghaylan insisted on his innovation until he was ultimately executed because of it.
Ghaylan Al-Dimashqi lived during the caliphate of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (MABH) and engaged in debates with many individuals, most notably Umar ibn Abdul Aziz and Imam Al-Awza’i.
It is narrated that one day, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz summoned Ghaylan and said to him: “O Ghaylan, I have heard that you speak about predestination (Qadar).”
He replied: “O Amir al-Momineen, these people fabricate lies against me.”
Umar ibn Abdul Aziz then said: “Recite the beginning of Surah Yasin.”
Ghaylan started reciting: “يس وَالْقُرْآنِ الْحَكِيمِ” until he reached: “إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا فِي أَعْنَاقِهِمْ أَغْلَالًا فَهِيَ إِلَى الْأَذْقَانِ فَهُمْ مُقْمَحُونَ وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ سَدًّا وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ سَدًّا فَأَغْشَيْنَاهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ وَسَوَاءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَأَنْذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنْذِرْهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ” Translation: “Indeed, we have put shackles around their necks reaching up to their chins, so their heads are forced up. And We have set a barrier before them and a barrier behind them and covered them, so they do not see. It is the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them—they will not believe.” (Surah Yasin 36:8-10)
Ghaylan said, “O Amir al Momineen, by Allah, it is as if I have never recited this verse before today. O Commander of the Faithful, I take you as my witness that I repent from my previous statements.”
Umar ibn Abdul Aziz prayed: “O Allah, if Ghaylan is truthful in his statement, then keep him steadfast. But if he is lying, then make him a lesson for the believers.”
It is narrated that as long as Umar ibn Abdul Aziz was alive, Ghaylan did not revert to his previous beliefs. However, after his death, Ghaylan returned to his old views and started calling people to deny Divine Decree until Hisham ibn Abdul Malik captured and executed him. It is reported that before his death, Ghaylan would say:
“The prayer of the righteous man (referring to Umar ibn Abdul Aziz) has brought me to this state.”
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