His Birth and Upbringing
Sayed Sheikh Sultan Hussein Al-Kasnazani Quddissah Sirruh was born in the year 1306 AH (1885 AD) in the village of Karbajneh, located in the Sanqaw district of Iraq. He grew up in a religious environment where his father, Sayed Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Kasnazani, was one of the prominent leaders of the Kasnazani Qadiri Sufi Order. He was raised in an atmosphere of worship and asceticism, receiving religious and legal education from major scholars, which led him to possess great knowledge and wisdom. From childhood, Sayed Hussein showed a strong desire to assist the poor and needy, and he was known by the title “Sultan of the Mountains” due to his deep love for isolation and worship in the mountains. He was always eager to fulfill the needs of the needy without hesitation, preferring to feed the poor over everything else.
His Sayings and Advice
Sheikh Sultan Hussein left behind numerous sayings and pieces of advice that have become a guiding light for all who follow the path of Sufism. One of his most notable teachings was urging his disciples to follow the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, emphasizing self-purification and adherence to truthfulness and patience in facing adversity. He would always advise helping the poor and orphans, and never relying on the material world:
“Dear disciple, stay away from the love of the world, for its love destroys the worshiper just as heat destroys honey.”
His Service to Jurists and Scholars
Sheikh Sultan Hussein Quddissah Sirruh established a religious school in his village of Karbajneh, where he appointed teachers to educate the Quran and the sciences of jurisprudence and grammar. He paid great attention to nurturing the students to adhere to religious values. Many scholars specializing in various religious fields graduated from this school. He was also known for his assistance to individuals in resolving their religious and social problems, and he constantly called for unity among Muslims and the avoidance of division.
His Miracles
Sheikh Sultan Hussein Quddissah Sirruh was known for many miracles witnessed by many. Among the most prominent of these miracles was God’s facilitation of difficult matters faced by his disciples. For example, one of his disciples asked him to travel to Mosul despite the difficult travel conditions, but by the blessing of the Sheikh, they reached there easily. It is also narrated that a Christian woman who had suffered from asthma for over ten years was healed immediately when Sheikh was called to pray for her healing. There were also numerous accounts of people witnessing supernatural events through his presence, such as hearing the voices of jinn reciting the name of Allah loudly in his vicinity.
His Passing
Sayed Sheikh Sultan Hussein Al-Kasnazani Quddissah Sirruh passed away in the year 1360 AH (1939 AD), leaving behind a profound legacy of knowledge and spiritual guidance. His passing was a great loss to his disciples and scholars, as they lost a great man at a time when his presence was desperately needed. He was succeeded by his brother, Sayed Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Kasnazani Quddissah Sirruh, who continued to spread the teachings of the order and provide guidance.
His Lasting Influence
Despite the passing of Sheikh Sultan Hussein, his spiritual and scholarly influence remains alive in the hearts of his followers. His disciples continue to follow his teachings, which include asceticism, worship, serving the poor, and fostering brotherhood among people. Today, many students of knowledge and Sufis around the world testify to his lasting impact and legacy.