Introduction
Imam Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Kassnazan, may Allah sanctify his soul, was born in 1336 AH (1915 AD) in the village of Kurbajna in the Sinkaou district of Kirkuk, Iraq. He was raised in a deeply religious family, as his father, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Kassnazan, was the Sheikh of the Qadiri Kassnazan order at that time. Sheikh Abdul Karim inherited a great position from his father, and his upbringing was filled with spirituality and worship, which shaped his intellectual and spiritual personality that became widely recognized.
His Early Upbringing and Spiritual Education
From a young age, Sheikh Abdul Karim showed love for goodness and generosity, and his behavior was characterized by a special empathy for the poor and needy. It is mentioned that as a child, he would ask his father to slaughter a sheep and distribute the meat among the children of the village. He also showed kindness to orphans and the poor. Despite his young age, he was known for his wisdom and sound judgment, and he began intervening to resolve disputes between his friends and assisting them, earning respect from everyone. In his youth, he practiced horsemanship and loved hunting, but he preferred solitude and retreat, where he found great spiritual clarity.
His Education and Learning from Scholars
Sheikh Abdul Karim received his religious education at his grandfather’s religious school in Kurbajna, where he studied the Quran and Islamic sciences under the guidance of prominent scholars. After graduating, he decided to dedicate his life to serving Sufism and guiding his followers towards the straight path. His father, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Kassnazan, taught him the Qadiri Kassnazan way, and he sincerely followed the Sufi path, retreating in solitude for extended periods and becoming known as “the Sheikh” among his followers.
His Sheikhdom and Spiritual Vision
Sheikh Abdul Karim was appointed the Sheikh of the Qadiri Kassnazan order after his spiritual grandfather, Sheikh Hussein Al-Kassnazan, may Allah sanctify his soul, instructed him to take over the responsibilities of the order. He believed that holding the position of Sheikh was not only a religious responsibility but also a moral and spiritual one, and that the Sheikh should be humble, wise, and sincere in his work. Sheikh Abdul Karim continued to serve the order, and his influence grew among his followers who came to him from various parts of Iraq and the Arab and Islamic world. He became known for his great ability to attract hearts towards Allah, guiding his followers on the straight path with his sound advice and spiritual guidance.
His Miracles and Spiritual Interventions
Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Kassnazan was known for many miracles attributed to him, such as healing the sick and performing supernatural acts, like holding electric wires without being harmed, eating snakes and scorpions, and handling swords and spears. He also had a remarkable ability to heal chronic illnesses, as it is said that one of his patients who was suffering from cancer was completely cured after his prayers and following his instructions. He also had the power to break sorcery and undo evil deeds with the permission of his followers.
His Guidance to the Nation and Spiritual Wisdom
Sheikh Abdul Karim gave great importance to teaching his followers how to reconcile with themselves and with others. He always warned against the temptations of the world, focusing on asceticism and piety, urging everyone to draw closer to Allah, the Almighty. He also emphasized good manners, truthfulness, and compassion towards others, especially the poor and needy. He said in one of his famous sermons: “The world is nothing but a trap, do not be deceived by it, nor let it distract you from your true goal, which is to draw closer to Allah.”
His Jihad and Humanitarian Stances
Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Kassnazan was not only a spiritual leader but also a person with strong stances on national issues. He played an important role in resisting British colonialism in Iraq, participating in the Kurbajna battle against the British, and later leading several battles against occupation, becoming a prominent figure among the Iraqis for his support of national causes.
His Passing and the Appointment of His Successor
Sheikh Abdul Karim passed away, may Allah sanctify his soul, in 1399 AH (1979 AD) after a life full of spiritual and intellectual contributions. His son, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Kassnazan, may Allah sanctify his soul, succeeded him as the Sheikh of the order, continuing his mission of spreading the teachings of the way and guiding his followers towards the path of truth. Sheikh Abdul Karim left a profound impact on the souls of his followers and became a source of inspiration for generations of Sufis who consider him a role model in asceticism and faith. He passed away in the city of Kirkuk after conducting several guidance tours in Iraq and Iran, constantly traveling between countries to spread the way and offer guidance.