Introduction
All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, our master Muhammad, whom Allah sent as guidance and mercy for the worlds, and upon his family and companions. After that, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan Al-Husseini, may Allah sanctify his soul, is the Sheikh of the Alia Qadri Kassnazani Sufi order worldwide and a prominent scholar from Iraq and the Islamic world. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan is distinguished by his spiritual and scholarly abilities and has played a significant role in promoting Sufi and educational thought globally. He is not just a Sufi order leader but also a spiritual and intellectual guide of great stature.
His Lineage and Origin
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan descends from a noble Hashemite family, tracing its roots back to the blessed Muhammad family tree, with his lineage reaching Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) and Lady Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In addition to his noble lineage, he descends from the Kassnazan family, which was established by his grandfather, Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Kassnazan, who was given the title “Al-Kassnazan” due to his deep spirituality and his seclusion for the worship of Allah Almighty.
His Birth and Upbringing
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan was born in the village of Karbijna, near the Sinkaow district in Kirkuk, Northern Iraq, on the 14th of Safar, 1358 AH (corresponding to April 15, 1938). He grew up in a spiritual environment rich in high morals and extensive knowledge. He was raised under the guidance of the prominent scholars of the Kassnazan order, with his father, Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Kassnazan, may Allah sanctify his soul, being the Sheikh of the order during that time.
His Education and Learning
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan received the Sufi teachings from his father and learned the sciences of Sufism from the scholars of his time. He combined religious and academic studies and received his education from prominent scholars at the Karbijna religious school. He studied Islamic law and the Arabic language, while also enriching his knowledge through extensive reading and reviewing books and manuscripts in public libraries. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan had a rare scientific library that contained thousands of books and manuscripts he gathered with difficulty, benefiting from them in strengthening and developing his knowledge.
His Leadership and Responsibility
In 1398 AH (1978 AD), Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan assumed the leadership of the Kassnazan Sufi order, succeeding his father, Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Kassnazan. He was appointed the Sheikh of the order by the decision of his spiritual grandfather, fulfilling the prophecy of his grandfather, who said that Sheikh Muhammad would be the Imam of the order with a vast spiritual authority. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan was distinguished by his wisdom, patience, and spiritual influence, drawing many followers who embraced the Sufi path under his guidance.
His Scientific and Spiritual Achievements
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan had many scientific and intellectual achievements. Among them was the establishment of a scientific library that housed valuable manuscripts and books. He also founded the Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan College, which included diverse academic departments, such as Islamic law, Sufism, law, philosophy, and other fields. In his pursuit of Islamic knowledge, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan focused on documenting and classifying Sufi knowledge in his encyclopedic work, “The Kassnazan Encyclopedia,” which covers all Sufi and mystical terminology.
His Miracles and Wonders
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan was known for his numerous miracles, which he avoided discussing out of humility. However, he did not deny these through his actions or behaviors in certain situations, such as answering prayers or in cases of healing from incurable diseases. Sheikh Muhammad paid great attention to spiritual education, and his greatest miracle was the uprightness of his disciples in following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and achieving piety and righteousness in their lives.
His National and Religious Stances
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan’s political and national stances were among his most notable characteristics. He played a key role in unifying the ranks in Iraq, where he established the “Central Council of Sufi Orders in Iraq” at a time when the country needed to unite the Islamic nation in the face of various challenges.
His Online Presence and Vision for the Future
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan had a forward-thinking vision for the Sufi community worldwide. He established a website that reflects contemporary spiritual orientations of Sufism. He also directed his attention towards the need to engage with the digital world, using modern means to promote Islamic spiritual culture and reach a wide audience.
Conclusion
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Kassnazan, may Allah sanctify his soul, left a clear mark in the field of Sufism and Islamic thought, expanding his influence on both local and international levels. Through his efforts, he established a moderate and balanced approach to Sufism, with a focus on Islamic jurisprudence and spiritual thought.