Sheikh Mohammed al-Kasnazan al-Husseini (May Allah sanctify his secret)

Spiritual Leader of the Qadiriyya Kasnazaniyya Sufi Order Worldwide

Sheikh Mohammed al-Kasnazan is not only a prominent Sufi figure but a symbol of intellectual and spiritual authority across Iraq and the Islamic world. His impact extends beyond Sufi circles due to his depth of knowledge, noble lineage, spiritual presence, and effective contributions in religious, social, and scholarly domains.

His Lineage

The Sheikh descends from the noble Hashemite line of Sayyid families, tracing his ancestry back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through Imam Musa al-Kadhim. His family represents a blessed branch of the prophetic tree—pure, steadfast, and honored across generations.

The Meaning of “Kasnazan”

The name “Kasnazan” was attributed to his ancestor, Sayyid Abdul Karim the First, a pious and ascetic saint. The Kurdish term “Kasnazan” means “a person whose reality is unknown.” It became a title for the family and, later, for the Sufi order they established.

Birth and Early Life

Sheikh Mohammed was born on April 15, 1938, in the village of Karbajna near Kirkuk, Iraq. He grew up in a spiritually rich environment led by his father, Sheikh Abdul Karim al-Kasnazan. From his earliest years, he was surrounded by renowned saints and scholars and was nurtured in an atmosphere of worship, reflection, and spiritual discipline.

Spiritual Upbringing and Education

He studied Islamic sciences and Arabic under prominent scholars in the religious school of Karbajna. He gained a deep understanding of Sufi sciences and developed a vast intellectual capacity, supported by his dedication to reading and collecting rare books and manuscripts. His spiritual insight was matched by rigorous study and ascetic practice.

Leadership of the Sufi Order

In his final visit to the shrines of the saints in Karbajna, his father formally appointed him as the next spiritual guide of the order, declaring:

“From today, Sheikh Mohammed is your Sheikh. Whoever obeys him, obeys us.”

Shortly after this declaration, Sheikh Abdul Karim passed away in 1978, and Sheikh Mohammed officially assumed the leadership.

Global Expansion of the Order

Under his guidance, the Kasnazaniyya Order expanded not only throughout Iraq but also into Iran, Turkey, the Caucasus, India, Pakistan, the USA, and parts of Europe. Tekkes (Sufi lodges) were established in numerous cities and villages, and thousands joined the path of spiritual refinement.

His Sufi Philosophy

Despite the many miracles and unveilings attributed to him, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the essence of Sufism lies in uprightness and inner stillness, not in the pursuit of supernatural experiences.

Spiritual Retreats (Khalwat)

He led numerous retreats where disciples followed strict guidelines under his supervision, starting with his first khalwa six months after assuming leadership in 1978. These were times of intense spiritual training and self-purification.

Notable Works

Sheikh Mohammed authored and published several key works, including:

  • Al-Anwar al-Rahmaniyya fi al-Tariqa al-Qadiriyya al-Kasnazaniyya

  • The Kasnazan Encyclopedia on Sufi Terminology and Mysticism

  • Publication of Jila’ al-Khatir by Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani

  • Other titles currently under publication include:

    • Sufism: The First Law of Heaven

    • The Kasnazan and the Human Being

    • Prayer: The Essence of Worship

    • On Spiritual Retreat (Khalwa)

    • The Rosary (Subha) in Islam

    • The Birth of the Prophet in Modern Times

Major Institutional Achievements

  • Founding of Sheikh Mohammed al-Kasnazan University, offering programs in Islamic sciences, economics, politics, IT, and more.

  • Creation of the “Muhammadan Calendar”, which dates events from the Prophet’s birth, as a way to honor his legacy.

  • Establishment of the Central Sufi Council of Iraq, uniting Sufi voices to face modern challenges and promote unity.

  • Launch of multiple websites, including:

    • Islamic-Sufism.com – A comprehensive portal for global Sufi dialogue.

    • The official Kasnazaniyya Order website

    • Founding of the Global Center for Sufism and Spiritual Studies (est. 1994), to research healing miracles and distinguish divine phenomena from parapsychology.

Conclusion

Sheikh Mohammed al-Kasnazan combined divine insight with intellectual depth. His life, teachings, and leadership created a spiritual path that continues to thrive worldwide. He remains a radiant beacon of peace, love, and divine truth in an age yearning for spiritual balance.