Answered by
Sheikh Rashîd al-Hasan, professor at King Khâlid University
Ibn Taymiyah was not a member of the Qâdiriyyah. He had never followed or belonged to any Sûfî order. He indeed praised `Abd al-Qadir al-Jilâni and his book Futûh al-Ghayb. He also had good things to say about other Sufi scholars such as Abû `Abd al-Rahmân al-Sulamî, Sahl b. `Abd Allah al-Tustûr and al-Junayd. This only shows us how fair and objective he was in his approach. He used to be just and would accept the truth regardless of where it came from. Moreover, he would praise whoever said it. That does not in the remotest way imply that he followed the practices of the Qâdiriyyah.
Ibn Taymiyah explained some of the texts of Futûh al-Ghayb and found it to be a good book. [Majmû` Fatawâ Ibn Taymiyyah (10/456)]. At the same time he criticized the ways of the Qâdiriyyah and their habit of sitting alone, pretending to be with Allah and demonstrated how they were mistaken in this regard. He rejected their practice of innovating rites, remembrances, and prayers. This is clear to anyone who studies the works of Ibn Taymiyah.
For further reference, please refer to the following:
Majmû’ al-Rasa’l wal Masa’il, first edition (4/247-248).
Majmû’ Fatâwa Ibn Taymiyyah, first edition (22/525).
Al-Radd `Ala al-Muntiqiyyîn, Lahore edition (p 35).
Al-`Ubudiyyah, fifth edition (pp 73-82).
Source: Islam Today


