Miracles of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani

Charles Henry Churchill has written his book, The Life of Abdel Kader, out of much respect and love for Abdel Kader Al Jazairi, and has not dismissed interesting stories as exaggeration or rumors that other Orientalists would have done. 

Charles Henry Churchill mentions three "karamat" of Abdul Qadir Jilani, which took place for the benefit of Mehi-ed-deen, saintly father of Abdel Kader Al Jazairi, while he was visiting Baghdad with his son. 

Before I narrate the events, I'd like to point out that Mehi-ed-deen paid a lot more attention to Abdel Kader, so much so that he was never left alone. He was always under the care of trustworthy servants, and was married at a very early age. The author writes "Thus, temptations were avoided which might have endangered the purity of his morals". Such treatment of certain individuals is not uncommon among the Awliya. Think of the special attention paid to Joseph by his father.

One year when Mehi-ed-deen decided to perform hajj, so many entreaties from his sons and retainers came that he decided to travel alone. Then unexpectedly an exception was made in favor of Abdel Kader. Fortunately, Abdel Kader's brothers seem to have loved him, and never caused any problems. Perhaps, they were aware that their youngest brother was destined for something great. 

Miracles when travelling to pay respects to Abdul Qadir Jilani:

Mehi-ed-deen once when returning, while eight days from Damascus, got separated from the caravan and lost his way. Suddenly a negro appeared by his side, offered to conduct him to the city. At the break of day he saw the minarets. He had arrived home. In a few hours, time and space had been annihilated!  

At another point, when desirous of buying a book, Mehi-ed-deen had no money. A stranger all at once, placed some coins in his hand, and disappeared. 

Mehi-ed-deen had a dream in Baghdad. An angelic being appeared to him, and putting a key into his hand, told him to hasten to Oran, Algeirs. On demanding what he was to do with the key, the spirit replied to him, "God will direct you". It is thought that this dream was an indication of Abdel Kader's career. 

It is apparent that Hazrat Abdul Qadir Al Jilani gave Abdel Kader Al Jazairi direction and spiritual support, and so it is no wonder that today he is considered the patron saint of Algeria. 

Abdul Qadir Al Jazairi was a descendant of the Prophet peace be upon him.  I must point out that in the book he is said to have belonged to the Hashim tribe (Banu Hashim, the clan of the Prophet peace be upon him). However, Wikipedia claims he belonged to a Berber tribe, Banu Ifran. Maybe, his family was allied with the Banu Ifran?