Khawaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya
(1238 – April 3, 1325), also known as Hazrat Nizamuddin, Sultan-ul-Mashaikh, and Mahbub-e-Ilahi, was an eminent Indian Sunni Muslim scholar and revered Sufi saint of the Chishti Order. He is one of the most well-known Sufi figures from the Indian subcontinent. His predecessors included notable saints of the Chishti Order: Fariduddin Ganjshakar, Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, and Moinuddin Chishti, who established the spiritual lineage in India.
Nizamuddin emphasized love as the path to spiritual enlightenment and the realization of God, linking divine love with love for humanity. His approach was marked by a strong commitment to religious inclusivity and compassion. His influence was profound, reportedly effecting a shift among Delhi’s Muslims toward mysticism and detachment from worldly affairs, as chronicled by 14th-century historian Ziauddin Barani. His relationship with Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, however, was strained due to philosophical differences, which often led to conflicts.
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Born in a Sayyid family in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, Nizamuddin lost his father at a young age and moved to Delhi with his mother, Bibi Zulekha. His life story appears in Ain-i-Akbari, a 16th-century document by Emperor Akbar's vizier Abu'l-Fazl. At 20, Nizamuddin became a disciple of the Sufi saint Fariduddin Ganjshakar, also known as Baba Farid, in Ajodhan (now Pakpattan, Pakistan). Despite this, he continued his theological studies in Delhi, practicing Sufi devotions while visiting Ajodhan annually. Baba Farid eventually made him his successor. Upon Baba Farid’s death, Nizamuddin returned to Delhi, where he eventually settled in Ghiyaspur and established his Khanqah (a Sufi lodge) that became a refuge and center of learning for people of all backgrounds.
Among his many disciples were Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi and the poet-scholar Amir Khusro, who revered him deeply. Nizamuddin passed away on April 3, 1325, and was buried at the Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi, which remains a pilgrimage site for people of all faiths.
Beliefs and Teachings
Nizamuddin practiced and propagated Chishti Sufi ideals, emphasizing:
- Renunciation and trust in God: Advocating for spiritual detachment from worldly concerns.
- Unity of mankind: Rejecting social and economic hierarchies.
- Service to humanity: Encouraging assistance for the needy, compassion for the oppressed, and feeding the hungry.
- Disapproval of political involvement: Avoiding associations with sultans and nobles, favoring connection with the poor.
- Emphasis on Sema (devotional music): Allowing it as part of worship but without instruments, following an orthodox Sunni stance.
Nizamuddin believed Sufism’s essence lay in practical experience over theoretical understanding. He advised humility in spiritual powers (Karamat), discouraged public displays of miraculous abilities, and generously accepted disciples, creating an inclusive community.
Descendants and Spiritual Legacy
Nizamuddin’s family lineage continued his spiritual legacy. His brother, Jamaluddin, and nephew, Ibrahim, helped carry forward his teachings, with followers dispersed widely across India. Through over 600 appointed khalifas (deputies), the Chishti Nizami Order expanded into various branches, including the Naseeria, Hussainia, Fakhri, Niyazia, Serajia, Ashrafia, and Faridia branches.
Relations with Sultanate Politics
During Sultan Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah’s reign (1316–20), Nizamuddin faced challenges due to his association with Khizr Khan, a prince whom the Sultan opposed. Despite Mubarak Shah’s attempts to distance Nizamuddin from the people, the saint refused to engage with royal demands, focusing instead on his Sufi practices. His detachment eventually protected him from political entanglements, and the Sultan was assassinated shortly after attempting to enforce his authority on Nizamuddin.
Annual Urs Celebration
The Urs (death anniversary) of Nizamuddin Auliya is celebrated on the 17th-18th of Rabi II at his dargah, drawing thousands of devotees. His beloved disciple Amir Khusro's Urs is celebrated on the 18th of Shawwal, commemorating the deep spiritual bond between master and disciple.
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