Sultan-ul-Hind Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
(Urdu/Persian: خواجہ معین الدین چشتی; Arabic: خواجة معين الدين الششتى) was a prominent Persian Sunni Muslim preacher, Syed, ascetic, religious scholar, philosopher, Sufi mystic, and mystic from Sistan who, in the early 13th century, settled in the Indian subcontinent during the latter part of his life. There, he established and propagated the Chishti Order of Sunni mysticism. Born in 1142, he passed away in 1236 and is famously known as "Gharib Nawaz" (غریب نواز). Moinuddin Chishti was the first to establish the Chishti lineage in the subcontinent and spread this spiritual path so widely that it permeated across India. His dedicated followers, such as Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, Baba Farid, and Nizamuddin Auliya, elevated this Sufi tradition in Indian history.
Early Life and Background
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is believed to have been born in 537 Hijri (1142 CE) in Sanjar, Sistan province in eastern Persia. He grew up in Persia, and at the age of 15, his parents passed away. His father, Ghiyasuddin, and mother, Bibi Ummalwara (also known as Bibi Mahe-Noor), were of Syed lineage, tracing their ancestry back to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through his grandsons Hasan and Husain. He inherited a windmill and an orchard from his father. According to legend, one day, while watering his orchard, he met the renowned Sufi Sheikh Ibrahim Kundoozi. Awed by Kundoozi's presence, Moinuddin served him fruits. In return, Kundoozi offered him a piece of bread to eat, which led Moinuddin to distribute his possessions among the poor and set out for knowledge and spiritual enlightenment in Bukhara. There, he attended the seminaries of Bukhara and Samarkand, and possibly visited the revered sites of scholars like Muhammad al-Bukhari (d. 870) and Abu Mansur al-Maturidi (d. 944).
Sufi Initiation and Travels
While traveling in Iraq, he met the renowned Sunni mystic Khwaja Usman in Nishapur, who initiated him into the Chishti Order. For over 20 years, Moinuddin traveled with his spiritual guide, deepening his own spiritual journey. He met other prominent Sunni mystics, including Abdul Qadir Jilani (d. 1166) and Najmuddin Kubra (d. 1221), along with other noted Sufis like Najib al-Din Abd al-Qahir Suhrawardi, Abu Said Tabrizi, and Abd al-Wahid Ghaznavi.
Arrival in South Asia
In the early 13th century, Moinuddin arrived in South Asia and initially visited Lahore, where he meditated at the shrine of the Sunni mystic and jurist Ali Hujwiri (d. 1072).
Spiritual Training and Legacy
After arriving from Bukhara, Moinuddin went to Nishapur, where he became a disciple of the famous Chishti Sufi saint Khwaja Usman Harooni. He devoted himself to his master’s service for 20 years, eventually receiving Khilafat (spiritual succession) from him.
Preaching in India
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti traveled extensively, visiting and learning from various scholars and Sufi masters across Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. His biography notes that he spent 57 days in Baghdad in the company of Abdul Qadir Jilani, who reportedly instructed him to spread Islam in India. Following this guidance, Moinuddin eventually settled in Ajmer after visiting Lahore and Delhi.
Writings and Teachings
He played a legendary role in spreading Islam across the Indian subcontinent. Under the guidance of his Pir (spiritual master) Usman Harooni, Moinuddin preached the message of Islam, influencing many to embrace the faith. His notable work, Anisul Arwah, contains significant teachings.
Lineage of Spiritual Succession
His spiritual lineage traditionally includes:
- Prophet Muhammad
- Ali ibn Abi Talib (d. 661)
- Hasan al-Basri (d. 728)
- Abdul Wahid ibn Zaid (d. 786)
- Al-Fudayl ibn Iyad (d. 803)
- Ibrahim ibn Adham al-Balkhi (d. 783)
- Huzayfa al-Marashi (d. 890)
- Abu Hubayra al-Basri (d. 900)
- Khwaja Mumshad Ul Dinawari (d. 911)
- Abu Ishaq Shami (d. 941)
- Abu Ahmad Abdal Chishti (d. 966)
- Abu Muhammad Chishti (d. 1020)
- Abu Yusuf ibn Saman Muhammad Saman Chishti (d. 1067)
- Maudood Chishti (d. 1133)
- Sharif Zandani (d. 1215)
- Usman Harooni (d. 1220)
Final Days and Annual Urs
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti passed away on the night of 5th Rajab, 633 Hijri, equivalent to Friday, 6th Rajab. Every year from 1st to 6th Rajab, his Urs (annual commemoration) is celebrated at his shrine in Ajmer, attracting people of various faiths and backgrounds from across the world.
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