Khwaja Gharib Nawaz

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, HabibAllah (the Beloved of Allah), bore a noble and radiant lineage — both Hassani (maternal) and Hussaini (paternal) — tracing directly to the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Through his father, Khwaja Ghiyasuddin Hasan (RA), he descended from Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved son of Hazrat Ali (KWK). From his mother, Umm-ul-Warah (RA), lovingly remembered as Bibi Mah Noor, his lineage connected to Hazrat Imam Hasan (AS).

He was born in the region of Sistan, a land gripped by unrest due to the invasions of Tatars and rebels. Amidst this chaos, his father migrated the family to the spiritually vibrant and intellectually rich lands of Khorasan.

From a tender age, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) radiated compassion and divine sensitivity. On the sacred day of Eid, he gave his own clothes to a blind child and accompanied him to prayer — a reflection of his soul’s innate generosity. Even as a child, he preferred sharing meals with others over play, a foreshadowing of his future as a giver of divine love.

His education began in the sacred space of his home, where he memorized the Holy Qur’an by the age of nine. Later, he enrolled in a maktab, immersing himself in Hadith and Fiqh, completing his studies with divine blessing and intellectual brilliance.

At the age of fifteen, he experienced the heart-wrenching loss of his father during the fierce Tatar invasions in Khorasan. The sorrow and devastation etched deeply into his soul, planting the seed of spiritual yearning that would shape his entire life.

One day, in the sacred season between Sha'aban and Zul-Hijjah of the year 544 AH / 1150 AD, while tending to his orchard, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) received an unexpected guest — the noble mystic, Hazrat Ibrahim Qandoozi (RA). With the warmth of a true host, Khwaja Sahib offered him a bunch of grapes. Moved by such affection, Hazrat Qandoozi (RA) offered him a simple piece of oil cake. That humble offering, given in divine silence, awakened in Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) an intense yearning for truth — a moment that altered the course of history.

After the passing of his father, he inherited only a grindstone and a small orchard. Yet these modest possessions were not his attachment. Driven by love for the Divine, he sold them and gave all proceeds to the poor, the orphans, and the destitute — setting ablaze the ego and stepping onto the path of selflessness.

Thirsting for deeper wisdom, he journeyed to the sacred cities of Baghdad, Samarkand, and Bukhara — luminous centers of Islamic learning. For five years, he studied under esteemed scholars like Maulana Hisamuddin of Bukhara (RA) and Maulana Sharfuddin (RA), polishing both intellect and spirit.

His soul, still yearning, led him farther. From Iraq to the blessed lands of Arabia and Iran, he searched until he reached Haroon, where Divine Providence united him with Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (QSA) — the master whose gaze transformed hearts. Entrusting him with the secrets of the Path, Hazrat Usman Harooni (QSA) accepted him as a disciple. For two and a half years, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) remained under his care, undergoing deep spiritual training and ascetic discipline. Eventually, he was granted Khilafat — the spiritual license to guide seekers.

His spiritual journey continued — to Baghdad, Syria, Kerman, Multan, Lahore, and beyond. At every step, he visited sacred shrines, met saints, and drank from the fountains of Divine gnosis. Upon returning to Baghdad, he bowed in reverence at the feet of his beloved master, Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (QSA), now radiantly present there

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) recounts the luminous details of his second spiritual initiation in his own blessed words:

“I, Moinuddin Hasan of Sanjar, a well-wisher of the faithful, had the honor of meeting His Holiness Hazrat Khwaja Usman of Haroon in the mosque of Khwaja Junaid in Baghdad. He was surrounded by divinely inspired dervishes.
When this humble soul bowed in reverence, my master and guide asked me to offer two rak’ats. I obeyed.

Then he instructed me to face the Ka’ba and recite Surah Baqarah. I did so.
Next, he told me to send salutations upon the Beloved Prophet ﷺ twenty-one times. I obeyed.

He then rose, held my hand, lifted his gaze towards the heavens and said, ‘Come, let me cause thee to reach God.’ Taking out a miqraz, he passed it over my head and placed upon me the four-edged cap and bestowed the blessed robe of the path. Then he said, ‘It is our tradition that a seeker must undergo a day and night of spiritual abstinence. You shall complete this now.’ I obeyed.

The following day, he asked me to sit and recite Surah Ikhlas four thousand times. I complied.

He then said, ‘Look to the sky.’ I did.
‘How far dost thou see?’ he asked.
I replied, ‘Up to the Great Throne.’
 

Then he said, ‘Look to the earth.’ I did.
‘How far dost thou see?’ he asked.
I replied, ‘Up to the Antipodes.’
 

Then he asked me to recite Surah Ikhlas again — a thousand times. I obeyed.
He then said, ‘Look again to the sky.’
‘What dost thou see now?’ he asked.
I replied, ‘Up to the Great Hidden.’
 

He told me to close my eyes — I did. Then to open them — I did.
He raised two fingers and asked, ‘What dost thou see therein?’
I replied, ‘Eighteen thousand realms.’
 

Pointing to a brick nearby, he asked me to lift it. Beneath it lay a handful of gold dinars. He instructed me to distribute it among the poor. I obeyed.
Later he said, ‘Live in our company for a time.’
I replied, ‘I am forever in your service.’
 

From that moment onward, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) accompanied his master wherever he went. They departed Baghdad for Makkah, pausing at Fallujah. Recounting his sacred journey to the Holy Sanctuary, he shares:

“When we reached Makkah, we were graced with the vision of the Holy Ka’ba and performed the sacred tawaf. My spiritual guide took my hand once more and entrusted it to Allah Almighty. As he prayed, a voice was heard from the unseen: ‘We have accepted Moinuddin.’
 

Then we arrived in Madina. We offered our reverence at the Court of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. My guide said, ‘Offer your salaams.’ I did so.
From within the Radiant Presence came the voice: ‘Peace be upon you, O Leader of the Pious of Earth and Sea.’
Upon hearing this, my master turned to me and said, ‘Now indeed, thou hast reached perfection.’
 

They continued their journey through Osh, Badakhshan, and Bukhara, returning briefly to Baghdad, and then resumed their blessed travels through Siwistan and Damascus.

After twenty years of dedicated service to his revered spiritual guide and teacher, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA), a profound turning point was reached at the age of fifty-two in Baghdad. On this significant occasion, Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (QSA) honored him with the distinguished title of "Sajjada Nashin," marking him as the spiritual successor. Along with this esteemed appointment, he was entrusted with the sacred relics of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

In his own words, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) recalled that day:

“My spiritual guide and teacher gave me the stick that was placed before him and then honored me by confiding to me the robe, sandals, stick, and the prayer carpet. Then, addressing me, he said:

‘These holy relics are the sacred possessions of our spiritual ancestors, which we have received from the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and I have given them to thee. Thou should’st keep them with thee, as we have done. Whomsoever thou may’st find a real seeker, entrust them to him. Do not hold any hope from the people. Live far from the people and aloof from the public, and do not demand or ask anything from anybody.’
Having said these words, my spiritual guide and teacher embraced me, kissed my head and eyes, and said:

‘I have entrusted thee to God.’
Then he went into trance, and I departed.”
 

The divine spiritual chain of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) is traced back to the Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as follows:

Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (HA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Usman-e-Harooni (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Haji Sharif Zindani (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Modood Chishti (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Nasiruddin Abu Yousuf Chishti (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Abu Mohammed Chishti (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Abu Ahmed Abdal Chishti (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Abu Ishaque Shami Chishti (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Mumshad Uluvi Deenwari (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Aminuddin Habeera (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Huzaefa Marashi (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Ibrahim Adham Balkhi (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Fuzail Ibne Ayaz (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Abdul Wahid Bin Zaid (RA) → disciple of
Hazrat Khwaja Imam Hassan Basri (RA) → disciple of

Hazrat Imamul Auliya Sayyiduna Hazrat Ali (KWK), son-in-law of 

Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA), after receiving the robe of caliphate from his spiritual guide and teacher, embarked once more on a journey of sacred travels. He first reached Osh and then moved towards Isfahan, where he met Sheikh Mahmud of Isfahan. It was here that he gave the clothes he was wearing to Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (RA), symbolizing his spiritual acceptance of him as a disciple. From that moment in 583 AH / 1187 AD, Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (RA) became his devoted companion.

That same year, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) left Isfahan for Makkah. While absorbed in prayer at the Ka’ba, a divine voice was heard

“O, Moinuddin! We are greatly pleased with thee. Thou art given salvation. Ask for anything thou may’st like, so that We may grant that to thee.”

With profound humility, he responded:

“O, Great God! Grant salvation to the followers and disciples of Moinuddin.”

The reply came:

“O, Moinuddin! Thou art Our accepted one. I will give salvation to thy followers and disciples, and also to those who may enter thy fold till the Day of Resurrection.”

After completing Hajj and offering his heartfelt salutations at the Ka’ba, he traveled to Medina and immersed himself in prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque. There, he received a spiritual mandate from the Court of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

“O, Moinuddin! Thou art a helper of My religion. I entrust to thee the country of Hindustan. There prevails darkness. Proceed to Ajmer and spread there the Gospel of Truth.”

Deeply honored yet unsure of where Ajmer lay, he was soon enveloped in a spiritual dream in which the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revealed to him the city, the fort, and the landscape of Ajmer. Before departing, he was presented with a pomegranate from Heaven.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (HA) then reached Baghdad, and from there passed through Chisht on his way to Herat. Continuing his sacred mission, he traveled to Sabzevar, where the ruler of the region, also became his spiritual disciple.

From Sabzevar, he journeyed to Shadman Fort, then proceeded to Lahore via Multan. Eventually, he reached Delhi, pausing briefly at Samana in the Patiala district, and finally arrived in Ajmer for the first time in 587 AH / 1191 AD, accompanied by forty devoted followers.

During that period, Ajmer was under the rule of the illustrious king, When Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) arrived in Ajmer, he sought to reside at the location where the Auliya Mosque now stands. However, the attendants of the King objected, as they claimed it was the resting place for the king's camels. In response, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may Allah be pleased with him) fearlessly stated, "If the camels sit there, let them sit." He instead settled on a nearby hill, now known as Chillah Khwaja Sahib. The camels, as usual, returned to their spot but were unable to rise after sitting down. Upon being informed, the king was summoned, and all camel-drivers humbly apologized. Accepting their repentance, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his blessings be upon him) said, "Very well, go ahead, the camels can now stand." Upon their return, the camels were found standing.

News of the arrival of a deeply pious dervish spread, attracting an increasing number of people to him. Whoever approached him was greeted with kindness and bestowed with blessings. Inspired by his divine teachings and simplicity, many embraced Islam and became his devoted disciples.

During the period of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's (may Allah be pleased with him) stay in Ajmer, Shahabuddin Muhammad Ghori launched another invasion of India in 1192 AD. In the famous Battle of Tarain, he emerged victorious over the KIng. Upon learning of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's (may his soul be sanctified) presence in Ajmer, Shahabuddin Muhammad Ghori personally visited him and received his blessings.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) left Ajmer for a brief period and returned in 588 AH/1191 AD. He journeyed to Baghdad in 598 AH/1200 AD and, upon reaching Balkh, accepted Maulana Ziauddin (may Allah be pleased with him) as his spiritual disciple. Subsequently, he revisited Ajmer in 602 AH/1206 AD and again in 610 AH/1213 AD.

During the reign of Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) visited Delhi twice. In 611 AH/1214 AD, he resided in the Khanqah of Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (may Allah be pleased with him) and granted Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar (may Allah be pleased with him) a robe during his stay.

On a visit to Delhi, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) requested his spiritual guide and teacher, Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (may Allah be pleased with him), to find a peaceful and secluded place for him to permanently reside. In response, His Holiness advised him to remain in his company for some time to acquire spiritual prowess through consistent training and guidance, before eventually settling in Ajmer. During this time, the renowned poet of Shiraz, Sheikh Sa'di (may his soul be sanctified), had the privilege of meeting both esteemed saints.

Once more, in 621 AH/1224 AD, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) visited Delhi at the request of a farmer, who sought his intervention to overturn an order of confiscation of his land's produce by a certain officer.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) wished to take Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (may Allah be pleased with him) to Ajmer, as Sheikh Najmuddin Sughra (may Allah be pleased with him) had expressed concern that Qutb Sahab's presence in Delhi diminished his influence and prestige. However, upon the pleas of both high and commoners of Delhi, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his blessings be upon him) allowed Qutb Sahab to remain in Delhi, entrusting the city to his care, while he himself returned to Ajmer. In Ajmer, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) continued his noble and grand mission, guiding people on the path of truth. He also dispatched his disciples and successors to various regions of the country, where they served the people and propagated the teachings of Truth. Among his notable successors were:

Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (Delhi)
Hazrat Sheikh Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar (Pakpattan)
Hazrat Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya (Delhi)
Hazrat Sheikh Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi (Delhi)

Upon settling in Ajmer, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) had a profound dream in 590 AH/1194 AD, during which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) appeared before him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke, saying, "O Moinuddin, you are a distinguished guide of our faith. You should not abstain from our 'sunnah' (practice), which includes marriage, as it is incumbent upon every Muslim under the laws of Shariat."

He then married Bibi Ummat-ullah, and from this blessed union, they were blessed with three children:

Khwaja Fakhruddin (may Allah be pleased with him)
Khwaja Husamuddin (may Allah be pleased with him)
Bibi Hafiza Jamal (may Allah be pleased with her)
 

Later, in his second marriage, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) wedded Bibi Asmat (may Allah be pleased with her), the daughter of Syed Wajihuddin Mashhadi (may Allah be pleased with him), who served as the commissioner of Ajmer in 620 AH/1223 AD. This union bore the fruit of Hazrat Khwaja Ziauddin Abu Sa'id (may Allah be pleased with him).

The esteemed Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) passed away on Monday, the sixth of Rajab in 627 AH (21 May 1230 AH). On that night, he closed the door of his dwelling, instructing his devoted followers not to disturb him. Throughout the night, ecstatic sounds emanated from within. At the approach of dawn, silence enveloped the place.

When morning prayers approached, his devoted disciples found it unusual that the door remained closed. Upon opening it, they discovered him peacefully resting inside. On his radiant forehead, the following sentence in Arabic was beautifully inscribed, "He was a beloved of God, and he died in the love of God." "Haaza Habib-Allah Mata Fee Hubb-Allah" (He is God's beloved, and he died in God's love).

He is adorned with a myriad of titles, each reflecting his exalted spiritual status and profound impact on humanity, including:

Qutb-ul-Mashaikh Barro Behr (Lord of the land and the sea)
Habib Allah (Beloved of God)
Ata-e-Rasul (Gift of the Prophet)
Khwaja-e-Ajmer (Khwaja of Ajmer)
Khwaja-e-Buzurg (Great Khwaja)
Hind-ul-Wali (Saint of India)
Gharib Nawaz (Patron of the poor)
Sultan-ul-Hind (Spiritual Sovereign of India)
Naib-e-Rasul-fil-Hind (Deputy of the Prophet in India)
Aftab-e-Jahan (Sun of the World)

Panah-e-Bekasan (Shelter of the Helpless)
Daleel-ul-Arefeen (Argument of the Enlightened)
 

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) had an ardent fondness for music, often falling into a state of ecstatic rapture when listening to it. His demeanor was solemn and melancholic, and he held the utmost reverence for his esteemed spiritual guide and teacher. During moments of deep contemplation, he would close his eyes, but during prayer times, he would open them to devoutly worship. In his everyday life, he devoutly followed the precepts of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The fear of God would move him to tears, and the thought of the final resting place, the grave, preoccupied his thoughts. At times, he would reach an elevated state of meditation, becoming oblivious to his surroundings. In other moments, he would be immersed in pensive reflection, shutting the door of his dwelling to devote himself to contemplation.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (may his soul be sanctified) possessed a forgiving nature and treated all with love, respect, and regard, regardless of their caste, creed, or religion. He exhibited a cosmopolitan outlook and a generous disposition, finding joy in assisting the poor and the needy. His hospitality was renowned, and he tirelessly entertained countless people. Many residents of the city, without apparent means of sustenance, relied on his langar (free distribution of food). Despite his generous hospitality, he himself ate sparingly, observing fasts throughout the year, and wore humble patched clothes. His devotion to prayer was profound, reciting the Quran twice daily. For seventy long years, he took no rest or respite, and he maintained a meticulous observance of his ablutions.

The well-being of his spiritual disciples deeply concerned him, and he was greatly cherished by his spiritual guide and teacher, Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (may his soul be sanctified), who spoke fondly of him, stating, "Our Moinuddin is a beloved of God, and I take pride in the fact that he is my disciple."

He embraced renunciation and self-abnegation, leading a life of asceticism and devotion.

Following his departure, Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (may his soul be sanctified) of Osh became his distinguished spiritual caliph and Sajjada nashin (spiritual successor). Among his prominent caliphs, we find:

Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin Abul Khair
Hazrat Sufi Hamiduddin of Nagore
Sheikh Moinuddin
Sheikh Wajihuddin
Sheikh Burhanuddin
Sheikh Ahmad
Sheikh Shamsuddin Faqari
Abdullah Biyabani
Shaikh Nizamuddin of Nagore
Shaikh Mujadduddin of Sanjar
Shaikh Ali of Sanjar (May Allah's mercy be upon them all)