#Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) propagated Islam in India

 

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA): The Light of Islam in India

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA), widely known as Gharib Nawaz (“Benefactor of the Poor”), is among the most revered Sufi saints in the Indian subcontinent. His life and mission transformed the religious and spiritual landscape of India, spreading the message of Islam through love, compassion, and service to humanity. His legacy is still deeply felt today, especially at his shrine in Ajmer, Rajasthan, which continues to attract millions of devotees from across faiths.

Early Life and Spiritual Training

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) was born in 1141 CE in Sistan (present-day Iran/Afghanistan). He belonged to a respected and scholarly family descended from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Imam Hasan (RA). Orphaned at a young age, he inherited a small orchard and a windmill. One day, a dervish named Ibrahim Qandoozi (RA) came to his orchard. Moinuddin (RA) served him with great humility, and in return, the saint blessed him and gave him some bread. That spiritual moment marked the beginning of Khwaja Moinuddin's journey toward divine love.

He sold all his possessions and embarked on a journey to seek knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. He traveled to Samarkand and Bukhara, the great centers of Islamic learning, and later came under the guidance of Khwaja Usman Harooni (RA), a prominent Chishti Sufi saint. For about 20 years, he remained in the company of his Pir (spiritual master), traveling and learning the depths of Sufi practices.

Arrival in India

Following divine inspiration and the command of his master, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) arrived in India around 1191 CE. At that time, India was a land of multiple faiths, with a deeply stratified caste system and a great divide between the rich and poor. The message of equality, humility, and universal brotherhood brought by Khwaja Sahib resonated strongly with the masses, especially the oppressed and marginalized.

He chose Ajmer, then a prominent city under Rajput rule, as his base. This decision was symbolic—it was not just a political center but also a land of deeply entrenched social hierarchy. His arrival marked the beginning of a spiritual revolution.

The Chishti Method: Love, Service, and Tolerance

Unlike political rulers or missionaries, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) did not spread Islam through force or debate. His method was one of Ishq (divine love), selfless service, and peaceful coexistence. He welcomed people from all backgrounds—Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and others—to his spiritual gatherings (mehfil-e-sama) and langars (community kitchens).

His central philosophy emphasized:

• Ishq-e-Haqiqi (Divine Love): The highest form of love is love for Allah, which must reflect in love for His creation.

• Khidmat-e-Khalq (Service to Humanity): Serving people, especially the poor, is the greatest form of worship.

• Sama (Spiritual Music): He promoted Qawwali as a means to reach spiritual ecstasy and connection with the Divine.

He never discriminated based on religion, caste, or social status. Many Hindus who came to him seeking peace and blessings found the message of Islam through his example. His approach created a new spiritual culture in India—one where faith was about the heart, not just rituals.

Miracles and Influence

Many miracles (known as karamat) are attributed to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA). Though a hallmark of sainthood in Sufism, he never sought fame or power. Some of his well-known miracles include:

• Providing food to hundreds daily through his langar despite limited resources.

• Healing the sick and comforting the distressed through prayers.

• Predicting events and guiding people with deep spiritual insight.

But perhaps the greatest miracle was his ability to win hearts. He turned enemies into lovers of peace, transformed thieves into saints, and built a community founded on mutual respect.

His fame spread across the Indian subcontinent. Even kings, including Mughal emperors like Akbar, became his devotees. Akbar famously walked barefoot from Agra to Ajmer to seek blessings for a son, who was later named Salim (Emperor Jahangir).

His Role in Propagating Islam

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) did not preach Islam through argument or conquest. Instead, his life was a living example of Islamic principles—mercy, humility, charity, and unwavering faith. Through his Sufi order (the Chishti silsila), he and his disciples set up khanqahs (spiritual centers) across India.

His disciples, including Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (RA), Baba Farid (RA), Nizamuddin Auliya (RA), and others, continued his mission. These saints built a powerful network of spiritual centers that drew thousands to Islam through love and inclusion.

By the 14th century, the Chishti order had become a major force in India, responsible for bringing large sections of the Indian population into the fold of Islam—not by force, but by touching hearts.

Death and Legacy

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) passed away in 1236 CE in Ajmer. It is said that on the last day of his life, he shut himself in his cell in deep meditation (chilla). When his disciples entered the next day, they found his soul had peacefully departed.

His mazar sharif (shrine) in Ajmer is one of the most visited spiritual sites in South Asia. Every year, millions of people—Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and others—visit his dargah to seek blessings and peace. The Urs (death anniversary) of Khwaja Sahib is celebrated with grandeur and devotion, with people from all walks of life gathering for prayers, qawwalis, and charity.

Conclusion

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) remains a timeless symbol of spiritual unity and Islamic values in the Indian subcontinent. His legacy teaches us that Islam’s true power lies not in conquest or coercion, but in love, humility, and service. At a time when the world is divided by hatred and misunderstanding, his life offers a guiding light—a path of compassion, tolerance, and sincere devotion to God and humanity.

As the great Sufi poet Amir Khusro said:

"Har qaum raast raahe, deen-e-wa-qibla gaahi raa
Hama raa sat paye, Khwaja-e-Ajmeri ra"

"Every community has its own path, its own faith and direction of prayer,
But for all, the ultimate truth lies at the feet of Khwaja of Ajmer."