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Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, R.A. was born in Seistan (East
Persia) also known as Sajistan, around 533 Hijri (1138-39 A.D.)
in a well respected family. His father, Khwaja Ghayasuddin, R.A.
and mother, Syeda Bibi Ummalwara (alias Bibi Mahe-Noor), were
the descendants of Hazrat Ali, R.A. through his sons Imam Hassan
and Imam Hussain. Khwaja Sahib lost both his father and mother
at an early age of sixteen years. He inherited an orchard and
millstone which were his means of livelihood. One day when
Khwaja Sahib was working in his orchard, a pious dervish and
majzoob, Abraham Qandoozi, came and took his seat under the
shade of a tree. When Khwaja Sahib saw him, he brought a bunch
of grapes and presented it to his guest. The visitor ate the
grapes and was delighted. He then took something out of his bag,
chewed it, and then offered it to his young host. Khwaja Sahib
ate it without any hesitation, and at once the light of wisdom
and knowledge dawned upon the young Khwaja. Immediately he
disposed of all of his worldly belongings and distributed the
money amongst the poor. Having thus broken all the ties with
worldly affairs, he set off for Samarkand and Bokhara then the
great centers of learning for religious education and knowledge.
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When Khwaja Sahib had acquired the best knowledge and wisdom of
the time, he traveled widely in search of a Pir (spiritual
guide) who could provide him with the best spiritual guidance.
He came to know of Hazrat Khwaja Us man Harooni, R.A who was the
greatest scholar and unrivalled spiritual guide of that period.
In the very first meeting, Khwaja Sahib completely submitted
himself to his Murshid and remained in the company of this great
divine spiritual leader, for twenty years and served him
devotedly, passing through the various stages of spiritual life.
Thus the great Murshid trained and elevated Khwaja Sahib to the
highest spiritual attainments.
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As the great Khwaja Sahib became accomplished and perfect in
every respect, the divine tutor honored him with the robe and
took him to Hajj. Both then proceeded to Mecca Mukarama and
performed the Hajj, and then went to Medina Mukarama and stayed
there for some time, to receive blessings from the Prophet of
Islam (s.a.w.s.)
One night, while in a trance, he was ordered by the Holy Prophet
Muhammad (s.a.w.s.): "O Muinuddin! You are a prop of our faith.
Proceed to India and show the Path of Truth to the people
there." In compliance with the above spiritual command, Khwaja
Sahib left Medina for India. He continued his journey, passing
through Isfahan, Bokhara, Herat, Lahore and Delhi meeting
several prominent Sufis of the period. He arrived at the barren
and desolate land of Rajputana which is now known as Rajaistan.
On his way to India, he enrolled large numbers of people into
his fold and blessed thousands of others with spiritual power.
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Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, R.A arrived in Ajmer at the age of 52
years around 587 A.H. (1190 A.D.), on his divine mission, unique
in the annals of Islam. His only Armour for the success of his
great mission was the greatest "invisible power" that pervades
and sustains the whole universe. At that time, Ajmer was ruled
by Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the famous Rajput king. In his court, he
had a large number of powerful magicians with Ajai Pal as their
leader. Khwaja Sahib stayed on a hill close to Ana Sager Lake
now known as the Chillah Khwaja Sahib. When the news spread that
a very pious Dervish had come to Ajmer, people began to flock to
him in increasing numbers. Whoever came to him, received the
kindest treatment and blessings. People were so much inspired by
his divine teachings and simplicity that they began to embrace
Islam. Many became his disciples. Even Ajai pal submitted
himself to the divine powers of Khwaja Sahib, gave up all his
magic and became his disciple.
Meanwhile, Shahabuddin Ghori again attacked India, in 1192 A.D.,
and in the famous battle of Tara in, defeated Prithvi Raj. When
Shahabuddin Ghori came to know of the presence of Khwaja Sahib
at Ajmer, he personally came to see him at his place, and
enjoyed the grace of his meeting.
Khwaja Sahib continued his noble magnificent mission, showing
the Path of Truth to the people. He also sent his disciples and
successors to the different part of the country who also served
the people and preached the tenets of Islam. A few of his
prominent successors are:
- Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Khaki (r.a.)
- Hazrat Sheikh Fariduddin Ganj-e-shakar (r.a.)
- Hazrat Sheikh Nizamuddin Aulia (r.a.)
- Hazrat Sheikh Makhdoom Ali Sabir Piya (r.a.)
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After achieving the objectives of his mission and complying with
the command given to him by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)his noble
soul left the mortal body on the 6th of Rajab 633 A.H. (March
16, 1236) at the age of 97. He was buried in the same cell which
was the center for his divine activities, throughout his stay at
Ajmer. Today his tomb is popularly known as The Dargah Sharif
(holy tomb). People of all walks of life and faith from all over
the world, irrespective of their caste, creed and belief; visit
this great shrine to offer the flowers of their esteem and
devotion. The rich and the poor stand side by side to pay homage
and respect to this divine soul.
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Biography by: Shansha Taji |
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