Moinuddin Chishti

Moinuddin Chishti (1141 - 1236) also known as Gharb Nawz (Benefactor of the Poor), was
an Imam, Islamic scholar and philosopher from South Asia. Chishti introduced and established
the Chishti Order of Sufism in the Indian subcontinent. The initial spiritual chain or silsila of the
Chishti order in India, comprising Chishti, Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, Fariduddin Ganjshakar
and Nizamuddin Auliyaeach successive person being the disciple of the previousincludes the
great Sufi saints of Indian history.[3] Various Mughal emperors were followers of Chishti.[4]

Early life and background

Moinuddin Chishti is said to have been born in 536 AH/1141 CE in Chisht in a city between
Afghanistan and Iran and is thought to be a "sayyid", a direct descendant of Muhammad.[6][7] His
parents died when he was fifteen years old. He inherited a windmill and an orchard from his
father. During his childhood, Chishti was different from other children and kept himself busy
in prayer and meditation.[8] He later disposed of his property and other belongings and distributed
the money to the poor. He renounced the world and left for Bukhara in search of knowledge and
higher education.[9]
Moinuddin became the murid (disciple) of Usman Harooni.[10]

Journeys
Chishti visited the seminaries of Samarkand and Bukhara and acquired religious learning from
scholars. He visited centers of Muslim culture and acquainted himself with important trends in
Muslim religious life. He became a disciple of the Chishti saint Usman Harooni. They travelled
the Middle East together, including visits to Mecca and Medina.[11]

Journey to India
Chishti turned towards India, reputedly after a dream in which Muhammad blessed him to do so.
After a brief stay in Lahore, he reached Ajmer along with Mu'izz al-Din Muhammad, and settled
down. In Ajmer, he attracted a substantial following, gaining the respect of the residents of the
city. Chishti promoted understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.[12]

Dargah
Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer
Main article: Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The dargah of Chishti, known as Ajmer Sharif Dargah or Ajmer Sharif, is an international waqf,
an Islamic mortmain managed by the "Dargah Khwaja Saheb Act, 1955" of the government of
India. The Dargah Committee, appointed by the Government, manages donations, takes care of
the maintenance of the outer area of shrine, and runs charitable institutions like dispensaries and
guest houses for the devotees, but does not take care of the main shrine (Astana e Alia) which is
under the custody of Khadims.[13]

Others buried in the Maqbara enclosure

The Mughal generals Sheikh Mr and Shhnawz Khn were buried in the enclosure of
Chisht's Maqbara after they died in the Battle of Deorai in 1659.

Popular culture
A song in 2008 film Jodhaa Akbar named Khawja Mere Khwaja composed by A. R. Rehman pay
tribute to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.[14][15]

What is Sufism?
What exactly is Sufism? The urge toward mysticism the urge to experience a dimension beyond
the material world, to know and return to a spiritual Essence or Truth is inherent within every
person, irrespective of his or her religion. Individuals are imbued with this tendency to differing
degrees. Some are endowed with it in quantity; others, only in a small amount. Some people have
a chance to develop and translate it into their daily lives, while others do not. Nonetheless, this
tendency is present in every human being. Sufism (or tasawwuf) is but a natural response to this
very ancient human urge.

Sufi Teachings
According to Sufi teachings, the path to experiencing the Divine Presence starts within. It is said
that one who realizes oneself realizes the Lord. God is present, but individuals cannot see the
Almighty because curtains of ignorance veil their eyes and rust encases their hearts. The average
person is ego-centered. Only after he or she has polished the heart and purified the self will the
curtains lift, the rust fall away, and the eyes become able to see God.
Through years of effort, Sufi masters developed a scientific approach to achieving such
refinement. They discovered that in addition to the mind, human beings have other centers of
consciousness that serve as inner faculties for attaining knowledge. Foremost among these centers
is the heart. With diligent practice, teachers of Sufism perfected techniques that activate the heart,
cultivating profound intuition and realization.
The polished heart becomes a mirror that catches the light of truth and reflects it in ones
consciousness. With this light dawns the understanding that beyond material phenomena, there
exists a Being of which everything in the universe is a reflection. Ones own being itself reflects
the higher Being.
Discovering and fulfilling the Divine potential ultimately results in unflinching faith and certainty
of truth. One then submits completely to the Almighty, as a drop of rain submits to the ocean. One
wills only in accordance with the will of God; all acts are performed for Gods sake alone.
Through selfless obedience, the seeker comes to recognize the Presence of the Divine in each
event and circumstance. Consciousness of God pervades his or her every moment. He or she
becomes a sincere servant of the Almighty. In fact, Sufism is nothing but inward and outward
sincerity.
Sufism does not focus only on the purification of the individual. While striving for selflessness,
the salik (spiritual traveler) also devotes his or her insights to improving the social and cultural
condition of the community, the nation, and humanity as a whole. This commitment to service
makes Sufism a dynamic, transformative force on all levels, from personal to global.

Slide 1
Ghareeb Nawaz Hazrat Sheikh Khwaja Syed Moinuddin Hasan Chisti moreover known as Gharib
Nawaz (patron of the bad) was one of the most marvelous saints of the Indian subcontinent,
together with indeed an worldwide spiritual ideas who were located during the sixth Century.
Ghareeb Nawaz - Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was at first born in 1141 at Khorasan (in
modern Afghanistan) or Isfahan (in modern Iran) and passed on in 1236 at Ajmer. His Religion
was Islam. His Precursor was Usman Harooni and Successor was Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. His
father, an accomplished man, was well-educated and trained, and a great Sufi of his time. His
modesty and scholarship won him widespread respect and regard, and was held in high esteem by
the Sufis of Khorasan. Ghareeb Nawaz was also blessed with direct lineage to the Holy Prophet
through his mother, Umm-ul-Warah (alias Bibi Mah Noor), who was a descendant of Hazrat
Imam Hasan.
Slide 2
Moinuddin Chisti Dargah In Ajmer Ghareeb Nawaz - Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was
brought up in Khorasan and received his early education at home. When he was nine years old, he
committed the Holy Quran to memory. Subsequently, Ghareeb Nawaz was admitted to a Maktab,
where he concentrated primarily on the hadis and fiqh (jurisprudence), and completed his
education very early. When Ghareeb Nawaz - Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti had acquired the
best knowledge and wisdom of the time, he travelled widely in search of a spiritual guide who
could provide him with the best spiritual guidance.
Slide 3
Ajmer is an ancient pilgrimage center located in the Indian State of Rajasthan, and one of the
holiest shrines for the Muslims in India. Though it may be a Muslim shrine, there is a secular
appeal to it as people from all sects revere it. There are some fascinating facts about Ajmer that
you should know before visiting this place. The city was founded by the king Raja Ajay Pal
Chauhan in the 7th century. Once Ajmer was home to many dynasties; Mughals were the most
popular among them. Ajmer is famous for the Dargah Sharif- Tomb of the Sufi Saint Hazrat
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
Slide 4
Hazrat Sheikh Khwaja Syed Moinuddin Hasan Chisti also recognised as Gharib Nawaz (patron of
the poor) was one of the best superior saints of the Indian subcontinent, and definitely an
international spiritual inspiration exactly who were located throuhout the sixth Centuries. Ghareeb
Nawaz - Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti was initially blessed in 1141 at Khorasan (in modern
Afghanistan) or Isfahan (in modern Iran) and passed on in 1236 at Ajmer. His Religion was Islam.
His Forerunner was Usman Harooni and Successor was Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. Visit Our
Website - GaribNawaz.net