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Dargah Sharif, Ajmer
The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is a significant spiritual site attracting people of all sects from around the world, who come to pay homage to Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti (R.A.), one of the greatest Sufi saints of the Chisti order in India.
Notable Sufi Leaders:
- Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtyar Kaki of Delhi
- Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masud Ganj-e-Shakar of Pak Patan, District Sahiwal (now in Pakistan)
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia of Delhi
- Hazrat Alauddin Ali Ahmad Sabu of Kalyar
- Hazrat Nasiruddin Mahmood of Oudh (Chirag-e-Delhi)
- Hazrat Syed Mohammad Husaini Gesu Daraz of Gulbarga, Karnataka
Life of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti:
- Birth and Early Life: Born in 530 Hijri (1135 AD) to Hazrat Ghyasuddin Chisti and Bibi Mahnoor Ummul Vara in Sanjar, Sijistan province of Iran. He lost his parents at a young age and grew up as a quiet and solitary boy.
- Spiritual Transformation: A significant meeting with Hazrat Ibrahim Kandozi inspired him to give away his wealth and property to the poor and embark on a spiritual quest.
- Sufi Initiation: His journey led him to Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harvan, who initiated him into the Chisti order. Under Khwaja Harvani’s guidance for twenty years, he eventually became his “Khalifa”.
- Journey to India: After traveling through Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, Khwaja Sahib came to India in 1191 AD with forty followers, settling in Ajmer.
Mission and Teachings:
- Devotion and Service: Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti devoted his life to the spiritual needs of the poor, offering succour to the needy. He preached that true devotion involved charity that flowed like a river, warm and impartial affection like sunshine, and hospitality and humility akin to the earth’s generosity.
- Title of “Gharib Nawaz”: Out of love and reverence, people called him “Gharib Nawaz” (the sustainer of the poor).
Legacy:
- Passing Away: Khwaja Saheb passed away in 627 Hijri (1230 AD). His legacy of charity, love, and goodwill continues to draw people to the Dargah Sharif in Ajmer.
- Continued Reverence: The Dargah stands as a monument to his memory, continuing to attract and inspire countless devotees.
Source Material:
- Text based on contributions from the Dargah Committee, Ajmer, and Prof. N.A. Faruqui.
