Introduction
Hazrat Khwaja Bande Nawaz Gesu Daraz (Syed Muhammad Hussaini, 1321–1422 CE) was one of the most celebrated Sufi saints of India. A revered master of the Chishti Order, he is remembered not only for his deep spirituality but also for his message of tolerance, harmony, and love across all communities. His shrine in Gulbarga, Karnataka, remains a radiant center of devotion, scholarship, and unity.
Early Life
Born in Delhi in 1321 CE, Bande Nawaz belonged to a noble Sayyid family. At the age of four, his family migrated to Daulatabad in the Deccan, where he spent his early years. By the age of fifteen, he returned to Delhi to pursue higher learning under the guidance of great Sufi scholars.
Spiritual Training under Chirag-e-Delhi
The defining chapter of his life began when he became a devoted disciple (murid) of Hazrat Nasiruddin Mahmud Chiragh Dehlavi (رحمت اللہ علیہ), the successor of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. After nearly fifteen years of intense spiritual training, Hazrat Chiragh-e-Delhi honored him with Khilafat (succession), entrusting him with the Chishti mission.
Journey to the Deccan
Following the political turmoil in Delhi during the invasion of Timur in 1398 CE, Bande Nawaz migrated to the Deccan. At the invitation of the Bahmani Sultan, Taj ud-Din Firuz Shah, he finally settled in Gulbarga. There, he established the Chishti tradition in southern India, blending spiritual wisdom with inclusivity and service to people of all faiths.
Scholar & Author
Hazrat Bande Nawaz was not only a saint but also a prolific author. He is said to have written around 195 works in Arabic, Persian, and early Urdu, covering Qur’anic commentary, Sufism, and ethics. His magnum opus, Tafseer Multaqat, remains a monumental contribution to Islamic scholarship. Other notable works include Awarif-ul-Ma’arif, Fusoos al-Hikam, Adaab al-Mureedeen, and Qaseeda Amali.
Through his writings and teachings, he became one of the earliest Sufi scholars to employ Urdu, making spiritual wisdom more accessible to common people.
Urs & Legacy
Hazrat Bande Nawaz passed away in 1422 CE (15th Zul-Qa’dah, 825 AH) in Gulbarga at the age of 101. His annual Urs continues to attract hundreds of thousands of devotees from across India and beyond, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and religion. The Urs is not only a remembrance of his departure but a vibrant celebration of his enduring message of love and unity.
Today, his descendants still live in Gulbarga and continue to guide devotees. The present custodian is Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini, who has also authored works on his great forefather’s life and legacy.
Timeless Message
Hazrat Bande Nawaz Gesu Daraz stands as a shining link in the Chishti chain—carrying the lamp of Delhi into the heart of the Deccan. His life was a testimony that spirituality is not confined to rituals but blossoms through compassion, scholarship, and inclusivity.
His Dargah in Gulbarga remains a sanctuary where seekers from every background gather—proving that his message of harmony is as relevant today as it was six centuries ago.