Introduction — The Crown Jewel of Delhi’s Spiritual Heritage
Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, born in 1238 CE (636 AH) in Badaun (Uttar Pradesh, India), is remembered as one of the greatest spiritual heirs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA). Known affectionately as Mehboob-e-Ilahi (Beloved of Allah), his khanqah in Delhi became the epicenter of spiritual, cultural, and social life for centuries.
He embodied the Chishti tradition of love, tolerance, and service, attracting kings and commoners alike, yet he remained detached from power, dedicating himself entirely to the poor and to seekers of God. His shrine in Delhi today remains one of the most visited spiritual centres in the world, where people of all faiths seek solace.
Early Life and Education
Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA) lost his father at a young age. His widowed mother raised him with deep piety and instilled in him an unshakeable devotion to Allah. As a boy, he studied Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic sciences in Badaun, later moving to Delhi for higher learning. Even in his youth, he exhibited remarkable humility, compassion, and a yearning for closeness to Allah.
During this period of learning, he heard of Baba Fariduddin Ganj-e-Shakar (RA) of Pakpattan. Inspired, he undertook the journey to meet him. That meeting changed the course of his life forever.
Discipleship Under Baba Farid
Upon reaching Pakpattan, Nizamuddin (RA) offered himself in complete service at the feet of Baba Farid (RA). Seeing his sincerity, Baba Farid accepted him as a disciple and trained him rigorously in the ways of the Chishti order.
- He was taught the importance of langar (feeding the poor), which would later become the hallmark of his Delhi khanqah.
- He learned detachment from rulers and kings, ensuring that spirituality remained free of worldly politics.
- He was initiated into deep spiritual practices: fasting, night vigils, muraqabah (meditation), and service to humanity.
Before his passing, Baba Farid conferred khilafat (spiritual succession) upon Nizamuddin, sending him back to Delhi to carry forward the mission of the Chishti silsilah.
The Khanqah in Delhi – A City of Love
In Delhi, Nizamuddin Auliya established his khanqah in Ghiyaspur, then on the outskirts of the city. His khanqah soon became a magnet for the masses.
Every day, thousands came:
- The poor, who were fed freely at his langar.
- Seekers of knowledge, who attended his gatherings of dhikr, sama‘, and teaching.
- Poets, musicians, and mystics, who enriched the cultural life of Delhi under his influence.
- Kings and nobles, who sought his blessings, though he always kept his distance from royal courts.
Nizamuddin Auliya refused gifts from rulers, saying:
“Our
khanqah has two doors — if the king enters through one, I will leave through
the other.”
Teachings and Philosophy
The teachings of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA) were deeply rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah but expressed in the simplest, most human terms.
Some of his guiding principles:
- Love for Humanity:
“The highest form of devotion to God is to relieve the pain of His creatures.” - Detachment from Power:
He warned disciples never to become entangled in the greed or politics of rulers. - Service to the Poor:
Feeding the hungry was to him as sacred as prayer. - Forgiveness and Mercy:
He often said, “Do not turn away anyone who comes to your door — for that person might be a friend of God in disguise.”
His khanqah became a living embodiment of Islam’s mercy, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and class.
Connection to Music and Culture
Though some criticized sama‘ (spiritual music), Nizamuddin defended it as a way of softening the heart. Under him, sama‘ flourished — and his closest disciple, Hazrat Amir Khusrau (RA), the great poet and musician, enriched Indo-Islamic culture with qawwalis, ghazals, and devotional poetry. Many of the qawwalis sung at shrines across South Asia today trace their origin to this sacred partnership.
Thus, through Nizamuddin Auliya, the Chishti order permanently shaped Indian music, poetry, and culture, weaving spirituality into art.
Miracles and Karāmāt
Countless miracles are attributed to Nizamuddin Auliya (RA):
- During famines, food in his langar never ran out.
- He foretold events with remarkable accuracy, including the fall of rulers.
- His prayers healed the sick and comforted the distressed.
Yet he never drew attention to these miracles, often saying:
“The real miracle is to cleanse one’s heart of pride and selfishness.”
Final Days and Passing
Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA) passed away in 1325 CE (725 AH), just days after the death of his beloved disciple Amir Khusrau. He was laid to rest in Delhi, where his shrine stands as one of the most visited dargahs in the world. His Urs (death anniversary) is commemorated annually with great devotion, drawing seekers from across India and beyond.
Legacy
Nizamuddin Auliya’s legacy is vast and enduring:
- Spiritual: He cemented the Chishti order as the heart of Indian Sufism.
- Social: His langar and khanqah model continue to inspire feeding programmes and community service.
- Cultural: Through Amir Khusrau and others, he helped shape Hindustani classical music and qawwali.
- Universal Appeal: Hindus, Sikhs, and people of all religions still visit his shrine, proving that his message transcended boundaries.
He is remembered today as the soul of Delhi — a saint whose fragrance of love still permeates the city.
Why Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA) Matters Globally
For a global audience, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA) represents Islam at its most compassionate and humane. In an age of conflict, his life teaches that true spirituality lies not in power, but in service; not in division, but in unity. His example resonates with anyone seeking a faith that is inclusive, loving, and life-affirming.
Through Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the Chishti light spread across India, merging devotion with culture, love with service, and Islam with the soul of the people.