The Supreme Court has recently declined an urgent hearing regarding the tradition of state-sponsored honors, such as offering a ‘Chadar’ by the Prime Minister at the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, often referred to as Gharīb Nawāz, meaning ‘Benefactor of the Poor’, was a prominent Sufi saint. He was born in 1141 CE in Sistan, a region in Persia (modern-day Iran), bordering Afghanistan. His profound spirituality led him to study in notable Islamic learning centers like Samarkand and Bukhara.
A follower of Sunni Hanafi theology, he became a disciple of Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni, who recognized him as his spiritual successor at the age of 52. Moinuddin Chishti arrived in India around 1192 AD, settling in Ajmer during the rule of Sultan Iltutmish in Delhi and Prithviraj Chauhan in Ajmer.
Moinuddin Chishti is renowned for introducing the Chishti Order of Sufism to India. He advocated love, tolerance, charity, and detachment from materialism. In Ajmer, he established a Khanqah to serve the needy and promote spiritual teachings.
After his passing in 1236 CE, Moinuddin Chishti was interred in Ajmer, where his tomb evolved into a significant pilgrimage site, known as the Dargah Sharif. The architectural design of the Dargah reflects the exquisite Mughal style, with modifications made by various Mughal emperors from Humayun to Shah Jahan.
The Chishti Order is a prominent sect within Sufism, emphasizing a personal connection with God. Founded by Abu Ishaq Shami in Chisht, Afghanistan, it is predominantly followed across Afghanistan and South Asia, where Moinuddin Chishti played a crucial role in its expansion.
Key teachings of the Chishti Order focus on:
Q1. What is the significance of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in India?
Answer: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is a revered Sufi saint known for his teachings on love, charity, and tolerance. His tomb in Ajmer, the Dargah Sharif, attracts millions of devotees annually, symbolizing his spiritual legacy.
Q2. What are the core beliefs of the Chishti Order?
Answer: The Chishti Order emphasizes love for all, helping the needy, simplicity in living, and the importance of spiritual music like Qawwali to foster a connection with God.
Q3. When did Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti arrive in India?
Answer: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti came to India around 1192 AD, settling in Ajmer during the reign of Sultan Iltutmish and Prithviraj Chauhan.
Q4. What is the architectural style of the Dargah Sharif?
Answer: The Dargah Sharif exhibits the Mughal architectural style, reflecting the influences of various Mughal emperors who contributed to its structure and design.
Q5. Why is Moinuddin Chishti also called 'Gharīb Nawāz'?
Answer: He earned the title 'Gharīb Nawāz', meaning 'Benefactor of the Poor', due to his lifelong dedication to helping the underprivileged and promoting social welfare.
Question 1: Who founded the Chishti Order of Sufism?
A) Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
B) Abu Ishaq Shami
C) Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni
D) Sultan Iltutmish
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: In which year did Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti pass away?
A) 1206 CE
B) 1236 CE
C) 1192 CE
D) 1141 CE
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What does 'Gharīb Nawāz' mean?
A) Benefactor of the Rich
B) Protector of the Poor
C) Benefactor of the Poor
D) Leader of the Faithful
Correct Answer: C
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