Brief Biography of Hazrat Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz
Brief Biography of Hazrat Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz
Khuwaja Gharib Nawaz رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ, also known as Mu'in Al-Din Chishti, holds a special place in the spiritual history of South Asia. Known as the "Benefactor of the Poor," he was a prominent Sufi saint who founded the Chishti Order in the Indian subcontinent. His teachings of love, compassion, and inclusivity transcended all boundaries, touching the hearts of millions.
This biography of Khuwaja Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ explores his remarkable life, the blessings he bestowed upon humanity, and the legacy he left behind, as well as the significance of his passing.
Khuwaja Garib Nawaz real name was Hasan. Khuwaja Garib Nawaz Islamic date of birth is 1141 CE. Moreover, Khuwaja Garib Nawaz birth place is Sistan, a region straddling modern-day Iran and Afghanistan. He hailed from a devout and noble family. Khuwaja Garib Nawaz family tree goes back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He is a ‘Najeeb-ut-Tarafayn’ i.e., Hasani and Husayni ‘Sayyid’.
The respected father of Sayyiduna Mu'in Al-Din Chishti Khuwajah Ghareeb Nawaz, Sayyid Ghiyasuddeen رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ was amongst the rich chiefs of Sanjar. Khuwaja Garib Nawaz father was remarkably pious and gifted with miraculous powers.
The Honourable mother of Sayyiduna Khuwaja Ghareeb Nawaz, Bibi Mahnoor رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ, was also a woman of excellent character who would remain occupied with worship and spiritual exercises most of the time.
Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ lost his respected father at the early age of 15. He inherited an orchard and a watermill which served as his means of livelihood, would look after the orchard and water the trees himself.
Muin al Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ spiritual inclination was evident from a young age. After losing his parents early in life, he inherited a garden and a grinding mill.
However, a pivotal moment transformed his life: a dervish visited his estate, inspiring him to embrace a path of spirituality. Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ sold his belongings, distributed the proceeds among the poor, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
He became a disciple of Khuwaja Usman Harooni رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ, a revered Sufi master, under whose guidance he attained spiritual enlightenment.
Sultan-ul-Hind, Sayyiduna Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ started travelling at the young age of 15 to acquire knowledge. He went to Sayyiduna Maulana Sharafuddin رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ and formally started gaining Islamic knowledge in Samarqand. He firstly memorized the whole Quran (Hifz-ul-Quran) and then acquired other branches of knowledge from him.
The more he gained Islamic knowledge, the more he developed his yearning for it. So, in order to quench his thirst for knowledge, Sufi saint Khuwaja Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ went to Bukhara and became the student of a renowned Islamic scholar, Maulana Husaamuddin Bukhari.
In a short period of time, under Maulana Husaamuddin Bukhari’s رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ affectionate guidance, he succeeded in acquiring all the Islamic branches of knowledge which were customary at that time. He stayed for 5 years in Samarqand and Bukhara to acquire knowledge.
During this period of time, he رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ succeeded in completing ‘Uloom-e-Zaahiri (apparent branches of knowledge), but he had yet to satisfy his yearning for which he left his home and family.
Khwaja Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ made preparations to travel from Bukhara to Hijaz in search of a perfect spiritual guide.
On the way, when Khuwaja Garib Nawaz Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ passed by ‘Haarwan’ a suburban area of Nayshapur (Khurasan province, Iran), he heard about the fame of Mard-e-Qalandar, Qutb-ul-Waqt Sayyiduna Khuwaja ‘Usman Haarwani Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ. He immediately went to him and became his disciple and entered the Chishtiyyah Sufi order.
After years of rigorous spiritual training and travel across the Islamic world, Khuwaja Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ was directed by his spiritual mentor to settle in India.
Mu'in Al-Din رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ arrived in Ajmer, Rajasthan, during a time of political and social unrest under the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan. Despite initial resistance from local authorities and communities, his humility, wisdom, and dedication to serving the needy won over hearts.
In Ajmer, he became a beacon of hope for the oppressed and marginalized. Khuwaja Mu'in Al-Din رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ established a center of spiritual learning and service, where people of all backgrounds found solace. Through his teachings, he emphasized the values of tolerance, love, and service to humanity, which resonated deeply with the people.
Khuwaja Gharib Nawaz’s رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ life was marked by countless blessings and miracles, which further solidified his reputation as a saint. One of the most famous miracles was his ability to feed thousands with minimal resources, symbolizing his concern for the poor and hungry.
The food would be so abundant at the blessed Aastanah (monastery) of Sayyiduna Khuwaja Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ that the poor and the needy from all over the city would come to Khuwaja Gharib Nawaz dargah sharif and eat until they were satisfied.
When the servant would make a request for expenses, Khuwaja Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ would lift the edge of his prayer mat beneath which, by the blessing of Allah treasure was seen everywhere. He رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ would ask his servant to take the required amount of money for that day’s Langer (food). The servant would then take accordingly.
His teachings were simple yet profound, focusing on the principles of love, humility, and devotion to Allah Almighty. Khuwaja Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ often said, "Love towards all, malice towards none." Through his actions, he demonstrated that serving humanity is a path to divine connection.
Khuwaja Garib Nawaz books and story of Khuwaja Garib Nawaz رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ, filled with wisdom and compassion, continue to inspire people across the globe.
The legacy of Khuwaja Gharib Nawaz رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ is immense and enduring. Khwaja Muin ud Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ established the Chishti Order in India, which became a significant spiritual movement.
Even today, his teachings in the Khuwaja Ghareeb Nawaz book as well as his various writings serve as a reminder of the power of compassion and unity in a world often divided by prejudice and conflict. Khuwaja Garib Nawaz’s mazar or shrine in Ajmer, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, is a symbol of interfaith harmony, attracting millions of devotees annually, regardless of religion.
Khuwaja Gharib Nawaz رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ passed away in 1236 CE. Laid down to rest in Ajmer Khuwaja Garib Nawaz رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ left behind a legacy of love and service. His tomb, the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, was constructed as a place of veneration. Over time, it became one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India.
The annual Urs ceremony, marking his death anniversary, is a grand event that draws devotees from across the world. This week-long celebration includes rituals such as the washing of the shrine, the offering of chadars (ceremonial cloth). Langars (community kitchens) serve free meals to thousands, embodying Khuwaja Mu'in Al-Din Chishti رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ spirit of generosity.
Khuwaja Garib Nawaz history and his life is a testament to the transformative power of love, humility, and service. His رَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ teachings continue to inspire millions, urging us to rise above divisions and embrace our shared humanity.
At a time when the world faces growing challenges of intolerance and discord, Khuwaja Garib Nawaz message of unity is more relevant than ever.