Hazrat Khwaja Garib Nawaz (Rahmtulla Aleh)

Early life, childhood, and education:

Around 537 Hijri, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty (R.A.) was born into a reputable family in Seistan (East Persia), also known as Sejistan. Khwaja Saheb lost both of his parents when he was only sixteen years old. His father, Khwaja Ghayasuddin (R.A.), and mother, Syeda Bibi Ummalwara aka Bibi Mahe-Noor, were descended from Hazrat Ali (R.A.) through their sons, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain. His sources of income are an orchard and a windmill that he inherited. When Khwaja Saheb was working in his orchard one day, a devout dervish and Majzoob named Ebrahi Qandoozi arrived and took a seat nearby.

Khwaja Saheb brought a bunch of grapes and gave it to his visitor when he spotted him. After enjoying those grapes, the visitor pulled something from his bag, chewed it, and then presented it to his young host. Without hesitation, Khwaja Saheb ate it, and the young Khwaja immediately felt the dawning of wisdom and knowledge. Following that, he sold everything he owned and gave the proceeds to the needy. He then left for Samarqand and Bukhra, two of the greatest centres of learning at the time for obtaining religious education and enlightenment, after severing all links to worldly affairs.

SPIRITUAL direction: After acquiring the best knowledge and wisdom of the time, Khwaja Saheb travelled widely in search of a pir (Spiritual guide) who could provide him with the best spiritual direction. He learned of Hazrat Khwaja Usman Haruni (R.A.), the best scholar and unequalled spiritual teacher of the time. Khwaja Saheb entirely committed himself to his Murshid from the first meeting and remained in the company of this great divine spiritual master for twenty years, serving him devotedly as he progressed through the many phases of the spiritual life. Thus, the great Murshid instructed and raised Khwaja Saheb to the highest spiritual levels.

THE COMMAND OF HAJ AND THE PROPHET:

The divine instructor honoured the peerless Khwaja with his robe and escorted him to HAJ as he grew accomplished and faultless in every way. Both then went to Makkah and performed the HAJ, after which they went to MADINA and stayed for a while to receive the blessings of the Prophet of Islam (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam).

The Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam) ordered him one night in a trance.

"You, Moinuddin, are a pillar of our faith." Proceed to India and show the people there the way of truth." Khwaja Saheb left Madina for India in accordance with the aforementioned spiritual command. He continued on his tour, stopping in Isphahan, Bukhara, Heart, Lahore, and Delhi to see several notable Sufis of the day. He arrived in Rajputana, today known as Rajasthan, a harsh and lonely land. On his route to INDIA, he gathered a big number of followers and bestowed spiritual power on thousands more.

KHWAJA SAHEB IN AJMER: Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty arrived in AJMER at the age of 52, about 587 A.H./1190 A.D., on his heavenly mission, which was unprecedented in Islamic history. The biggest "invisible power" that penetrates and supports the entire universe was his only armour for the completion of his tremendous task. Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the famed Rajput ruler, governed Ajmer during the time. He had a great number of powerful magicians in his court, led by Ajai Pal. Khwaja Saheb lived on a hill near Ana Sagar Lake. The Chilla Khwaja Saheb is now known. When word got out that an extremely holy Dervish had arrived in Ajmer, people began to rush to him in droves. Whoever came to him received such nice treatment, blessing, and simplicity that they began to accept Islam. Many became his disciples. Even Ajai Pal surrendered to Khwaja Saheb's heavenly powers, giving up all of his magic and becoming his student.

While everything was going on in Ajmer, Shahabuddin Ghori conquered India again in 1192 A.D. and defeated Prithvi Raj in the epic battle of Tarain. When Shahabuddin Ghori learned of Khwaja Saheb's arrival in Ajmer, he personally went to see him and relished the grace of their meeting.

Khwaja Saheb continued his noble and glorious mission of guiding the masses down the road of truth. He also dispatched his pupils and successors to various regions of the kingdom, where they helped the people and propagated the principles of Islam. Among his notable successors are:

1.) Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki (R.A.) (Delhi ob. 1236).

2.) Hazrat Shaikh Fariduddin Ganjshker (R.A.) (Pak Pattan ob. 1265).

3.) Hazrat Shaikh Nizamuddin Aulia (Delhi ob. 1325).

4.) Hazrat Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirage Delhi (Delhi ob. 1356).

CHILDREN AND MARRIAGESAt the age of 50, when he was nearly settled in Ajmer and his preachings were at their peak, he had a dream in which Prophet Mohammed (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam) exclaimed, "O Moinuddin! You've been very active in following ALLAH's instructions, so why haven't you followed my Sunnat?" As a result, Khwaja Sahib (R.A.) conducted two marraiges in quick succession.

Wajihuddin Mash-hadi (R.A.) was staying in Ajmer at the time. In a dream one night, he saw Imam Jafer Sadiq (Alehis Salaam), who quoted Prophet Mohammed (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam) as saying to give his daughter in marriage to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti since he is one of ALLAH's and His Prophet's (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam) loving people.

He was overjoyed when he awoke. He went to Kheaja Sahib and shared his dream with him. "Though he is on the verge of his life and has no need to marry, but obedience to Prophet Mohammed (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe Wa Sallam) is also required, so I accept the offer wholeheartedly and am ready for the marriage," Khwaja Sahib stated. Syed Sahib (R.A.) was overjoyed, and he married his daughter Bibi Asmat with him.

Khwaja Sahib (R.A.) had a second marriage as well. According to some historians, his second wife, Ummatullah, was the daughter of a Raja who gladly joined Islam.

The two women had three sons and one daughter, whose names are:

1. Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin (R.A.).
2. Hazrat Khwaja Hisamuddin (R.A.)
3. Hazrat Khwaja Ziauddin Abu Sayeed (R.A.)
4. Bibi Hafiza Jamal Rahmatullah Aleiha.

FAKHRUDDIN, HAZRAT KHWAJAHe was the eldest son of Khwaja Sahib (R.A.), who worked as a farmer in Mandal town. He was both a famous saint and a scholar. After twenty years, Khwaja Sahib (R.A.) died in Sarwar town, around 40 miles from Ajmer. His Mazar is in the town, by a pond. Every year on the 3rd of Shaban, His Urs is celebrated with great zeal. He was fortunate to have five sons. Hazrat Khwaja Hussamuddin, one of his sons, was a wonderful Sufi. His final resting place is at Sanbar Sharif. Rajab Urs is held every year on the 13th and 14th of Rajab.

HAZRAT KHWAJA HISSAMUDDIN (R.A.) is a Muslim prophet.He was the second son, and he was a great saint with the quality of revelation. He devised strenuous self-purification activities. He vanished from human sight at the age of 45 and joined an invisible religious society.

HAZRAT KHWAJA ZIAUDDIN ABU SAYEED (R.A.) was a Muslim religious leader.He was the youngest son of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz and a devout Muslim. He passed away. He passed away at the age of 50. In Ajmer Sharif, his Mazar is located on a platform near Jhalara Ghat. Every year on the 13th of Zil-Hijja, his Urs-e-Mubarak is honoured.

R.A. HAZRAT BIBI HAFIZA JAMALShe was Khwaja Sahib's only daughter. She had a powerful religious personality. Khwaja Sahib bestowed Khilafat on her. She led thousands of ladies down the path of righteousness. Hazrat Shaikh Raziuddin (R.A.) was her husband. He was Qzai Hamiduddin Nagori's (R.A.) son. Her Mazar-e-Mubarak is placed beneath Khwaja Sahib's Mazar.

KHWAJA SAHEB DREW HIS LAST BREATH.

After completing his mission's objectives and following the Holy Prophet's command, his noble spirit exited the corporeal body on the 6th of Raja 633 A.H. / 16th March 1236 at the age of 97. He was buried in the same cell (Hurrah) that had been the centre of his spiritual activity during his time in Ajmer. His grave is currently known as "Digrah Khwaja Saheb, Ajmer." People from all walks of life and faiths from all over the world come to this enormous temple to present flowers of appreciation and devotion, regardless of caste, creed, or beliefs. The affluent and poor stand together to offer homage and reverence to the heavenly soul.

The Buland Darwaza

Sultan Mahmood Khilji created a high entryway. Before the start of Urs Sharif, a flag is raised on top of this gate with a grand ceremony on the 25th Jamadiulsaani to usher in Khwaja Saheb's 'Urs', which begins on the 1st of Rajab (the 7th month of the lunar calendar).

The Nizam Gate

In 1911 A.D., Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam of Hyderabad Deccan, erected the Dargah Sharif's main gate.

Grave of Nizam the water-carrier (a king of the day)

This man used to supply water; one day, while pouring water into his water bags, he noticed a man drowning in the Jamuna River. He simply hurled himself at the man and saved him. That man was Mughal emperor Humayun, Akbar's father. During his war with Sher Shah Suri, he drowned. After winning the battle, he summoned the water man (Nizam Sikka) and inquired what reward he desired for saving the king's life. The Water Man requested the throne of India for one day. He wishes to govern India for one day, thus the King granted him the throne for one day.

The Akbari Masjid

On the occasion of the birth of Prince Salim (Jahangir) in 1455 A.D., Emperor Akbar built this Mosque as a sign of his devotion and gratitude. It is a 140x140x2 foot square with a central region that is 56 (feet) high. There had been a hauz (tank) for wazoo (ablution) in the centre.The hauz was closed and covered for various reasons. The mosque is now known as the Akbari Mosque. At the moment, this location also contains a Quranic Educational Institution, which provides Islamic education to youngsters.

Dalaan Arcot

Nawab Muhammad Ali of Arcot built this tiny hall on the Shrine's southern flank circa 1800 for the convenience of devotees. It is also employed in Khuddam-e-Khwaja's death ceremonies.

Masjid Aulia

The house where Khawaja Sahib resided for a few days when he first visited Ajmer has since been converted into a mosque known as Aulia Masjid.It is constructed of white marble. Devotees only use it for Holy Quran recitation and thanksgiving prayers.

Choti Deg's

The larger cauldron has a circumference of 10-1/4 feet.It can cook 70 pounds of rice, but the smaller Deg can only cook 28 pounds. Akbar presented one of them in 1567 A.D. Individually, the wealthy pilgrims prepare these Degs to be cooked.

Mr. Badi Deg

On the other side of the second gate, Buland Darwaza, in front of the Sahan Chiragh (courtyard lamp), there are two massive Degs (cauldrons for cooking food)fixed into solid masonry in which a delectable concoction of rice sugar, ghee (butter), and dried fruits is cooked for distribution to the public as tabarruk.

Dalaan Begami

Overhanging the main eastern approach to the Shrine or Mausoleum is a lovely porch known as Begami Daalaan, which was erected in 1643 AD by Princess Jahan Ara Begam, Emperor Shah Jahan's favourite daughter. In 1888 AD, the Begami Daalaan's walls and exquisite marble pillars were finished in colourful gold. Later, a Muslim merchant from Bombay gave money to have the ceiling of this Daalaan decorated in gold. During their frequent visits to the shrine, the Begams, or ladies of the Moghul harem, frequented this lovely portico. The Begami Daalaan provides two simultaneous entrances to the Shrine. Both of their doors are adorned with rich silverplate engraved with ornate embellishments. The tomb is made of white marble inlaid with valuable stone pieces and is refilled everyday with sandal paste and Itars (perfumes). It is always draped in expensive 'Ghilaafs' (velvet and silk covers) embroidered with attractive gold and silver tracings.

Hazrat Bibi Hafiza Jamal (R.A) Shrine

Hazrat Bibi Hafiza Jamal was the sole daughter of Huzoor Gharib Nawaz (R.A) and a devout Muslim. She led thousands of women to the straight path, and her mazar-e-mubarak (holy shrine) is located near Huzoor Gharib Nawaz's (R.A.) mazar.

Saheba's Bibi

This is the location of the graves of both of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hassan Chishty's (R.A) wives.

The Buland Darwaza

Baba Fariduddin Masood's Chilla in Ganj-e-Shakar, Pak Pattan Sharif, Pakistan.

Located on the grounds of Hazrat Khwaja Muinuddin's Dargah in Ajmer, between Jama Masjid and Sandali Masjid. Along the left-hand wall, in the rear of the Sandali Masjid, there is a little gate that goes down to the underground cell where Hazrat Baba Farid spent 40 days in spiritual communion with the Holy Saint of Ajmer in a chilla (secluded prayers).Every year, on the night of the 5th of Moharram (the date of Baba Farid's death), this gate is opened for public Ziarat (visit) by thousands of pilgrims from all over India seeking his spiritual benediction.

Mubarak Gumbad (Dome)

Inside the gumbad mubarak, Emperor Jahangir handed a silver 'Chaparkhat' (canopy) decorated with mother-of-pearl pieces. There is a silver 'katehra' (railing) with an arch towards the south between the four poles that hold this 'chaparkhat'. Another silver katehra runs around the grave at a distance of roughly 2 feet. Devotees are taken inside this area to place flowers and offer prayers over the tomb. The dome's ceiling is adorned with a pricey velvet chatgiri. A strange and wonderful perfume pervades the shrine, inspiring visitors with an uncontrollable need for devotion and adoration to the sleeping saint. When one reaches the shrine's interior, one feels as though he is in the presence of an elevated soul or strong spiritual king.

Mehfil Khana

On the west side of the Saham Chiragh lies the beautiful Samakhana or Mahfilkhana (auditorium with darbar hall) erected by Nawab Bashir-ud-Dowla Sir Asmaan Jah of Hyderabad Deccan in 1888-91 A.D. This large hall is 46 feet square with a 14-foot gallery surrounding it.

It is only utilised for 6 days during the annual Urs for religious 'Mahfils' in which Qawwali is the main event, beginning at 11 p.m. and concluding with Fatiha at 4 a.m.

Masjid Shahjehani

The Jama Masjid, or Shah Jahani Mosque, is a superb specimen of Moghul architecture located on the south wing of the Mahfil khana. The mosque wonderfully inscribes all 99 sacred names of Allah as well as 33 Quranic verses.

The Victoria tank

The British Government built the tank's cover to commemorate Queen Mary's visit to the Shrine and to allow people to perform ablution.