The recent offering of a ‘Chadar’ at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on behalf of the Prime Minister brought this religious site back into news. The event took place during the 809th Urs, an annual festival held at Ajmer, Rajasthan, commemorating the death anniversary of the revered Sufi saint.
Understanding Sufism
To understand the significance of this gesture, one must first have insights about Sufism. Sufism is not just a branch, but rather a mystical interpretation of Islam. It primarily emphasizes the spiritual quest for God, thereby forsaking materialism. This unique school of Islamic mysticism accentuates asceticism and imbued devotion towards the Almighty. Unlike orthodox Muslims who concentrate on external conduct, Sufis focus on inner purity, considering service to humanity as equivalent to serving God.
Etymology of Sufism
The term ‘Sufi’ likely finds its origins from the Arabic term ‘suf,’ translating to ‘one who wears wool.’ This association comes from the tradition of ascetics commonly donning woolen clothes. Another possible root of the word could be ‘safa,’ which signifies purity in Arabic.
Life and Teachings of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, born in 1141–42 CE in Sijistan (modern-day Sistan in Iran), began his life and teachings in Ajmer, India, after Muizuddin Muhammad bin Sam of Ghor defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) and established his sovereignty in Delhi. His spiritual discourses soon grabbed local attention and attracted people from all walks of life. From kings and nobles to peasants and the poor, his shrine in Ajmer became a place of reverence for many, including historical figures like Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Dara Shukoh, and Aurangzeb.
Chishti Order (Chishtiya)
The Chishti Order, also known as Chishtiya, was founded in India by Khwaja Moin-Uddin Chishti. This spiritual order preached the doctrine of unity with God (waḥdat al-wujūd). Its disciples, known as pacifists, renounced all material possessions as diversions from God contemplation. They abstained from any affiliations with the secular state, with their spiritual practices primarily revolving around reciting the names of God, both aloud and silently. Several followers, like Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Fareeduddin Ganj-e-Shakar, Nizam uddin Auliya, and Naseeruddin Charagh, propagated these teachings.
Other Major Sufi Orders
Apart from the Chishti Order, there are other significant Sufi Orders. The Suhrawardi Order, founded by Sheikh Shahabuddin Suharwardi Maqtul, accepted maintenance grants from Sultans unlike the Chistis. The Naqshbandi Order, established in India by Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi, upheld the observation of the Shariat from inception. The Qadiriyya Order, founded by Sheikh Abdul Qadir of Badaun in the 14th century and popular in Punjab, extended their support to the Mughals under Akbar.
