The Life and Legacy of Khawaja Moin al-Din Chishti

Hasan Chishti was born in 1141/2 (537AH) in Sijistan on the 14th of Rajab1. Titles attributed to him include: Khawaja, Moin al-Din, Ata al-Rasul fi al-Hind, Gharib Nawaz and many more. Khawaja, in Persian, means leader/master2. On his paternal side, he descends from Imam Hussain, and from Imam Hassan on his maternal side3. He was 15 when his father passed away, and received a mill and garden in inheritance, but gave that away to the poor4. He travelled the world in the pursuit of knowledge, and met with Khawaja Usman Harwani, spending 20 years in his company5. In his travels, he benefitted from the company of Najm al-Din Kubra and Najib al-Din Suhrawardi, and some reports mention meeting Ghawth al-Azam Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani. On his way back, he completed a seclusion at the shrine of Data Ali Hujweri, and then reached Delhi in 1193.

Khwaja Moin al-Din eventually settled in Ajmer - as commanded by the Prophet in a dream. He established a khanqah (spiritual center), which was a place where the poor and marginalised could find refuge, food, and solace. This epitomised his saying of three ideals: generosity like the ocean, affection like the sun, and humbleness like the earth6. These centers not only catered to physical needs but also provided spiritual upliftment through zikr (remembrance of Allah), Qur’anic recitation, and personal development. The khanqah was primarily vegetarian, in order to cater for the predominately Hindu community in Ajmer, and Khawaja would often wear orange in order to minimise barriers. The khanqah did not differentiate between the poor and rich, between the happy and the dejected, but served each and every person who stepped foot inside.

On the 6th of Rajab 633 After Hijri, the wisest of men, the lantern of hope, embodiment of compassion, breathed his last breath in this world and inscribed on his blessed forehead was ‘this beloved of Allah passed away in the love of Allah’7. His shrine in Ajmer was visited by the likes of Muhammad Tughluq, Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, Jahangir, Aurangzeb, Dara Shikoh, and remains one of the most visited places in the world today. Aurangzeb would often stop musicians (Qawwals) from playing, but when hearing an ode to Khawaja, he did not stop it and was deeply moved by it8.

Loneliness in Today’s British Society

In modern British society, loneliness has become a silent epidemic. According to a study, 43% of people occasionally, sometimes or often feel lonely9. This issue affects not only the elderly but also young adults, professionals, and even children. In fact, the 16-34 age category felt the most lonely. Factors such as technology, individualism, and the breakdown of traditional community structures have contributed to this growing problem.

Loneliness is more than just an emotional struggle; it has profound mental and physical health consequences. Studies show that chronic loneliness can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even premature death.

Lessons from Khawaja Moin al-Din to Address Loneliness

  • Shift in mentality. Although life can be challenging—whether due to personal struggles or external pressures like the cost of living crisis—we have the opportunity to uplift one another. By dedicating time, resources, or even simple acts of kindness, we can serve humanity and build a sense of unity and care. Recognise that our lives are interconnected, and our purpose extends beyond individual pursuits to support and uplift those around us.
  • Creating Welcoming Spaces. Just as Khawaja Moin al-Din’s khanqahs provided a sense of belonging, our mosques and Islamic centres must strive to be welcoming and inclusive spaces for all. Whether it is through Jummah prayers, community events, or youth programs, we can create opportunities for people to connect and support one another.
  • Serving the Marginalised. The statement ‘affection like the sun’ refers to the fact that the sun shines upon everyone, and does not differentiate between the people; therefore those struggling should not be isolated. Loneliness often affects those who feel marginalised or unseen. Visiting the elderly, supporting single parents, or even reaching out to a neighbours can make a significant difference.
  • Promoting Zikr and Spiritual Healing. It is said that Khawaja e Ajmer would complete two Qur’ans daily. The remembrance of Allah brings peace to the heart, as Allah says: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Quran 13:28). Organising gatherings for zikr, Qur’an recitation, and Islamic talks can help individuals feel spiritually uplifted and less isolated. Often, people come in and out of gatherings, whereas we should strive to meet others in those gatherings and introduce ourselves.Practical Steps we can implement:
  • Check on One Another: Make it a habit to call or visit friends, family, and neighbours, especially those who may be living alone.
  • Organise Social Activities: Host events like communal meals, workshops, or sports days to bring people together. Even chores, like grocery shopping etc, could be done with people.
  • Support Mental Health: Advocate for mental health awareness within the Muslim community and provide access to counselling and support services.
  • Utilise Technology Wisely: While technology can isolate us, it can also connect us. Use social media and messaging platforms to maintain meaningful connections.

Conclusion

The life and teachings of Khawaja Moin al-Din offer invaluable lessons that can profoundly enhance our own well-being and that of those around us. While his numerous miracles are awe-inspiring and deserving of mention, it is equally important to draw inspiration from his wisdom, compassion, and proactive approach to bettering the world.

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1

Schimmel mentions 1141 (Islam in the Indian Subcontinent, p. 23), other sources mention 1142 (https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095608764). Even Hijri dates differ amongst Islamic sources as mentioned by Faizan Aleemi https://archive.org/details/hayat-e-khwaja-gharib-nawaz/page/n67/mode/2up.

2

Feroz al-Lughat

3

Allama Arshad al-Qadri, Shaksiyaat, p. 22. (https://archive.org/details/shakhsiyatbyallamarshadulqadri/page/n31/mode/2up)

4

Saiyid Athar Rizvi, A History of Sufism in India, p. 119.

5

Allama Abd al-Haqq Dehlwi, Akhbar al-Akhyar, p. 59. (https://archive.org/details/AkhbarUlAkhiyaar/page/n59/mode/2up)

6

ibid, p. 61.

7

ibid, p. 60.

8

Frazer, History of Aurangzeb p.262

9

Health Survey for England, 2021 Part 2. NHS data.