Auzoo Billah Hi Minach Shaitwan nir Rajim
BIsmillah ar Rehman ir Rahim.
Hamari Niyat aisi Hai. To praise Allah, our Creator and the Maintainer of all the worlds,
and to offer our humble thanks to Him for the blessings of His Prophets and saints, and
especially for the greatest of blessing he bestowed on mankind - I mean beloved Prophet
Muhammed (saw).
Also for those Saints He inspired to keep alive the true spirit of Deen al Haq (Islam)
through the ages. In particular, today, we remember and give thanks for Khawaja
Muinuddin Hasan Chishti (ra) who was approved of Allah and deputed by Rasulallah to
bring the message of the Truth to a whole subcontinent. To make our reverential
Salaams to him on the occasion of his 'Urs; this is our intention today.
Oh dear ones, life today is a complex and many faceted affair. New levels of technical
sophistication stand side by side with people who struggle even to get clean water or
adequate sanitation.
Happiness seems like an illusion, a mirage, to most people, whether rich or poor. Some
people enjoy it seems all the comforts of wealth, they can afford luxury cars and
mansions, and expensive holidays but it seems they cannot afford happiness. It appears it
is not for sale – not the most expensive shop in the world can provide it. Even Harrods it
seems has no such commodity for sale at any price.
Some people seek it in drugs or alcohol or sex or gambling or even shopping; they find
only an illusion and a hangover or much worse a life destroyed. Seeing this some people
seek happiness in excessive religious zeal that leads them down the path of hatred and
even killing of innocent, men women or children. It seems that no matter where people
turn they find that happiness is not there. Some people put all their efforts in rationality
and think by their own unaided efforts of thought they can find happiness there – and find
still it eludes them.
The wealthy find that no matter what they own they do not own happiness or peace of
mind. The very poor find they cannot escape the drudgery of seeking for their very
survival let alone for happiness.
Brothers and sisters what is the answer to all this misery, all this confusion, all this
unhappiness. Is it the lot of man to be bereft of happiness? Is it man’s lot to lead a life of
unhappiness? Is it a new problem – or can we find a solution by looking to the wisdom of
past ages?
Have there ever been or are there now people who have found this reality of living a
happy life? If so let us consult them and find what the key is to unlock this door to a happy
and fulfilled life.
There have been, no doubt, extraordinary people who have held out to mankind in
general and to people individually, a solution. They have pointed the way to a path, a
straight path, which if we care to walk on it will take us to the desired goal.
They did not find this path by dint of their own cleverness or intellects. They found it by
turning towards an altogether higher source – and turning to it with the utmost humility
having recognised that by their own efforts they could achieve nothing.
One class of such men became known as Prophets. They submitted their own wills to a
divine Will – sometimes after great trial like Prophet Yunus from the belly of a great fish,
sometimes after great temptations like Prophet Yusuf, sometimes regardless of great
wealth and power like Prophet Sulaiman, or great persecution like Prophet Isa (Lord
Jesus), and sometimes despite persecution doubt and difficulties like Prophet Muhammed
(pbuh).
They recognised that the solution to man’s difficulty lay in turning to the Source of his
being. In the remembrance of the One who gave man his life. They conveyed this
message through the ages and it was a message suited to the needs of the time and
place they lived in. It became known as the religion of Truth; for only in what is True and
not an illusion is happiness found.
As this world goes the age of the Prophet’s passed, though they did not pass as ordinary
people pass; they continue to exist in two ways. One as a spiritual force leading and
guiding mankind. Secondly as a reality inside the heart of each of us. They warn and they
guide.
The Source of all being and non-being however, in His great kindness to man,
recognised that man had been made weak and that he required some more tangible
evidence that would enable people to recognise that their happiness lies in Him and
nowhere else.
Thus he continued to take some souls and through the medium of His prophets and by
direct inspiration, He perfected these souls. Many He kept hidden some He revealed as
Saints. They all shared the same religion the religion of Truth.
Amongst the followers of the Path of Rasulallah – those in his Ummat - there arose a
band, a great and august band, of persons who - receiving their inspiration through
Hazrat Ali Murtaza, became known as Sufi Saints, Awliaya Allah.
They are great in number, but very small in number compared with the great throng of
mankind that has come into existence and passed away from this life. Amongst the
greatest of these was the saint whose anniversary we celebrate over these days. We
could say it is the anniversary of his death but in truth it is the anniversary of his uniting
with his Beloved Allah.
The name of this saint is well known to you. It is Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chishti (ra).
He is invoked by many titles such as Sultan ul Hind the Emperor of India. He is probably
best known by the name Khawaja Gharib Nawaz which means patron of the poor. Some
people take this to mean he was patron of those who are materially poor – and this is a
true meaning no doubt, in Ajmer to this day Khawaja Gharib Nawaz provides free food for
the poor who visit prepared in two huge cooking pots each as big as a house.
It also means patron of those who found poorness of spirit. This means they became
spiritual beggars dependent on the Kindness of Allah giving up independence from Allah
in favour of throwing themselves on His Mercy and seeking only His Love.
And now we have arrived at the word that is the key what these saints found could open
the door to happiness. A key is small but it opens the door to a great fortune. Love or Ishq
is a small word but it can open the door to a great spiritual fortune – to a happiness that is
not illusory but real.
Mevlana Rumi called Ishq the astrolabe of the divine mysteries. An astrolabe is a small
instrument to measure the stars – it is small but it measures the vast cosmos.
It is true man’s lower animal nature and the wiles of the deceiver of man Shaitan, have
tried again and again to associate this word with sensuality and lust, but the perceptive
man or woman understands the difference and is not fooled by it.
The Love of the Prophets and saints is for the Source of their very existence. For that
which alone is not created: The Uncreated Creator.
The holy Qur’an refers to those whose ‘Love of Allah is overflowing’. The love and
compassion of these great ones for mankind is an overflowing of this love.
Rasulallah himself came to within two bows lengths of His Creator. So close even angel
Gabriel dare not go. Then what had he to do with the helping of mankind if it was not that
from an overflowing of that Divine Love gave him pity for the state of man and thus he
returned from that exalted state and dealt with the business of spreading the true religion
to mankind despite of their stupidity and foolishness and meanness and selfishness.
It was Rasulallah who, in Medina one blessed day gave to Khawaja Gharib Nawaz the
duty to spread the truth to the dark and troubled land of what was then known as
Hindusthan.
Let us go back a step and rehearse what led up to this. We have heard how Khawaja
Gharib Nawaz (ra) began to follow the path of seeking Truth, And his early travels. Now
let us recall how he was initiated a second time by Khawaja Uthman Harooni his spiritual
guide.
This is a translation of Khawaja Saheb’s own words made by my own Shaykh Dr Zahurul
Hasan Sharib.
I, Moinuddin Hasan of Sanjar - well wisher of all the the faithful, had the honour of
meeting Hazrat Khawaja Uthman Harooni in the mosque of Khawaja Junaid of Baghdad
(ra). His holiness was surrounded by inspired Dervishes…….(he).. asked me to offer two
genuflexions…Then he asked me to sit with my face towards Kaaba
– he asked me to recite sura Baqara – which I did.
Further he commanded me to recite benedictions on the holy Prophet Muhammed
(pbhu). I obeyed. Khawaja Uthman Harooni stood up and holding my hand lifted his face
towards the sky and said --‘Come let me cause thee to reach Allah.’
After placing the four edged cap and bestowing a robe on Khawaja Saheb they sat down.
There followed a day and night of asceticism.
Khawaja Saheb continues.
‘The next day, when I attended upon him he asked me to sit down and recite Sura Ikhlas
4000 times. I did.
He asked me to look towards the sky. I did.
He asked me ‘How far do you see’. I replied ‘up to the Great Throne’. Next he asked me
to look towards the ground. I did.
He asked me, ‘How far do you see?’ ‘I replied – to the furthest reaches of the earth’ .
Next he asked me to recite Sura Ikhlas again a thousand times. I did.
He asked me to look towards the sky again. I did.
He asked me ‘How far do you see now? I replied, ‘Up to the Great Hidden’.
Next he asked me to close my eyes. I did. He asked me to open my eyes. I did.
Next, showing me two fingers, he asked me what I saw there. I replied 18000 worlds.’
After that Khawaja Saheb was instructed to look under a certain brick where he found
some dinars. He was instructed to distribute them amongst the poor.
Later the following account is given of events in Mecca.
Khawaja Saheb says:
‘After going round the Kaaba Khawaja Uthman Harooni took my hand and entrusted me
to Allah. He prayed in Kaaba for my humble self. A voice was heard - ‘We have
accepted Moinuddin’.
On reaching Medina they presented themselves at the court of the holy Prophet (pbuh).
Khawaja Saheb was instructed to offer his reverential salaams. A voice came out saying
‘Peace be on you also, O head of the Pious of the Earth and the Sea.’ On hearing this
Khawaja Uthman said - ‘Now, indeed, you have reached perfection’.
One day when Khawaja Saheb was absorbed in prayer in Kaaba he heard a voice saying
-‘ O Moinuddin! We are greatly pleased with thee. Thou art given salvation. Ask for
anything thou may like so that We may grant it to thee.’
Khawaja Saheb prayed not for himself but for the salvation for his followers and disciples
and the reply came:
‘O Moinuddin thou art our accepted one. I will give salvation to thy followers and
disciples, and also to those who may enter thy fold till the Day of Resurrection.’
After reaching Medina he received from the holy Prophet (pbuh) a mandate to the effect
that:
‘O Moinuddin! Thou art a helper of my religion. I entrust to thee the country of
Hindusthan. There prevails darkness. Proceed on to Ajmer and spread there the gospel
of Truth’.
Khawaja Saheb became drowsy and was blessed with seeing in vision, the city of Ajmer.
He was bidden farewell and given the gift of a pomegranate from heaven.
________________________________
The Baraka (the spiritual power and blessings) the saints bestow has its source in Allah
of course, and flows through the blessings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) and
Hazrat Ali Murtaza (May Allah bless him). Amongst the Awliya Allah the Baraka was
passed from generation to generation in a way that cannot be explained but is most real
and tangible to the followers of Tasawuuf.
These are the spiritual forbears of Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chishti (RA)
Khawaja Hasan Basri (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Shaikh Abdul Wahid bin Zaid (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Fuzail bin Ayez (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Sultan Ibrahim bin Adhem of Balkh (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Sadeeduddin Khadeefa Marashee (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Abee Hubera Basri (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Shaikh Mumshad Alu Denoori (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
the Chishti order was founded by his disciple who came from Chisht in Afghanistan – he
was called Khawaja Abu Ishaq Shami Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Shaikh Abu Ahmed Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Shaikh Abu Mohammed Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Abu Yusuf Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Moudoud Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Hajji Sharif Zindani (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Uthman Harooni (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chishti of Ajmer aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
__________________________________________
Now we may ask what it is that Khawaja Saheb taught to the people –
In his book which has been translated by Dr Sharib as the Meditations of Khawaja
Muinuddin Hasan Chishti, Khawaja Saheb describes our origins thus:
'The holy Prophet (pbuh) once said that Allah, with all the rays of light and manifestation
of glory, displayed at first His Light. His light is unlimited and without bounds. It has no
beginning and no end. Like the light of the sun it envelopes everything. Afterwards this
unlimited light created the light of the holy Prophet Muhammed by its own power (Nur -
i – Muhammed). The two lights like the sun and the moon are shining in the sky....but
the reality is really only one light.'
He goes on to say that from the Nur i Muhammed the souls of the perfect men were
created and then before the creation of men the perfect Man Hazrat Adam was created.
Thus we may say that the human soul is created from that Nur-i-Muhammed – as the holy
Qur’an says ‘Man was created in the best of moulds then he became the lowest ’Laqad
Khalaqnal Insaanu fii asani Taqwim.’
From this we understand the very essence of man is that pure light of Mohammed and
that the happiness of man depends on his purifying his lower nature. Thus all mankind is
one in essence though many and varied in form. Love is that which unites and not that
which divides - thus Love is the medicine that man needs to secure his own happiness.
We have heard of how Khawaja Saheb eventually reached Ajmer after long travels. With
just a small band of followers and in the teeth of opposition from the Raja of that place he
established himself.
You may have heard the story of how when he was asked to move to make way for the
camels of the Raja he caused all the camels to sit so that they would not get up at all until
the servants of the Raja begged his forgiveness. Many such miracles are recorded which
time prevents us telling.
His eminent disciple and Sajjadnashin was Hazrat Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki – Khawaja
Saheb received a dream for forty nights directing him to make Qutub Saheb his
successor. Qutub Saheb was given the spiritual dominion of Delhi. Khawaja Saheb
settled in Ajmer.
Eventually when his time came and his work in this mortal body was complete and the
message of the overpowering importance of Love of Allah was established as a doctrine
that should be available to all whatever their background or religion, he was finally united
with his Beloved forever.
I will give you the description written in the book of my own Shaikh Dr Zahurul Hasan
Sharib.
On Monday the 6th of Rajab 627 AH – the 21st May 1229 Gharib Nawaz after night
prayers went into his room and closed the door. He did not permit anyone to enter in. All
night long the people outside heard a mystic sound coming from the room....
At the approach of dawn the sound was not to be heard. When the door remained closed
at the time of the morning prayers his devotees thought there was something unusual.
In short, when the door was opened they found him dead and on his forehead was
written these words:
Haza habeeb Allahi
Mata fii hub Allahi
'He was a beloved of Allah, He died in the love of Allah'.
That night in dream some saints saw the holy Prophet Muhammed saying:
Moinuddin is a friend of Allah. Today I have come to welcome him.
Qutub Saheb wrote this:
‘.. I felt a little drowsy whilst sitting on my prayer carpet. I saw that he (Gharib Nawaz)
was standing underneath the throne of God. I put my head upon his feet and inquired his
condition. He replied: ‘God has been merciful enough to shower His blessings upon me.
He has allotted me a place near the angels and thus underneath His Throne. I live here.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
To the seeker of the Way of Love,
A name that resounds in heaven above.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was
For Allah has poured into that name
Shelter for the poor, sick, blind and lame.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
To the sick in heart, mind, or soul,
The way he showed to make them whole.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
The holy Prophet’s love is found in it,
By the needy ones who Ajmer visit.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Hazrat Ali the brave, to this name lends
The Baraka that from Allah descends.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
From Sanjar to holy Usman Harooni he came
Now he is known to all by this great name.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
It is a name that burns up any sin,
And refreshes the pilgim from within.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
To be pure, humble, generous and just
This is a name you must learn to trust.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Tasked with a whole continent to save,
The love of the One God to all he gave.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Being free from all kinds of bigotry
He opened his door to all, even me
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Many miracles from Allah came and went
The message of Love remained, permanent.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
When the time to meet his Beloved came
The angels were surely singing this name
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Now beneath Allah’s throne he lives
And to all the sincere, blessings he gives.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
He does not judge folk by what they say
But how in their true heart they pray.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Christian, or Jew,
He never refused those who were true.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
To his ‘Urs they come from everywhere
Presidents and paupers to say their prayer
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Now in Ajmer this refrain is everywhere
Even from those who only in spirit are there.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
A sweeter name there never was.
The name by which Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chishti
Can be invoked by all – yes by you and by me.
The overflowing of Divine Love which can be tangibly felt by those fortunate enough to be
in his ‘urs does not discriminate between the high and the low. The muslim ulema with
flowing beard and holy Qur’an under arm is cheek by jowl with the humble farmer, the
nurse or doctor on equal footing with the sick and injured, the clerk stands beside the
industrialist, the politician next to the blind beggar, the sufi seeker next to the busy
housewife, the kings next to servants, the illiterate next to the scholar, the prostitute next
to the pious preacher, the young with the old, the babe in arms next to the film star, the
labourer next to the playboy, the strong next to the weak or handicapped. The
overflowing divine love does not discriminate it simply flows out and happy indeed is he or
she who is wise enough to open their hearts to receive it.
Nor is its effect limited to that time and place – for once the taste of divine love has
touched a person they are changed – whether or not they notice it at the time. They will
find inside the key to happiness – no to more than happiness – to a life filled with
happiness and inner joy. They have but to open that door.
Al-Wadud is the name of Allah that gives the human love between husband and wife,
child and parent, brother and sister It is great indeed and from it much happiness flows.
The overflowing of divine Love from the true lover of Allah carries man even beyond that
and though few indeed are those who can bear it – the overflowing, from those who can,
is capable of transforming the hearts and minds and indeed the lives of those who receive
it.
O Khawaja Gharib from your place near the Throne of Allah pray for us in Southampton
who are remembering you today, for we live in a materially wealthy country but one where
true happiness and joy is a rare thing. From the overflowing of Divine Love that Allah has
given you bestow undeserved but much needed spiritual wealth that people lost in
confusion and doubt and disbelief from every walk of life and of every nationality or
culture or caste or class or religion may find the way to a better and more fulfilling and
truly happy life, and gain the blessings of Allah in the next life. Grant us too the sense of
gratitude for that which you bestow – unearned and undeserved we know but gratefully
received.
Here is a new poem written for this occasion - not included in the mosque presentation for
reasons of time limitation.
Khawaja Gharib Nawaz – as the fortunate see,
Is not a corpse in a shroud, but alive is he.
As he lives in Allah’s Love, he lives permanently,
Not bound by decay and beyond the grave’s gravity.
In the glorious company of the Seal of Prophecy,
One of those bound in love to great Hazrat Ali,
His place amongst the monarchs is in eternity,
Assured, is his place in the soul of man’s story.
The Sage of Sanjar, to be in his company,
Can a poor soul have a better kind of destiny?
To be taken into the heart of one such as he,
Is to be given by the Beloved complete purity.
It is to be surrounded on all sides by Love,
A Love coming from beyond even heaven above.
A Love that purifies every good and bad deed,
A Love that fulfils man and woman’s deepest need.
Great Muinuddin Hasan to the beat of your mighty heart,
May we all march as one, and from union never depart.
Help us O Khawaja to start really and truly to live,
In Ishq to pass away, that Allah permanency may give.
JMZ
BIsmillah ar Rehman ir Rahim.
Hamari Niyat aisi Hai. To praise Allah, our Creator and the Maintainer of all the worlds,
and to offer our humble thanks to Him for the blessings of His Prophets and saints, and
especially for the greatest of blessing he bestowed on mankind - I mean beloved Prophet
Muhammed (saw).
Also for those Saints He inspired to keep alive the true spirit of Deen al Haq (Islam)
through the ages. In particular, today, we remember and give thanks for Khawaja
Muinuddin Hasan Chishti (ra) who was approved of Allah and deputed by Rasulallah to
bring the message of the Truth to a whole subcontinent. To make our reverential
Salaams to him on the occasion of his 'Urs; this is our intention today.
Oh dear ones, life today is a complex and many faceted affair. New levels of technical
sophistication stand side by side with people who struggle even to get clean water or
adequate sanitation.
Happiness seems like an illusion, a mirage, to most people, whether rich or poor. Some
people enjoy it seems all the comforts of wealth, they can afford luxury cars and
mansions, and expensive holidays but it seems they cannot afford happiness. It appears it
is not for sale – not the most expensive shop in the world can provide it. Even Harrods it
seems has no such commodity for sale at any price.
Some people seek it in drugs or alcohol or sex or gambling or even shopping; they find
only an illusion and a hangover or much worse a life destroyed. Seeing this some people
seek happiness in excessive religious zeal that leads them down the path of hatred and
even killing of innocent, men women or children. It seems that no matter where people
turn they find that happiness is not there. Some people put all their efforts in rationality
and think by their own unaided efforts of thought they can find happiness there – and find
still it eludes them.
The wealthy find that no matter what they own they do not own happiness or peace of
mind. The very poor find they cannot escape the drudgery of seeking for their very
survival let alone for happiness.
Brothers and sisters what is the answer to all this misery, all this confusion, all this
unhappiness. Is it the lot of man to be bereft of happiness? Is it man’s lot to lead a life of
unhappiness? Is it a new problem – or can we find a solution by looking to the wisdom of
past ages?
Have there ever been or are there now people who have found this reality of living a
happy life? If so let us consult them and find what the key is to unlock this door to a happy
and fulfilled life.
There have been, no doubt, extraordinary people who have held out to mankind in
general and to people individually, a solution. They have pointed the way to a path, a
straight path, which if we care to walk on it will take us to the desired goal.
They did not find this path by dint of their own cleverness or intellects. They found it by
turning towards an altogether higher source – and turning to it with the utmost humility
having recognised that by their own efforts they could achieve nothing.
One class of such men became known as Prophets. They submitted their own wills to a
divine Will – sometimes after great trial like Prophet Yunus from the belly of a great fish,
sometimes after great temptations like Prophet Yusuf, sometimes regardless of great
wealth and power like Prophet Sulaiman, or great persecution like Prophet Isa (Lord
Jesus), and sometimes despite persecution doubt and difficulties like Prophet Muhammed
(pbuh).
They recognised that the solution to man’s difficulty lay in turning to the Source of his
being. In the remembrance of the One who gave man his life. They conveyed this
message through the ages and it was a message suited to the needs of the time and
place they lived in. It became known as the religion of Truth; for only in what is True and
not an illusion is happiness found.
As this world goes the age of the Prophet’s passed, though they did not pass as ordinary
people pass; they continue to exist in two ways. One as a spiritual force leading and
guiding mankind. Secondly as a reality inside the heart of each of us. They warn and they
guide.
The Source of all being and non-being however, in His great kindness to man,
recognised that man had been made weak and that he required some more tangible
evidence that would enable people to recognise that their happiness lies in Him and
nowhere else.
Thus he continued to take some souls and through the medium of His prophets and by
direct inspiration, He perfected these souls. Many He kept hidden some He revealed as
Saints. They all shared the same religion the religion of Truth.
Amongst the followers of the Path of Rasulallah – those in his Ummat - there arose a
band, a great and august band, of persons who - receiving their inspiration through
Hazrat Ali Murtaza, became known as Sufi Saints, Awliaya Allah.
They are great in number, but very small in number compared with the great throng of
mankind that has come into existence and passed away from this life. Amongst the
greatest of these was the saint whose anniversary we celebrate over these days. We
could say it is the anniversary of his death but in truth it is the anniversary of his uniting
with his Beloved Allah.
The name of this saint is well known to you. It is Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chishti (ra).
He is invoked by many titles such as Sultan ul Hind the Emperor of India. He is probably
best known by the name Khawaja Gharib Nawaz which means patron of the poor. Some
people take this to mean he was patron of those who are materially poor – and this is a
true meaning no doubt, in Ajmer to this day Khawaja Gharib Nawaz provides free food for
the poor who visit prepared in two huge cooking pots each as big as a house.
It also means patron of those who found poorness of spirit. This means they became
spiritual beggars dependent on the Kindness of Allah giving up independence from Allah
in favour of throwing themselves on His Mercy and seeking only His Love.
And now we have arrived at the word that is the key what these saints found could open
the door to happiness. A key is small but it opens the door to a great fortune. Love or Ishq
is a small word but it can open the door to a great spiritual fortune – to a happiness that is
not illusory but real.
Mevlana Rumi called Ishq the astrolabe of the divine mysteries. An astrolabe is a small
instrument to measure the stars – it is small but it measures the vast cosmos.
It is true man’s lower animal nature and the wiles of the deceiver of man Shaitan, have
tried again and again to associate this word with sensuality and lust, but the perceptive
man or woman understands the difference and is not fooled by it.
The Love of the Prophets and saints is for the Source of their very existence. For that
which alone is not created: The Uncreated Creator.
The holy Qur’an refers to those whose ‘Love of Allah is overflowing’. The love and
compassion of these great ones for mankind is an overflowing of this love.
Rasulallah himself came to within two bows lengths of His Creator. So close even angel
Gabriel dare not go. Then what had he to do with the helping of mankind if it was not that
from an overflowing of that Divine Love gave him pity for the state of man and thus he
returned from that exalted state and dealt with the business of spreading the true religion
to mankind despite of their stupidity and foolishness and meanness and selfishness.
It was Rasulallah who, in Medina one blessed day gave to Khawaja Gharib Nawaz the
duty to spread the truth to the dark and troubled land of what was then known as
Hindusthan.
Let us go back a step and rehearse what led up to this. We have heard how Khawaja
Gharib Nawaz (ra) began to follow the path of seeking Truth, And his early travels. Now
let us recall how he was initiated a second time by Khawaja Uthman Harooni his spiritual
guide.
This is a translation of Khawaja Saheb’s own words made by my own Shaykh Dr Zahurul
Hasan Sharib.
I, Moinuddin Hasan of Sanjar - well wisher of all the the faithful, had the honour of
meeting Hazrat Khawaja Uthman Harooni in the mosque of Khawaja Junaid of Baghdad
(ra). His holiness was surrounded by inspired Dervishes…….(he).. asked me to offer two
genuflexions…Then he asked me to sit with my face towards Kaaba
– he asked me to recite sura Baqara – which I did.
Further he commanded me to recite benedictions on the holy Prophet Muhammed
(pbhu). I obeyed. Khawaja Uthman Harooni stood up and holding my hand lifted his face
towards the sky and said --‘Come let me cause thee to reach Allah.’
After placing the four edged cap and bestowing a robe on Khawaja Saheb they sat down.
There followed a day and night of asceticism.
Khawaja Saheb continues.
‘The next day, when I attended upon him he asked me to sit down and recite Sura Ikhlas
4000 times. I did.
He asked me to look towards the sky. I did.
He asked me ‘How far do you see’. I replied ‘up to the Great Throne’. Next he asked me
to look towards the ground. I did.
He asked me, ‘How far do you see?’ ‘I replied – to the furthest reaches of the earth’ .
Next he asked me to recite Sura Ikhlas again a thousand times. I did.
He asked me to look towards the sky again. I did.
He asked me ‘How far do you see now? I replied, ‘Up to the Great Hidden’.
Next he asked me to close my eyes. I did. He asked me to open my eyes. I did.
Next, showing me two fingers, he asked me what I saw there. I replied 18000 worlds.’
After that Khawaja Saheb was instructed to look under a certain brick where he found
some dinars. He was instructed to distribute them amongst the poor.
Later the following account is given of events in Mecca.
Khawaja Saheb says:
‘After going round the Kaaba Khawaja Uthman Harooni took my hand and entrusted me
to Allah. He prayed in Kaaba for my humble self. A voice was heard - ‘We have
accepted Moinuddin’.
On reaching Medina they presented themselves at the court of the holy Prophet (pbuh).
Khawaja Saheb was instructed to offer his reverential salaams. A voice came out saying
‘Peace be on you also, O head of the Pious of the Earth and the Sea.’ On hearing this
Khawaja Uthman said - ‘Now, indeed, you have reached perfection’.
One day when Khawaja Saheb was absorbed in prayer in Kaaba he heard a voice saying
-‘ O Moinuddin! We are greatly pleased with thee. Thou art given salvation. Ask for
anything thou may like so that We may grant it to thee.’
Khawaja Saheb prayed not for himself but for the salvation for his followers and disciples
and the reply came:
‘O Moinuddin thou art our accepted one. I will give salvation to thy followers and
disciples, and also to those who may enter thy fold till the Day of Resurrection.’
After reaching Medina he received from the holy Prophet (pbuh) a mandate to the effect
that:
‘O Moinuddin! Thou art a helper of my religion. I entrust to thee the country of
Hindusthan. There prevails darkness. Proceed on to Ajmer and spread there the gospel
of Truth’.
Khawaja Saheb became drowsy and was blessed with seeing in vision, the city of Ajmer.
He was bidden farewell and given the gift of a pomegranate from heaven.
________________________________
The Baraka (the spiritual power and blessings) the saints bestow has its source in Allah
of course, and flows through the blessings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) and
Hazrat Ali Murtaza (May Allah bless him). Amongst the Awliya Allah the Baraka was
passed from generation to generation in a way that cannot be explained but is most real
and tangible to the followers of Tasawuuf.
These are the spiritual forbears of Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chishti (RA)
Khawaja Hasan Basri (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Shaikh Abdul Wahid bin Zaid (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Fuzail bin Ayez (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Sultan Ibrahim bin Adhem of Balkh (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Sadeeduddin Khadeefa Marashee (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Abee Hubera Basri (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Shaikh Mumshad Alu Denoori (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
the Chishti order was founded by his disciple who came from Chisht in Afghanistan – he
was called Khawaja Abu Ishaq Shami Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Shaikh Abu Ahmed Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Shaikh Abu Mohammed Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Abu Yusuf Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Moudoud Chishti (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Hajji Sharif Zindani (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Uthman Harooni (ra) aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chishti of Ajmer aslaaato asalaamo barakata hu
__________________________________________
Now we may ask what it is that Khawaja Saheb taught to the people –
In his book which has been translated by Dr Sharib as the Meditations of Khawaja
Muinuddin Hasan Chishti, Khawaja Saheb describes our origins thus:
'The holy Prophet (pbuh) once said that Allah, with all the rays of light and manifestation
of glory, displayed at first His Light. His light is unlimited and without bounds. It has no
beginning and no end. Like the light of the sun it envelopes everything. Afterwards this
unlimited light created the light of the holy Prophet Muhammed by its own power (Nur -
i – Muhammed). The two lights like the sun and the moon are shining in the sky....but
the reality is really only one light.'
He goes on to say that from the Nur i Muhammed the souls of the perfect men were
created and then before the creation of men the perfect Man Hazrat Adam was created.
Thus we may say that the human soul is created from that Nur-i-Muhammed – as the holy
Qur’an says ‘Man was created in the best of moulds then he became the lowest ’Laqad
Khalaqnal Insaanu fii asani Taqwim.’
From this we understand the very essence of man is that pure light of Mohammed and
that the happiness of man depends on his purifying his lower nature. Thus all mankind is
one in essence though many and varied in form. Love is that which unites and not that
which divides - thus Love is the medicine that man needs to secure his own happiness.
We have heard of how Khawaja Saheb eventually reached Ajmer after long travels. With
just a small band of followers and in the teeth of opposition from the Raja of that place he
established himself.
You may have heard the story of how when he was asked to move to make way for the
camels of the Raja he caused all the camels to sit so that they would not get up at all until
the servants of the Raja begged his forgiveness. Many such miracles are recorded which
time prevents us telling.
His eminent disciple and Sajjadnashin was Hazrat Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki – Khawaja
Saheb received a dream for forty nights directing him to make Qutub Saheb his
successor. Qutub Saheb was given the spiritual dominion of Delhi. Khawaja Saheb
settled in Ajmer.
Eventually when his time came and his work in this mortal body was complete and the
message of the overpowering importance of Love of Allah was established as a doctrine
that should be available to all whatever their background or religion, he was finally united
with his Beloved forever.
I will give you the description written in the book of my own Shaikh Dr Zahurul Hasan
Sharib.
On Monday the 6th of Rajab 627 AH – the 21st May 1229 Gharib Nawaz after night
prayers went into his room and closed the door. He did not permit anyone to enter in. All
night long the people outside heard a mystic sound coming from the room....
At the approach of dawn the sound was not to be heard. When the door remained closed
at the time of the morning prayers his devotees thought there was something unusual.
In short, when the door was opened they found him dead and on his forehead was
written these words:
Haza habeeb Allahi
Mata fii hub Allahi
'He was a beloved of Allah, He died in the love of Allah'.
That night in dream some saints saw the holy Prophet Muhammed saying:
Moinuddin is a friend of Allah. Today I have come to welcome him.
Qutub Saheb wrote this:
‘.. I felt a little drowsy whilst sitting on my prayer carpet. I saw that he (Gharib Nawaz)
was standing underneath the throne of God. I put my head upon his feet and inquired his
condition. He replied: ‘God has been merciful enough to shower His blessings upon me.
He has allotted me a place near the angels and thus underneath His Throne. I live here.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
To the seeker of the Way of Love,
A name that resounds in heaven above.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was
For Allah has poured into that name
Shelter for the poor, sick, blind and lame.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
To the sick in heart, mind, or soul,
The way he showed to make them whole.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
The holy Prophet’s love is found in it,
By the needy ones who Ajmer visit.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Hazrat Ali the brave, to this name lends
The Baraka that from Allah descends.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
From Sanjar to holy Usman Harooni he came
Now he is known to all by this great name.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
It is a name that burns up any sin,
And refreshes the pilgim from within.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
To be pure, humble, generous and just
This is a name you must learn to trust.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Tasked with a whole continent to save,
The love of the One God to all he gave.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Being free from all kinds of bigotry
He opened his door to all, even me
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Many miracles from Allah came and went
The message of Love remained, permanent.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
When the time to meet his Beloved came
The angels were surely singing this name
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Now beneath Allah’s throne he lives
And to all the sincere, blessings he gives.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
He does not judge folk by what they say
But how in their true heart they pray.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Christian, or Jew,
He never refused those who were true.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
To his ‘Urs they come from everywhere
Presidents and paupers to say their prayer
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
No sweeter name there ever was,
Now in Ajmer this refrain is everywhere
Even from those who only in spirit are there.
Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, Ya Khawaja Gharib Nawaz,
A sweeter name there never was.
The name by which Khawaja Muinuddin Hasan Chishti
Can be invoked by all – yes by you and by me.
The overflowing of Divine Love which can be tangibly felt by those fortunate enough to be
in his ‘urs does not discriminate between the high and the low. The muslim ulema with
flowing beard and holy Qur’an under arm is cheek by jowl with the humble farmer, the
nurse or doctor on equal footing with the sick and injured, the clerk stands beside the
industrialist, the politician next to the blind beggar, the sufi seeker next to the busy
housewife, the kings next to servants, the illiterate next to the scholar, the prostitute next
to the pious preacher, the young with the old, the babe in arms next to the film star, the
labourer next to the playboy, the strong next to the weak or handicapped. The
overflowing divine love does not discriminate it simply flows out and happy indeed is he or
she who is wise enough to open their hearts to receive it.
Nor is its effect limited to that time and place – for once the taste of divine love has
touched a person they are changed – whether or not they notice it at the time. They will
find inside the key to happiness – no to more than happiness – to a life filled with
happiness and inner joy. They have but to open that door.
Al-Wadud is the name of Allah that gives the human love between husband and wife,
child and parent, brother and sister It is great indeed and from it much happiness flows.
The overflowing of divine Love from the true lover of Allah carries man even beyond that
and though few indeed are those who can bear it – the overflowing, from those who can,
is capable of transforming the hearts and minds and indeed the lives of those who receive
it.
O Khawaja Gharib from your place near the Throne of Allah pray for us in Southampton
who are remembering you today, for we live in a materially wealthy country but one where
true happiness and joy is a rare thing. From the overflowing of Divine Love that Allah has
given you bestow undeserved but much needed spiritual wealth that people lost in
confusion and doubt and disbelief from every walk of life and of every nationality or
culture or caste or class or religion may find the way to a better and more fulfilling and
truly happy life, and gain the blessings of Allah in the next life. Grant us too the sense of
gratitude for that which you bestow – unearned and undeserved we know but gratefully
received.
Here is a new poem written for this occasion - not included in the mosque presentation for
reasons of time limitation.
Khawaja Gharib Nawaz – as the fortunate see,
Is not a corpse in a shroud, but alive is he.
As he lives in Allah’s Love, he lives permanently,
Not bound by decay and beyond the grave’s gravity.
In the glorious company of the Seal of Prophecy,
One of those bound in love to great Hazrat Ali,
His place amongst the monarchs is in eternity,
Assured, is his place in the soul of man’s story.
The Sage of Sanjar, to be in his company,
Can a poor soul have a better kind of destiny?
To be taken into the heart of one such as he,
Is to be given by the Beloved complete purity.
It is to be surrounded on all sides by Love,
A Love coming from beyond even heaven above.
A Love that purifies every good and bad deed,
A Love that fulfils man and woman’s deepest need.
Great Muinuddin Hasan to the beat of your mighty heart,
May we all march as one, and from union never depart.
Help us O Khawaja to start really and truly to live,
In Ishq to pass away, that Allah permanency may give.
JMZ
A talk delivered at the Razvia Mosque Southampton May 16th 2013 on the occasion of the Urs of Khawaja
Muinuddin Hasan Chishti.
Muinuddin Hasan Chishti.
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