Khwaja Abdullah Chishti

Khwaja Sayyad Abdullah Chishti was a 16th century Sufi Saint of Chishti order and a direct descendant of Khwajah Maudood Chishti.

Early life

He was born in Old Bhakkhar, Sindh and he received his initial education from the scholars of his family.

Name and lineage

His ism (given name) is Khwajah Abdullah Chishti and he was bestowed with the titles of Qutb-ul-Asr, Qutb-e-Bihar, Fani Fillah and Peerzada-e-Chisht.

Khwaja Syed Abdullah Chishti bin Khwaja Syed Asadullah Chishti bin Khwaja Syed Burhan Uddin Chishti bin Khwaja Syed Abdur Rahman Chishti bin Khwaja Syed Mohammad Jaan Chishti bin Khwaja Syed Sam’aan Sani Chishti bin Khwaja Syed Mansoor Chishti bin Khwaja Syed Qutub Uddin Maudood Chishti.

Arrival in Bihar

Khwaja Abdullah Chishti began his journey from Old Bhakkhar and after making pilgrimage to various Mashaikh, he finally arrived at the shrine of Makhdoom Jahan Sheikh Sharf Uddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri. There he had a spiritual meeting with Makhdoom Jahan and it was revealed upon him to make Sheikhpura his permanent abode from where he would propagate the commandments of Allah.

Sayyad Shah Hussain Uddin Gayawi says:

During the period of Mughal Empire, Hazrat Khwajah Abdullah Chishti commenced his divine journey from old Bhakkhar and after receiving the blessings of various Mashaikh, he finally arrived in the province of Bihar. At the shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom ul Mulk Shah Sharf Uddin Yahya Maneri, it was revealed upon him that he is required to make his permanent abode in the proximity. And the exact location will be determined with the help of miswaak o asaa (a twig for cleaning teeth and a walking stick). Hence he stayed for a night at a place which was at a distance of about 42 km south of the shrine. In the morning after making ablution he planted the miswaak in the ground which soon turned green with the appearance of new buds. A fountain also sprang out from the ground the where he inserted his walking stick. From these miraculous sign he comprehended the prophecy and made Sheikhpura his permanent abode and then occupied himself with remembrance of God.

After the persistent stay of Khwajah Abdullah Chishti in Sheikhpura, the regional king allocated a small piece of land called Baithka on an elevated topography as a tribute. A Khanquah and a mosque were also constructed here by Khwajah Abdullah Chishti.

After the arrival of Khwajah Abdullah Chishti, a well was formed at the place from where the fountain sprang out. Hence it is named after Khwajah Abdullah Chishti and is famous in the region by the name of Khwajah Kuaan. For centuries the pilgrims of the shrine of Chishti are taking water from the well and are benefited from its healing properties. The Khwajah Kuaan is still well preserved and is located beside the main road leading to the Khanqah.

Tasawwuf

Khwaja Abdullah Chishti gave Bay'ah to his father Sayyad Asadullah Chishti and was his authorized disciple who was a Sufi saint of Chishtia Nizamia order. He also received the khilafat of Chishtia Qutubia order through his great grandfather Sayyad Mohammad Jaan Chishti who was a disciple of Khwajah Qutub Uddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.

Khwaja Abdullah Chishti authorized a number of people to be his disciples including Sayyad Qutub Uddin Sani Chishti, Sayyad Nasir Uddin Chishti and Sayyad Aashique Chishti.

Death and legacy

Khwajah Abdullah Chishti died on the 14th of Rajab and his death anniversary is celebrated with great magnificence. His grave is located in Chhota Sheikhpura, Nawada, a city in Indian state of Bihar. His teachings were further spread by his descendants. His two notable descendants are mentioned below:

• Taj Mahmood Haqqani
• Ahmad Hussain Chishti

He had two sons and one daughter from one of his wife Bibi Rukn. His elder son is Khwajah Sayyad Nasir Uddin Chishti and the younger is named Khwajah Sayyad Qutub Uddin Qutub Sani Chishti. His daughter Bibi Swaleha was married to Sayyad Aashique Chishti who was also a disciple of Khwajah Abdullah Chishti.

All the Sajjadah Nashin of this Khanqah are the direct descendant of Khwaja Abdullah Chishti. Their name are mentioned below in chronological order.

1. Sayyad Qutubuddin Sani Chishti
2. Khwaja Taj Mahmood Haqqani
3. Khwaja Sayyad Inayatullah Chishti
4. Khwaja Sayyad Fasih Chishti
5. Khwaja Sayyad Malih Chishti
6. Khwaja Sayyad Rahman Chishti
7. Khwaja Sayyad Fakhruddin Chishti
8. Khwaja Sayyad Shuja'at Hussain Chishti
9. Khwaja Sayyad Ahmad Hussain Chishti
10. Khwaja Sayyad Sultan Ahmad Chishti
11. Khwaja Sayyad Qutubuddin Ahmad Chishti
12. Mawlana Sayyad Ainuddin Chishti