In the spiritual and literary history of the Indian subcontinent, one figure stands out uniquely: Hazrat Khwaja Abul Hasan Amir Khusro Dehlavi (RA). Amir Khusro is known as the founder of Qawwali and the Parrot of India (Tooti-e-Hind). He was not only a great poet, writer, historian, and musician but also a devoted disciple of Hazrat Mehboob-e-Ilahi Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya (RA), who bestowed upon him the title "Turk-e-Allah." His name is etched in history among those who remained loyal to their spiritual guide.
Amir Khusro's greatness lies in how he infused Sufism, literature, and music with such a unique essence that, centuries later, the sweetness of his words, his melodiousness, and his divine love remain alive.
Early Life and Glimpses of Poetic Talent
Hazrat Amir Khusro belonged to a family of scholars and spiritual figures. His father, brothers, and maternal grandfather were all disciples of Hazrat Mehboob-e-Ilahi. From childhood, he had a special interest in poetry and literature. His father, Saifuddin Turki, came to India from Turkey and settled in a small village called Patiyali in Uttar Pradesh. Here, he married Bibi Daulat Naz, the daughter of Rawat Arz, and Amir Khusro was born in Patiyali in 1253.
At the age of 6, his father moved to Delhi, where his maternal relatives lived. When he was 7 years old, his father was martyred in a war.
Orphanhood and Grandfather's Guardianship
Khusro's father passed away when he was only seven years old. This grief ignited a yearning in his heart, evident in his early verses. Afterward, he was raised under the care of his maternal grandfather, whose scholarly environment further honed Khusro's passion and talents.
Khusro was a very intelligent child. He began learning and writing poetry at the age of nine. His first collection of poems, "Tuhfat-us-Sighar" (Gift of Childhood), included poems and ghazals he wrote between the ages of sixteen and eighteen. This collection was compiled in 1271. In 1273, when Khusro was twenty, his grandfather passed away, reportedly at the age of 113.
Once, his teacher took him to his friend Qazi Izzuddin. When a discussion about poetry began, Qazi Sahib asked Khusro to read a book of Persian poetry. Khusro not only read it fluently but also immediately composed his own verses. Qazi Izzuddin was astonished to see such talent at such a young age.
The Event of Pledging Allegiance to Hazrat Mehboob-e-Ilahi
Although Khusro's family was already associated with Nizamuddin Auliya (RA), Khusro wished to choose his spiritual guide himself. One day, he sat at the door of the Khanqah (Sufi lodge) and wrote two Persian verses, stating that if this was a perfect Sheikh, he would surely respond.
Hazrat Mehboob-e-Ilahi (RA), through his spiritual insight, understood Khusro's inner state and sent a reply to his verses. Khusro's heart was satisfied, and he immediately entered and pledged allegiance. This was the moment that completely changed Khusro's life. After this, Khusro spent his life in the servitude of his Murshid (spiritual guide).
Scholarly and Artistic Achievements
Hazrat Amir Khusro:
Mastered Persian, Arabic, Hindi, Sanskrit, and several other languages.
Created new ragas (melodic modes) in music.
Added a third string to the sitar, naming it "Sehtar," which later became known as "Sitar."
Proved his prowess in poetry, composition, historical writing, riddles, ghazals, qasidas (odes), and masnavis (narrative poems).
His fame spread so widely that it is said even a poet like Saadi Shirazi (RA) came to India to meet him.
Beloved by Kings, but Heart in the Khanqah
Since Khusro's father and maternal grandfather had served in the king's court and army, Khusro easily secured a job in the king's army.
At that time, his first book, "Tuhfat-us-Suwar," was also published. The king at that time was Malik Shaju. Seeing Khusro's academic and literary abilities, he was given a high position in the army, and his importance in the king's eyes grew day by day.
Khusro served in the courts of eight kings of Delhi, and every sultan regarded him with respect. Alauddin Khalji even bestowed upon him the title "Tooti-e-Hind" (Parrot of India). However, the truth is that while Khusro's body was connected to the court, his heart always remained in the Khanqah, at the feet of his Murshid.
Relationship with Murshid and the Pinnacle of Love
Hazrat Mehboob-e-Ilahi (RA) loved Khusro immensely. He used to say:
"If it were permissible in Sharia (Islamic law), I would have willed that Khusro be buried in my grave."
On another occasion, he said:
"On the Day of Judgment, if Allah asks, 'Nizamuddin! What have you brought?' I will bow my head and say, 'O Allah, I have brought Khusro.'"
This relationship was not merely between a pir (spiritual master) and a murid (disciple), but rather like that of a lover and beloved.
Khusro's Prayer for Sweetness in Speech
One day, Khusro prayed to his Murshid for sweetness in his poetry. Mehboob-e-Ilahi (RA) gave him sugar kept under the bed to eat. From that day, such sweetness entered Khusro's words that he came to be known as "Sultan-ush-Shu'ara" (King of Poets).
Connection with Other Saints
Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Qalandar (RA) expressed joy upon seeing Khusro and said, "If he had not come, I would not have accepted the royal gifts."
Hazrat Makhdoom Sabir Pak (RA) honored Khusro as his guest and told his disciple to treat Khusro well because he would go to Delhi and inform Sheikh Nizamuddin.
The Ritual of Basant and Khusro
Once, Hazrat Mehboob-e-Ilahi (RA) was in deep sorrow due to the passing of his nephew. Khusro, dressed in mustard yellow flowers like the Hindus, arrived reciting Basant poetry. A smile appeared on the lips of Mehboob-e-Ilahi Nizamuddin Auliya, and his grief lessened. From that day, the ritual of Basant was established in the Chishtiyya order.
The Incident of Nizamuddin Auliya's Shoes
One day, Mehboob-e-Ilahi (RA) gave his shoes to a فقیر (poor person). On the way, Khusro saw the فقیر and inquired about the shoes. Khusro bought the shoes for five hundred thousand silver coins, placed them on his head, and presented himself at the Khanqah. Khusro was very happy because he had spent all his wealth to buy those shoes. When he reached his Murshid Nizamuddin Auliya, Mehboob-e-Ilahi (RA) smiled from afar and said, "Khusro! You bought them very cheaply." Khusro replied, "If he had asked for my life and wealth, I would have offered it."
After this incident, Khusro set an example of love and loyalty to his Murshid that the entire world remembers in their own words to this day.
Worship and Asceticism
He observed continuous fasts for forty years.
He remained engaged in prayer at night and concluded his prayers near dawn.
He recited seven parts of the Quran daily during Tahajjud (pre-dawn prayer).
The fire of divine love burned so intensely in his heart that the clothes he wore would burn.
Khusro's Love and Loyalty to His Murshid
Mehboob-e-Ilahi (RA) bestowed upon Khusro the title "Turk-e-Allah" and wrote several letters with this name. Not only this, but the Murshid himself composed a rubai (quatrain) in praise of Khusro:
"In poetry and prose, Khusro has no equal. This is our Khusro, elevated by the grace of Allah, no one can compete with him."
Amir Khusro's Demise and Loyalty to His Murshid
Amir Khusro passed away in October 1325, at the age of approximately 71 to 72 years. He departed from this world in Delhi, the capital of the Delhi Sultanate, which is known today as the city of Delhi in India.
Mehboob-e-Ilahi (RA) had said:
"Khusro will not live after me. Bury him next to me."
Consequently, shortly after the demise of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA), Khusro also passed away. Today, in Delhi, the Murshid and disciple rest side by side.
Works of Amir Khusro
Amir Khusro wrote many works in his lifetime. A complete article on his works can be read here: Books of Amir Khusru
Lessons from Khusro's Life
Hazrat Amir Khusro was not just a poet or musician; he was a true lover and a pure Sufi who dedicated his life to the servitude of his Murshid and divine love. His life teaches us lessons of loyalty and selfless love for our spiritual guide. His being is a beautiful confluence of Sufism, literature, and music. And his status in the presence of his Murshid is evident from this sentence:
"O Allah! I have brought Khusro."
When is the Urs (Annual Commemoration) of Hazrat Amir Khusro (RA) Celebrated?
The annual Urs of Hazrat Amir Khusro (RA) is celebrated every year on the 17th of Rajab al-Murajjab in Delhi, within the premises of the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA), with great devotion and respect. On this occasion, a large number of devotees, scholars, and Sufis gather. Quran recitation, remembrance (dhikr), Naat recitation (praise of the Prophet Muhammad), and spiritual music gatherings (Mahafil-e-Sama) are organized, and his scholarly and spiritual services are paid tribute.