This is the detailed story of Hazrat Haji Sharif Zandani, a towering figure in Sufism known by the title Noor-ud-Din. He was a saint, a profound mystic, and a miracle worker who dedicated his exceptionally long life to the worship of God and the service of humanity. His piety, deep devotion, and spiritual perfection were famous among the scholars and Sufis of his time. He constantly urged his followers to adopt Divine love, follow the Sunnah (the Prophet's way), and maintain excellent character. He holds a crucial place in history as a key leader in the Chishti spiritual order and was the beloved teacher (Murshid) of the renowned Khwaja Usman Harooni.
Birth, Early Life, and Spiritual Training
Hazrat Khwaja Sharif Zandani was born in 492 Hijri (around 1098 CE) in Bukhara, a city famed for its intellectual and spiritual atmosphere near Samarqand. He hailed from a noble family known for its knowledge and spiritual depth. He is said to have lived an extraordinary life of about 120 years. From childhood, his spiritual destiny was apparent. He spent his youth fully immersed in learning both religious law (Shariat) and the mystical path (Tariqat).
He was a spiritual successor (Khalifa) of Hazrat Khwaja Maudood Chishti. He committed himself to his master, receiving all his inner and outer spiritual teachings from him. By the age of 14, he had mastered the traditional sciences and developed the lifelong habit of always being in a state of ritual purity (Wudu). His profound poverty and detachment were evident in his possessions: only the Holy Quran and patched garments. His life was a testament to asceticism and devotion; he often fasted, sometimes for three days straight, and when he did eat, it was typically just unseasoned vegetables. His Murshid, Khwaja Maudood Chishti, perfectly guided his inner journey, illuminating his heart with the light of Divine knowledge.
The Power of Spiritual Gathering (Sama)
Like others in the Chishti lineage, Khwaja Sharif Zandani had a deep love for Sama (spiritual music and poetry). For him, Sama was not mere entertainment, but a powerful vehicle for spiritual attraction and progress. When these gatherings took place, the atmosphere was so charged with spirituality that attendees would often weep spontaneously or even fall into a state of Wajd (spiritual ecstasy). The immense power of his presence and the spiritual verses he heard were enough to turn the heart of the most worldly person away from material desire and toward the remembrance of God.
Hazrat Khwaja Haji Sharif Zandani Chishti 's Sacrifice
A famous incident reveals the depth of his compassion and willingness to sacrifice. A poor, deeply distressed Dervish with seven unmarried daughters came to him, begging for a prayer to alleviate his poverty so he could arrange the marriages. The saint simply told him to go, trusting that God would find a way. On his return journey, the Dervish met a Jew who, upon hearing the story, mocked the saint's poverty. The Jew then made a bold offer: "If Haji Sharif Zandani promises to serve me for seven years, I will give you seven thousand red gold coins right now."
The Dervish went back and told the saint. Without hesitation, Hazrat Sharif Zandani replied, "I accept." He went with the Dervish to the Jew and confirmed his promise, securing the money for the poor man. When the King learned that the great saint was serving a Jew, he immediately sent the gold to pay off the debt and free him. But the saint distributed all of the King's money to the needy. Learning this, the Jew was so struck by the saint's generosity and detachment that he cancelled the contract and freed him. The saint then prayed, "Just as you have freed me from this bond, may God free you from the fire of Hell." This event instantly lit a spark of faith in the Jew's heart, and he was so moved by the saint's character that he embraced Islam.
Extreme Devotion and Disdain for Wealth
Hazrat Khwaja Haji Sharif Zandani was a true master of self-denial. It is recorded that he remained in complete seclusion in forests and deserts for forty years, surviving solely on tree leaves and wild fruits, completely detaching himself from worldly comforts. He was strict about his visitors; he warned them never to mention worldly affairs in his presence, lest they lose the privilege of seeing him.
On one occasion, a person brought him some money. The saint reacted severely, declaring, "What business do you have with dervishes that you bring the enemy of God (wealth) to me?" He then asked the man to look up. The man saw an immense, shining river of gold. The saint then said, "Do you think a servant of God, who has the spiritual power to control the treasures of the unseen, would even glance at your petty, temporary wealth?"
The Saint's Blessing Saves a King
The spiritual authority of the saint was so immense that it extended beyond his lifetime. People once saw Sultan Sanjar in a dream and asked how God had judged him. The Sultan replied that when he passed away, his sins outweighed his good deeds, and he was being dragged to Hell. Just then, a new Divine decree arrived: "Bring him back, for one day in the mosque of Damascus, he kissed the feet of My beloved friend, Khwaja Haji Sharif Zandani!" The Sultan was instantly forgiven. He admitted that his salvation was entirely due to the blessing and respect he had shown to the great saint. This story clearly shows the immense spiritual reward for showing love and respect to God's chosen saints.
Leader of the Chishti Spiritual Chain
Hazrat Khwaja Sharif Zandani was the absolute successor and vicegerent of Khwaja Maudood Chishti. When his master knew his time was near, he transferred all his spiritual blessings and gifts to Hazrat Sharif Zandani, formally appointing him as the next leader. Through the efforts and blessings of Khwaja Sharif Zandani, the Chishti order gained new strength, stability, and growth. His immense spiritual contribution ensured that this path continued to flourish. Among his prominent successors who carried the tradition forward were the highly respected saints Hazrat Sulaiman Chishti and Hazrat Usman Harooni.
The Final Resting Place of Hazrat Khwaja Haji Sharif Zandani Chishti
Hazrat Khwaja Haji Sharif Zandani Chishti lived an exceptionally long and blessed life, devoted entirely to spirituality and divine remembrance. Historical records differ regarding the exact details of his passing and burial.
According to one view, Hazrat Khwaja Sharif Zandani passed away on 10th Rajab al-Murajjab, 612 Hijri (around 1215 CE), after living for approximately 130 years. His sacred tomb is said to be located in the historic city of Kannauj, in Uttar Pradesh, India, where his annual Urs Mubarak is observed with deep love and reverence. For centuries, devotees have gathered there to receive spiritual blessings and partake in his radiant legacy.
However, another tradition holds that he was laid to rest in Qunooh, Syria, after living a life of 116 years. According to this account, due to his humble and reclusive nature, the exact location of his shrine is not known in modern times.
Thus, while the historical record presents two differing views regarding his final resting place—Kannauj (India) and Qunooh (Syria)—both agree on his enduring spiritual influence and his status as one of the great early masters of the Chishti Sufi Order.
Khwaja Haji Sharif Zandani (Noor-ud-Din Chishti) Urs date
Every year, the Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Khwaja Haji Sharif Zandani Chishti is celebrated with great reverence and devotion on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Rajab al-Murajjab at his blessed shrine in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India. During these sacred days, devotees from across India and abroad gather to honor his memory and teachings. The atmosphere is filled with the fragrance of faith — Qawwali gatherings, Zikr (remembrance of Allah), and recitations of Durood Sharif resonate throughout the shrine. Langar (blessed food) is distributed among visitors, symbolizing his message of love, equality, and service to humanity. The Urs not only commemorates his union with the Divine but also renews the spiritual connection of seekers with his enduring light and blessings