Hazrat Khwaja Syed Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti (R.A.) was a highly respected spiritual leader, considered a Saint from birth. He was known as a light among Sufis and a beacon of the Chishti Order. He held deep spiritual secrets and was a great figure in the Chishti lineage.
Birth of Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti
Khwaja Maudood Chishti was born in Chisht in the year 430 Hijri. Because he was a saint from birth, he became the successor and son of his father, Hazrat Yusuf Abu Yusuf Chishti (R.A.). He belonged to an honored family of Sayyids (descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH).
Education and Training
He memorized the Holy Quran in his hometown by the age of seven. He completed his religious studies by the age of sixteen. His famous writings include Minhaj-ul-Arifeen and Khulasat-ush-Sharqiyah.
After completing his outward (academic) education, he received his inward (spiritual) training and awakening from his respected father, Hazrat Abu Yusuf Nasiruddin Chishti (R.A.), who was also his spiritual guide (Pir-o-Murshid). He received deep spiritual knowledge from him.
Spiritual Leadership and Guidance
When he was twenty-nine years old, his father passed away. Khwaja Maudood Chishti became his successor and spiritual leader, dedicating himself to guiding and improving the lives of God’s creations.
He traveled widely, from Jerusalem to Chisht, Balkh, and Bukhara, to spread the true religion. It is said that he had about one thousand famous Khalifas (successors) and countless Mureeds (disciples) across these regions.
Whenever a disciple faced trouble or difficulty, he would help them spiritually. It is believed that anyone who visits his shrine for three days and prays will have their wish fulfilled. He also had several sons.
Miracles of Khwaja Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti
Like other Sufis of the Chishti Order, Khwaja Maudood Chishti deeply loved Sama (Sufi music and chanting). He often experienced a state of ecstasy (Wajd) during Sama.
The Debate on Sama
When he reached a place called Barf, the local scholars opposed him and arranged a debate about Sama. They questioned and criticized him. He said that he followed the practice of Hazrat Khwaja Ibrahim bin Adham (R.A.), who was their spiritual elder and also listened to Sama.
One scholar said that Khwaja Ibrahim bin Adham was a perfect Saint and could fly in the air, so it was acceptable for him to listen to Sama, but Khwaja Maudood Chishti could not.
The Test of Faith
Upon hearing this, Khwaja Maudood Chishti immediately got up from the gathering and flew into the air like a bird. After some time, he returned. Seeing this, most of the scholars bowed at his feet and became his disciples.
However, some people remained stubborn. They said they would only accept him as a perfect Saint if a stone placed on the water tank of the main mosque gave evidence of his Sainthood.
Khwaja Maudood Chishti commanded the stone, and it moved toward his feet. A voice came from the stone, declaring, "There is no doubt about the Sainthood of Khwaja Maudood; his sayings are according to the Shariah (Islamic Law) of Muhammad (PBUH)." Seeing this miracle, all the scholars fell at his feet, repented, and became his disciples.
The Spiritual Journey to Kaaba
It is also commonly mentioned in history books that whenever Khwaja Maudood Chishti wished to perform the Tawaf (circling) of the Kaaba, he would fly there instantly and return the same day.
Meeting with Sheikh Ahmad Jami
It is recorded that when Hazrat Sheikh Ahmad Jami (R.A.), known as Zinda Pir (The Living Saint), heard about the passing of Hazrat Khwaja Abu Yusuf Chishti, he decided to visit his successor, Khwaja Maudood Chishti.
Someone with bad intentions told Khwaja Maudood Chishti that Sheikh Ahmad Jami was coming to take away his spiritual authority. Khwaja Maudood Chishti closed his eyes in meditation, and when he opened them, he said, "This is not true. He is a Saint of Allah, our friend and brother."
Khwaja Maudood Chishti then went himself with four thousand Khalifas to the Nooh River to welcome him. When the two great Saints met, they got off their horses, hugged, and spoke to each other with great love and respect for a long time.
Afterward, they went to the house of Hazrat Khwaja Ali Hakeem (R.A.), a loyal disciple of Khwaja Maudood Chishti, and held a spiritual gathering.
During the assembly, some enemies planned to harm Sheikh Ahmad Jami. As soon as they entered, they fell unconscious when Khwaja Maudood Chishti looked at them with spiritual power.
When Sheikh Ahmad Jami asked what had happened, Khwaja Maudood Chishti explained the situation. Sheikh Ahmad Jami forgave them, and by placing his hand on their backs, they woke up. The two Saints then spent several days together in spiritual retreat, meeting and exchanging spiritual blessings.
Famous Successors (Khalifas) of Khwaja Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti
Historians have written that Khwaja Maudood Chishti had over a thousand famous Khalifas, many of whom were great Saints and spiritual masters. Listing all their names would require a separate book. A few prominent names are listed here for blessing:
- Hazrat Khwaja Abu Ahmad (R.A.): His respected son, who became the spiritual head after his father's passing.
- Hazrat Khwaja Haji Sharif Zindani (R.A.): A Qutb-ul-Waqt (Spiritual Pivot of the Time) and one of the great Saints of his era.
- Hazrat Shah Sanjan (R.A.): Also known as Khwaja Sanjan.
- Hazrat Abu Nasir Shakeeban (R.A.): Considered among the great masters of Sistan.
- Hazrat Sheikh Hasan Tibbati (R.A.): Who lived in the mountains of Tibet.
- Hazrat Ahmad Badroon (R.A.): Who resided in the area of Badroon.
- Hazrat Khwaja Sabz Posh (R.A.): Among the great masters of Azerbaijan.
- Hazrat Usman Roo'i (R.A.).
- Hazrat Khwaja Abul Hasan Bani (R.A.).
The Passing of Khwaja Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti
When Khwaja Maudood Chishti became ill, his sickness worsened as the time of his death approached. During those days, he often looked towards the door and lifted his head from his pillow, as if waiting for a beloved guest.
A person with a glowing face and pure clothes came, greeted him, and presented a piece of silk cloth with a few lines written on it in green script. Khwaja Maudood Chishti read the lines, touched the cloth to his eyes, and at that very moment, his soul departed to his Creator.
The Funeral of Khwaja Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti
After preparing the body for burial, when people were about to offer the funeral prayer, a powerful sound was suddenly heard, filling the crowd with awe. Then, the Rijal-ul-Ghaib (Men of the Unseen) arrived and performed the prayer first. After them, Jinns and spiritual beings came, and thousands attended the funeral. Finally, his disciples, successors, and masters also offered the prayer in large numbers.
When everyone was finished, his coffin automatically lifted and moved towards the grave, stopping peacefully there. Seeing this miracle, thousands of non-Muslims present embraced Islam.
Hazrat Khwaja Maudood Chishti passed away in the year 525 Hijri.
The Shrine (Tomb) of Khwaja Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti
The holy shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Maudood Chishti is located in Chisht Sharif, Herat, Afghanistan. This shrine is a memorial and spiritual center of the early great figures of the Chishti Order. Visitors still come with devotion and respect. The area around the shrine is filled with spirituality and peace, and visitors gain guidance and blessings from his teachings and pure life.
The Urs Date of Khwaja Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti
Khwaja Qutbuddin Maudood Chishti Urs is celebrated every year on 1 rajab ul murajab islamic month date at his shrine . People from all cities come and get blessings of Allah.