Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin Zarradi Chishti of Delhi: A Life of Spiritual growth, scholarship and Devotion
By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam
11 Feb 2025
Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin Zarradi Chishti was a devoted Sufi saint and a disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Renouncing worldly ties, he dedicated his life to spiritual growth, scholarship, and devotion, ultimately achieving great recognition in the Chishti order. His shrine is located in Sarwar Sharif, Rajasthan, approximately 63.2 kilometres from Ajmer Sharif.
Main points:
1. He was one of the ten esteemed disciples of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.
2. Initially sceptical, he later became a devoted follower of his spiritual master.
3. He renounced worldly life, including marriage and material attachments.
4. Undertook spiritual journeys, including visits to Ajmer, Pakpattan, and Baghdad.
5. He attained martyrdom in a shipwreck while returning to India.
Hazrat Khwaja Sheikh Fakhruddin Zarradi Chishti (Rahmatullah Alaih) was a revered Sufi saint known for his deep spiritual wisdom and ascetic lifestyle. As one of the ten esteemed deputies (Khulafa-e-Kiram) of Hazrat Mahboob-e-Ilahi, Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya (Rahmatullah Alaih), he devoted his life to the pursuit of divine knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. His virtues of generosity, bravery, and unwavering commitment to religious devotion made him a distinguished figure in the Chishti Sufi order.
The transformation of Khwaja Sheikh Fakhruddin into a spiritual luminary is documented in Seir-ul-Awliya. Initially, he was a student of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), studying Hidayah under the guidance of Hazrat Maulana Fakhruddin Hansvi. Despite his scholarly pursuits, he remained sceptical of the spiritual stature of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (Rahmatullah Alaih). His perspective changed when his fellow student, Khwaja Naseeruddin Mahmood Chiragh Dehlavi (Rahmatullah Alaih), took him to meet Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.
During this encounter, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya posed questions about his studies and proceeded to explain the lessons with such profound insight that Khwaja Fakhruddin was left astonished. Overwhelmed by the spiritual radiance and wisdom of the great Sufi master, he immediately expressed his desire to take Bay'ah (spiritual allegiance). Initially asked to wait for the next gathering, his eagerness and devotion were so intense that he insisted on immediate initiation, even threatening to take his own life if denied. Witnessing his sincerity, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya accepted him as a disciple, marking the beginning of his deep spiritual journey.
After becoming a disciple, Khwaja Sheikh Fakhruddin completely renounced worldly affairs. He left behind his scholarly ambitions, abandoned his books, and dedicated himself entirely to the spiritual path. Settling in Ghiyaspur, he spent his days in prayer, meditation, and service to his spiritual master.
Following the demise of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Khwaja Fakhruddin was overcome with sorrow. Seeking solace in solitude, he withdrew to a riverbank near Firozabad and later travelled across various regions, including the village of Nuli and the reservoir built by Sultan Alauddin. His spiritual journey eventually led him to Ajmer, where he visited the shrine of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti (Rahmatullah Alaih). From there, he proceeded to Pakpattan to pay homage at the shrine of Baba Fariduddin Ganj-e-Shakar. He continued his journey, spending time in deserts, mountains, and caves, deepening his spiritual connection with the Divine.
Khwaja Sheikh Fakhruddin’s love and reverence for his Pir (spiritual guide) remained undiminished throughout his life. It is said that the spiritual attainments which took others months to achieve were bestowed upon him within a single day, owing to the blessings of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.
During the reign of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq, several scholars and saints, including Khwaja Fakhruddin, were sent to Khuldabad. Later, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah, where he performed Hajj and visited the blessed Gumbad-e-Khizra (Green Dome) of Prophet Muhammad. His journey continued to Baghdad, where he gained recognition for his teachings in Hadith and was warmly received by local scholars and mystics.
With a heart full of devotion, he decided to return to Delhi to visit the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya one last time. However, en route to India, his ship tragically sank, and he attained martyrdom at sea around 747 AH. His passing marked the end of a life dedicated to spiritual excellence and unwavering faith.
Khwaja Sheikh Fakhruddin Zarradi Chishti’s legacy continues to inspire generations of spiritual seekers. His devotion, humility, and unwavering faith in his master exemplify the essence of Sufism. His life is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual enlightenment and divine love.
References
1. Mirat-ul-Asrar
2. Fragrance of Sufism - Page 86
4. Chishti Dargahs by Mumtaz Khan
5. https://www.scholars.pk/ur/scholar/hazrat-molana-fakhar-ud-deen-zaradi
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/khwaja-chishti-spiritual-scholarship/d/134582
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism