Hazrat Khwaja Syed Kamaluddin Allama Chishti (R.A.): A Pillar of Chishti Transmission in Delhi and Gujarat
By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam
24 May 2025
Hazrat Khwaja Syed Kamaluddin Allama Chishti (R.A.) was among those rare Chishti elders whose presence bridged two luminous spiritual eras. A nephew of Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi and disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya , his life was spent in service, guidance, and inner responsibility.
Main Points:
1. Born in Delhi during the 14th Hijri century, at a time when Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq ruled
2. Belonged to a family of Chishti scholars; his father was Hazrat Syed Fakhruddin.
3. Received Khilafat from Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya ; also closely served Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi
4. Later migrated to Gujarat for Silsila duties and spiritual propagation
5. His Mazar is located near the feet of Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi
-----
Introduction
Hazrat Khwaja Syed Kamaluddin Allama Chishti was a 14th-century Chishti Sufi born in Awadh. He belonged to a family known for its religious scholarship. He was the son of Hazrat Syed Fakhruddin and nephew of Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi . He became a disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and received Khilafat from him. Later, he served Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi and eventually moved to Gujarat to spread the Chishti Silsila.
Early Life and Family Background
Hazrat Khwaja Syed Kamaluddin Allama Chishti was born in Awadh in the early 14th century Hijri. He was the son of Hazrat Syed Fakhruddin and the grandson of Hazrat Syed Abdullah . He was nephew to Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi (R.A.) and had a brother named Hazrat Syed Muhammad Chishti . He was blessed with three sons and one daughter:
Hazrat Khwaja Sirajuddin Chishti , his spiritual successor
Hazrat Khwaja Ziyauddin Chishti , known for his scholarship
Hazrat Khwaja Badruddin Chishti , who served the Silsila locally
Bibi Zulekha, His Only Daughter
Hazrat Khwaja Sirajuddin Chishti , carried forward his spiritual legacy. Kamaluddin received his foundational Islamic education in Awadh before proceeding to Delhi to study under the guidance of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.
Association with Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya
He entered the spiritual path under the guidance of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, from whom he received Khilafat. Historical references mention that Hazrat Nizamuddin had handed over his Khirqa to Hazrat Kamaluddin before his first Hajj journey—a gesture that reflects deep trust and inclusion in core Silsila responsibilities. He later performed Hajj multiple times.
Service to Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi
After the Wisaal of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (R.A.), he continued to serve the Silsila closely under Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi . His role was marked by sincerity, discretion, and an understanding of both Ilm and Tariqat. According to certain sources, it was he who drafted the Khilafat Nama for Hazrat Nasiruddin , indicating his involvement in the foundational transitions of the Chishti order.
Migration to Gujarat and Khilafat Continuity
Following spiritual instructions, Hazrat Kamaluddin Chishti travelled to Gujarat, where he spent considerable time in spreading the teachings of the Chishti Silsila. There, he guided several disciples and conferred Khilafat upon his son, Hazrat Khwaja Sirajuddin Chishti , ensuring the continuity of his lineage. Among his students were scholars like Hazrat Makhdoom Jalaluddin Bukhari and Maulana Shamsuddin.
Death and Legacy
Hazrat Kamaluddin Chishti eventually returned to Delhi, where he left this world and was laid to rest near the feet of Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi , as per Chishti tradition. His annual urs is held on the 27th of Zil Qa'dah. While his name may not be widely echoed in historical records, his efforts quietly fortified the inner chain of transmission that kept the Chishti message alive across changing times and regions.
-----
Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut.
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