The Luminous Saint of Fatehpur Sikri: Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti and the Blessing of the Mughal Throne
By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam
30 October 2025
Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti (1478–1572 CE) stands as one of the most revered Sufi saints of Mughal India, whose spiritual blessings shaped imperial destiny. A descendant of Hazrat Baba Farid and a radiant master of the Chishti Order, his prophecy fulfilled Emperor Akbar's deepest desire for an heir, leading to the birth of Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir). His magnificent white marble tomb at Fatehpur Sikri remains a beacon of faith, architecture and devotion.
Main Points:
1. Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti was born in 1478 CE, Delhi, of Chishti lineage.
2. Hazrat travelled fourteen years across lands, performed Hajj 1544 CE, spreading spirituality.
3. Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri in 1568 in honour of Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti, making it the Mughal capital.
4. Hazrat blessed Emperor Akbar with glad tidings of three sons
5. Hazrat passed away in 1572 CE aged ninety-four, leaving behind a timeless Chishti legacy.
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Introduction
In the vast and graceful chronicle of Indian Sufism, few revered saints are remembered with as much affection and honour as Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti. Born in the late fifteenth century during the Lodi rule in Delhi, Hazrat lived through an age of profound transformation, witnessing the dawn of the Mughal Empire and illuminating its heart with his spiritual radiance. His life was a reflection of the Chishti path marked by humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the Creator. From his Khanqah upon the rocky ridge of Sikri, he guided people from all walks of life, from wandering seekers to emperors, with the same warmth and sincerity. When Emperor Akbar, burdened by his longing for a son, turned to him with faith, Hazrat’s prayer became the source of divine fulfilment bestowing upon Akbar three sons and led to the rise of Fatehpur Sikri itself. Today, his serene marble tomb continues to radiate the same spiritual grace, drawing countless hearts who come seeking peace, hope, and blessings.
Early Life and Family Background
Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti was born in 882 AH (1478 CE) in Delhi during the reign of the Lodi Dynasty. He was a direct descendant of Hazrat Umar Farooq and belonged to the distinguished Chishti lineage tracing back to Hazrat Khwaja Baba Fariduddin Ganj-e-Shakar. His father, Hazrat Shaykh Baha Uddin Chishti bin Shaykh Sultan, was a pious scholar and devoted Sufi, while his mother, Bibi Ahad, was known for her righteousness and devotion. The family first migrated from Ludhiana to Delhi and later settled in Sikri, a quiet town west of Agra. After the death of his parents, Hazrat’s upbringing and education were undertaken by his elder brother, Hazrat Shaykh Musa, who lovingly guided him in both spiritual and worldly matters.
From his earliest years, Hazrat Shaykh Salim displayed signs of spiritual inclination. He received foundational religious education at home, memorising the Qur'an and mastering Persian, Arabic and the basic sciences of Islamic jurisprudence and theology. His formative years in Delhi exposed him to the vibrant Sufi culture of the city, where numerous Khanqahs of different orders flourished. However, seeking solitude and deeper contemplation, he eventually moved from the bustling capital to the quieter environs of Sikri, a small town located on a rocky ridge approximately thirty-seven kilometres west of Agra. At Sikri, he established a modest hospice in a cavern on the ridge, where he devoted himself to worship, meditation and the guidance of seekers.
Spiritual Discipline and Lineage of Guidance
Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti received spiritual initiation and Khilafat in the Chishti Nizami Order from Hazrat Shaykh Ibraheem Fareed-e-Sani, known as Hisaar Baba. Under his guidance, Hazrat embodied the pure Chishti principles of humility, simplicity, detachment from worldly desires, compassion for all, and deep remembrance of Allah. His spiritual practice included long fasts, nightly devotions, and forty-day retreats (Chilla) in solitude, one of which he observed in a small mosque near his Khanqah built by local stonecutters. His Khanqah at Sikri became a beacon of spiritual learning and guidance, where scholars, nobles, and common seekers gathered for Sama‘, Dhikr, and spiritual instruction. Known for his ascetic life and profound insight, Hazrat’s fame reached far beyond Sikri and led to deep reverence from Emperor Akbar himself.
Among Hazrat’s distinguished spiritual heirs and successors were Hazrat Shaykh Fatehullah Chishti (son of Hazrat Shaykh Kamal Alwari), Hazrat Shaykh Taha Gujarati, Hazrat Shaykh Mohammad Sarwani, Hazrat Shaykh Mohammad Bukhari, Hazrat Shaykh Mohammad Kabeer, Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Ghafoori, Hazrat Shaykh Israel Saharanpuri, Hazrat Shaykh Mohammad Ghori, Hazrat Shaykh Hussain bin Ibraheem Chishti, Hazrat Shaykh Wali bin Shaykh Yusuf Chishti, Hazrat Shaykh Hammad bin Shaykh Maroof Chishti, Hazrat Shaykh Yaqoob Kashmiri, Hazrat Shaykh Ruknuddin bin Shaykh Ajaib, Hazrat Shaykh Haji Hussain bin Shaykh Abdul Kareem, Hazrat Shaykh Bukhari, Hazrat Shaykh Sudhari bin Israel, Hazrat Shaykh Syed Hussain Abdul Wahid Dehlvi, Hazrat Shaykh Jalal Hafiz Imam, and Hazrat Shaykh Ibraheem Sufi Sarhindi.
These revered saints and spiritual masters were not confined to the Indian subcontinent alone; many of Hazrat’s disciples and Khulafa spread the Chishti message across Asia and other Islamic lands. Even today, devotees continue to visit their shrines and tombs, keeping alive the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti.
Travels and Pilgrimages
After reaching maturity, Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti sought permission from his elder brother, Hazrat Shaykh Musa, to travel for spiritual pursuit. When Hazrat Shaykh Musa expressed sorrow over being childless, Hazrat comforted him, saying, “Do not lose hope; a son will be born to you.” His words proved true, and nine months later, a son was born in the family. In 931 AH (1525 CE), Hazrat set out for Hajj and thereafter travelled for nearly thirteen years through Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Turkey, visiting centres of learning and meeting leading scholars and Sufis of his time. During these years, he performed Hajj annually, deepening his spiritual insight through the sacred atmosphere of the Haramain and the company of pious men. Returning to Sikri in 944 AH (1538 CE), he devoted himself to meditation and worship.
In 962 AH (1555 CE), Hazrat once again journeyed for Hajj with one of his wives, Hazrat Shaykh Yaqub Sarfi, and several close disciples. After returning to Sikri in 971 AH (1564 CE), he established his Khanqah and continued to guide seekers through teaching and spiritual grace. Among those who came to visit him were Hazrat Shaykh Aman Qadri Panipati and Hazrat Mulla Abdul Qadir, both of whom held him in high reverence.
The Blessing That Shaped an Empire
The most defining episode in Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti’s life was his encounter with Emperor Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar. Despite the vast reach of his empire, Akbar long remained without a male heir and turned increasingly toward the spiritual men of his age. Having heard of the saint of Sikri, renowned for his devotion and prayers being accepted, the emperor visited Hazrat Shaykh Salim Khanqah in 1568–69 CE to seek his intercession. Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti received Akbar with simplicity and compassion, and after listening to his plea, prophesied that he would be blessed with three sons. Not long after, Akbar’s first son was born in 1569 CE and named Salim in honour of the Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chisti later known as Emperor Jahangir. Two more sons, Murad and Daniyal, were born in the following years, fulfilling the saint’s prophecy in full.
In gratitude, Akbar ordered the construction of a new city around the Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chisti residence at Sikri, which became Fatehpur Sikri. Its palaces, courtyards, and mosque grew around the Khanqah, symbolizing the emperor’s reverence for his spiritual guide. Hazrat passed away in 1571 CE, after a long life devoted to service and guidance. Akbar personally oversaw his burial and later built the marble mausoleum that continues to draw countless visitors, seeking the same blessings once sought by a Mughal emperor.
Foster Relationship and Qutbuddin Khan Koka
The spiritual bond between Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti and the Mughal dynasty deepened into a familial connection through foster ties. Hazrat Shaykh Salim Christi’s daughter became the foster-mother to Prince Salim, later Emperor Jahangir. In Mughal tradition, such relationships carried deep affection and respect, and the foster families of royal children were regarded almost as kin. Through this bond, Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti’s grandson, Qutbuddin Khan Koka, became Prince Salim’s milk-brother.
Throughout his reign, Emperor Jahangir remained devoted to his foster family, a relationship he fondly recalled in the Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri. Hazrat Qutbuddin Khan Koka rose to prominence as one of Jahangir’s trusted nobles, serving as governor of Bengal and later Orissa. This connection ensured that the saint’s lineage continued to receive imperial regard and patronage. Among his descendants, Hazrat’s eldest son Hazrat Saaduddin Khan was granted three Jagirs in Gazipur District—Amenabad, Talebabad, and Chandrapratap earning the title Saaduddin Siddiqi. His descendants include Hazrat Chowdhury Kazemuddin Ahmed Siddiqi, co-founder of the Assam Bengal Muslim League. The lineage of his second son, Hazrat Shaykh Ibrahim, titled Kishwar Khan, continues in Sheikhupur, Badaun, India—preserving the spiritual and historical legacy of the great saint of Sikri.
The Foundation of Fatehpur Sikri
Following the birth of his long-awaited heir, Akbar wished to honour this divine blessing by founding a new imperial capital at Sikri, the site sanctified by Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti’s presence. Construction began in 1569 CE, and by 1571 CE the Mughal court, administration, and royal household were formally transferred from Agra to the new city. Initially known simply as Sikri, it was renamed Fatehpur Sikri the “City of Victory” after Akbar’s successful Gujarat campaign in 1573 CE.
The city represented one of the most ambitious urban projects of the Mughal era. Its design integrated royal palaces, administrative halls, and spacious courtyards with carefully planned water systems and living quarters for nobles. At its heart stood the Jama Masjid and, beside it, the Khanqah of Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti, around which the city’s spiritual and social life revolved. The saint continued his quiet routine of prayer and teaching even as imperial activity unfolded around him. For nearly fourteen years, Fatehpur Sikri functioned as the Mughal capital, embodying the synthesis of spiritual reverence and political authority. Although the court later shifted to Agra and Lahore due to practical constraints, Fatehpur Sikri endured as one of the most remarkable expressions of Mughal urban vision and a lasting monument to the sanctity of its revered saint.
Death and the Construction of the Mausoleum
Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti passed away in 1572 CE (979 AH) at the age of ninety-four. His death was mourned by Emperor Akbar, the entire Mughal court and countless devotees who had benefited from his guidance. Akbar ordered the construction of a mausoleum in his honour within the courtyard of the grand Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri. The original tomb was built of red sandstone, consistent with the architectural style of the city.
Later, between 1605 and 1607 CE, Emperor Jahangir ever mindful of his debt to the saint who had blessed his birth commissioned a lavish renovation. The red sandstone was cladded with gleaming white marble, intricate Jali (lattice) screens were installed, and a southern porch and verandah were added. The renovation was supervised by Qutbuddin Khan koka, grandson of Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti, ensuring the work was carried out with both architectural excellence and spiritual reverence.
Devotional Traditions and Enduring Legacy
For over four centuries, the Dargah of Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti at Fatehpur Sikri has remained a living centre of faith, visited by devotees of all religions and backgrounds. Pilgrims, especially women longing for children, come to seek his blessings in remembrance of the divine favour once granted to Emperor Akbar. One of the most enduring customs is the tying of threads upon the marble Jali screens of the tomb a symbolic act of prayer and hope. When a wish is fulfilled, devotees return to untie the thread and offer gratitude, continuing a cycle of faith that connects generations to the saint’s Baraka (spiritual grace).
Each year, the saint’s Urs (death anniversary) is observed from the 20th to the 29th of Ramadan. Thousands gather at Fatehpur Sikri to participate in Qawwali, dhikr, Quranic recitation, and the communal Langar. The annual Urs not only honours the saint’s memory but also renews the spiritual atmosphere that has surrounded his shrine since Mughal times. The sacred custodianship of Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti’s shrine has passed through an unbroken line of successors. His son and Khalifa, Hazrat Shaykh Hussain Chishti, first carried forward the Chishti teachings at Sikri. Thereafter, the legacy continued through Hazrat Shaykh Badruddin Chishti, followed by Hazrat Shaykh Alauddin Chishti, who also served as governor of Bengal and was titled Islam Khan by Emperor Jahangir. His son, Shaykh Fazalullah (Mirza Hoshing, titled Nawab Ikram Khan), succeeded him, followed in turn by Shaykh Muazzam (Muazzam Khan), Nawab Mukarram Khan, and Mohtashim Khan.
Later successors included Dewan Hazrat Shaykh Aslam Mohammad Chishti, Hazrat Mohiuddin Chishti, Hazrat Shaykh Wali Mohammad, Hazrat Shaykh Abdus Samad, Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad, Hazrat Shaykh Ali Ahmad, Hazrat Shaykh Fazaluddin, Hazrat Shaykh Tafazzal Husain, Hazrat Tahammul Hussain, Hazrat Pirzada Azizur Rahman Chishti, and Hazrat Pirzada Shaykh Ayazuddin Faridi alias Raees, who served as trustee and guardian of the shrine. Through their devotion and service, these heirs preserved the teachings, sanctity, and living spirit of the Chishti tradition, ensuring that the dargah of Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti remains one of India’s most revered centres of faith and blessing.
Conclusion
Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti embodies the luminous convergence of ascetic piety, prophetic insight and imperial destiny. Born into a lineage of Chishti saints, he devoted his life to the simple yet profound practices of dhikr, contemplation and service. His blessing transformed the fate of the Mughal Empire, giving Emperor Akbar the heir he so desperately desired and inspiring the creation of Fatehpur Sikri, a city that stands today as a monument to faith and aesthetics. His tomb, a jewel of white marble and spiritual Baraka, continues to draw millions who seek solace, hope and divine favour. In an age of complexity and change, the story of Hazrat Shaykh Salim Chishti reminds us of the timeless power of humility, faith and the intercessory grace of the Awliya Allah.
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Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut.
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