Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Meena Chishti: The Silent Mystic of Lucknow with Dual Khilafat
By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam
9 June 2025
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Meena Chishti was a 15th-century Indian Sufi saint from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Known for his silent devotion and spiritual depth, he held khilafat in both Chishtiyya and Suhrawardiyya orders and was recognised as a Qutb at a young age. His shrine remains a site of reverence in Lucknow.
Main Points:
1. A spiritually prominent Sufi of Lucknow in the 15th century
2. Born in 800 Hijri (1397 CE), passed away in 884 Hijri (1479 CE)
3. Received Khilafat in both Chishti-Nizami and Suhrawardi orders
4. Practiced lifelong seclusion, silence, and nightlong worship
5. His shrine is located near King George Medical College, Lucknow
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Introduction
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Meena Chishti was among the earliest Sufi saints to establish a deep spiritual presence in the region of Lucknow. Born in 800 Hijri (1397 CE), he belonged to the Nizamiyya branch of the Chishtiyya Silsila, and his name is remembered in oral traditions and family records across parts of Awadh. Known for his austerity and quiet devotion, he never sought fame but remained deeply immersed in Zikr, Muraqaba, and spiritual retreat throughout his life.
Early Life and Lineage
He was born in a noble Sufi household in 800 Hijri (1397 CE). His father, Hazrat Shaykh Qutub Chishti, and grandfather, Hazrat Shaykh Sarang Chishti, were both part of the Nizami-Chishti silsila. His family lineage traces back to Siddiq–e–Akbar Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique, the first khalifa of Islam.
During his childhood, a renowned Sufi of Jaunpur, Hazrat Haji Harmain, reportedly recognised his spiritual potential and foresaw his eventual rise as a wali of deep spiritual presence. At the mere age of 12, Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Meena Chishti was given the title "Qutb" by Hazrat Badiuddin Zinda Shah Madar, marking his early spiritual recognition.
Bay‘ah and Dual Khilafat
Hazrat Meena Chishti received his Chishti-Nizami Khilafat from within his family through his grandfather and father making him a third-generation spiritual heir of the Nizamiyya silsila. His connection with the Suhrawardiyya Silsila came later, under the influence of Hazrat Bandagi Miyan Jaunpuri, who had received spiritual orientation from Hazrat Raju Qattal, a known Suhrawardi saint. Through this spiritual linkage, Hazrat Meena also received Khilafat in the Suhrawardi Order, making him one of the few Indian Sufi saints of the time to hold such dual spiritual authorization.
Spiritual Practices
Hazrat Meena Chishti was known for his extreme silence, modest lifestyle, and long hours of night worship. He built a simple khanqah made of clay, where he would spend most of his time in isolation. his entire life is described as a continuous retreat, dedicated to Zikr-e-Khafi (silent remembrance), Muraqaba (meditative contemplation), and Faqr (spiritual poverty).
He avoided public attention and refused to engage in acts that would draw a crowd, including any display of Karamat (miracles). This was in keeping with the Chishti ethos of humility and concealment.
Disciples and Influence
Despite his reclusive lifestyle, he had a small but dedicated circle of disciples. Among them were Hazrat Shaykh Shah Qutubuddin and Hazrat Shaykh Shah Saududdin, both of whom later became known in the region. Hazrat Meena Chishti did not leave behind any written works but his teachings were preserved orally through this limited but sincere circle of followers.
Demise and Urs
Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Meena Chishti passed away in 884 Hijri or 1479 CE. His dargah is located near the current campus of King George’s Medical College, Lucknow. Despite being away from the spotlight during his lifetime, his spiritual presence continues to be acknowledged through his annual Urs, observed from 22nd to 25th Safar of Islamic calendar each year. The Urs is modest and includes Qur’an recitation and Fatiha.
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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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