The Sacred Shawl That Changed Mewat: Hazrat Shaykh Musa Chishti's Journey from Delhi's Courts to Aravalli's Villages

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam 8 October 2025 Hazrat Khwaja Shaykh Musa Chishti was the grandson of Hazrat Fariduddin Ganjshakar, raised by Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, and led by divine sign to establish the Dewa Sharif khanqah in Palla. His shrine’s unique architectural marvels and sacred spring testify to his enduring spiritual power and compassionate mission. Main Points: 1. Hazrat Shaykh Musa Chishti was the grandson of the eminent saint Hazrat Baba Farid. 2. He took bay‘ah and khilafat from Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in the Chishti silsila. 3. Prophetic sign led him to Palla village, founding the revered Dewa Sharif khanqah. 4. He passed away in 733 AH and was buried in Palla. 5. The annual Urs celebrations continue to draw thousands of devotees seeking blessings, spiritual healing, and renewal. ----- Introduction In the bustling streets of 14th-century Delhi, where the domes of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya's Khanqah echoed with divine remembrance, a young boy found shelter and with it, a destiny that would illuminate an entire region. Hazrat Shaykh Musa Chishti's life exemplifies how personal tragedy transforms into universal blessing, how a simple journey becomes a sacred mission, and how one man's obedience to his spiritual master reshapes the religious landscape of generations to come. Born into the illustrious lineage of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar, the Sultan-ul-Aarifeen whose poetry still resonates in Punjabi hearts, Hazrat Shaykh Musa carried within him the spiritual inheritance of his lineage. From the corridors of Delhi, where Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya personally oversaw his upbringing, to the rugged terrain of Mewat where he spent his life spreading the message of divine love to a community waiting for guidance, his journey remains one of devotion and purpose. His story reminds us that spiritual greatness often begins with simple obedience — that destiny reveals itself in unexpected moments, that true legacy lives not in monuments, rather in hearts transformed by love. Family Heritage and Noble Lineage Hazrat Shaykh Musa Chishti's family tree represented the very essence of Chishti spiritual nobility. His grandfather, Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masood Ganjshakar, stood as the towering second pillar of the Chishti Silsila in the Indian subcontinent, a saint whose spiritual fragrance had spread from Pakpattan across Punjab and beyond. This connection was not merely genealogical but carried profound spiritual significance, linking him directly to the golden chain of Chishti Sufi saint. His father, Hazrat Maulana Badaruddin Ishaq, was a respected scholar originally from Delhi, a man of learning whose marriage to Hazrat Baba Farid's daughter had been arranged by Hazrat Baba Farid himself. This union symbolised more than a family bond—it represented the continuation of spiritual blessing across generations, ensuring that the Chishti tradition would flow through both blood and Baraka. The household into which Hazrat Shaykh Musa was born radiated with the light of Islamic learning and Sufi devotion. He also had a brother, Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Imam, though historical records preserve little detail about their relationship. What remains clear is that both sons inherited the spiritual legacy of their illustrious grandfather, carrying forward the responsibilities that came with such noble ancestry. Teaching and Spiritual Guidance Hazrat Shaykh Musa's daily life in Palla exemplified the Chishti ideal of being in the world but not of it—maintaining spiritual focus whilst actively serving humanity. His Khanqah became a centre for both religious instruction and practical assistance, dispute resolution, and the cultivation of community harmony that transcended religious boundaries. He maintained the Chishti tradition of generous hospitality, ensuring that his Langar fed anyone who arrived hungry regardless of their religion or social status. This practical demonstration of Islamic values, that feeding the hungry constitutes worship, that service to humanity represents service to Allah made a deeper impression than any theological argument could achieve. His teaching attracted people from every faith, He trained disciples in both the outer sciences of Islam and the inner dimensions of Tasawwuf. Throughout his years in Palla, Hazrat Shaykh Musa maintained regular contact with his Murshid in Delhi, This connection ensured that his work remained firmly grounded in authentic Chishti methodology rather than drifting into innovation or extremism. Murshid and Khalifa Hazrat Musa Chishti received Bay’Ah and spiritual guidance from his own Murshid, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, whose teachings shaped his path of devotion and service. Before his passing in 1332 CE (733 AH), Hazrat Musa appointed a Khalifa to continue his spiritual mission, entrusting him with the care of the Khanqah and the preservation of its sacred traditions. He instructed his successor to keep the doors of the sanctuary open to all and to serve as a guiding light for seekers. This unbroken chain of Murshid–Khalifa relationships, recorded in Islamic heritage sources, ensures that the Khanqah’s rituals, charitable works, and annual urs continue to reflect Hazrat Musa’s vision of devotion, compassion, and unity. Death and Urs Commemoration After a lifetime devoted to guiding the people of Mewat, Hazrat Shaykh Musa Chishti departed from this world in 733 AH (1332/1333 CE). His passing took place in the same village where, years earlier, a thorny bush had signalled his divine destiny bringing his journey of obedience and love to a perfect circle. He was buried in Palla, where a dignified tomb was built during the Khilji period, reflecting the reverence he commanded among both common people and rulers alike. Every year, his urs is observed with deep reverence and spiritual fervor. Devotees from nearby regions and distant towns gather at his Dargah to pay homage and seek blessings. The celebration blends qawwali, Qur’anic recitation, and langar, filling the air with remembrance and gratitude. Disciples and pilgrims from across northern India gather at his shrine, seeking spiritual renewal in the aura of his resting place. In recent years, efforts to revive pre-Partition traditions have brought both Hindu and Muslim communities together once again honouring Hazrat Shaykh Musa’s enduring message of love, unity, and service beyond faith. The Shrine Complex and Its Marvels Over the centuries, the Dargah of Hazrat Shaykh Musa in Palla village has grown into a serene and awe-inspiring complex that spreads across twenty-four kanals of sacred ground. What began as a simple resting place for a beloved saint slowly evolved, through love and devotion, into a living symbol of faith and heritage. Within its sturdy walls stand the saint’s tomb and a mosque that still echoes with prayers, quiet quarters for caretakers and travellers, a majestic gateway that greets visitors with warmth, and a madrasa that continues his mission of nurturing both knowledge and spirituality. Among all its wonders, none capture hearts quite like the pair of shaking minarets an architectural mystery that has puzzled minds and inspired souls for seven centuries. When one minaret is gently moved, its twin across the courtyard trembles in response, as though both share a silent understanding. To devotees, this is more than an engineering marvel, it is a sign, a reminder that the saint’s presence still responds to those who reach out with faith. The trembling towers have become a tender metaphor for connection between the seen and the unseen, between seeker and saint. The complex itself stands as a harmonious blend of Muslim and Rajput styles, its arches and carvings whispering stories of unity and coexistence. Every brick seems to echo Hazrat Shaykh Musa’s message—that divine love knows no barriers of faith or origin. Recognizing this heritage, the Haryana government declared the shrine a State Protected Monument in 2017, ensuring that the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of Palla will continue to resonate for generations to come. Enduring Legacy Even seven centuries after his passing, Hazrat Sheikh Musa Chishti’s presence is felt across Mewat. The Muslim community he nurtured has grown, carrying forward a faith defined by compassion, service, and humility. He taught that true spiritual influence comes not from force or argument but from living with integrity and kindness, inspiring others through example. His shrine remains a vibrant place of pilgrimage, drawing visitors from India and beyond who seek blessing, healing, and peace. His story continues to inspire hope, reminding all that sincere devotion and service can leave a lasting, transformative impact. Conclusion The story of Hazrat Shaykh Musa Chishti continues to inspire because it speaks to questions we all face: how to find purpose, serve others, and follow divine guidance. From the care of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi to the thorny bush near Palla that revealed his destiny, and through decades of patient service in Mewat, he showed that true greatness comes from faithful devotion. His legacy encourages Muslims today to embrace love over legalism, service over division, and the transformation of hearts over outward conformity. Even the shaking minarets of his shrine reflect this truth: just as a movement in one spreads to the other, Hazrat Shaykh Musa’s devotion continues to touch countless hearts, proving that sincere spirituality transcends time, space, and mortality. ---- Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut. 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