The Eternal Call for Unity: How Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti’s Shrine Promotes Peace Across Communities

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 31 December 2024 Hazrat Khwaja Syed Abdullah Chishti is a 16th-century Sufi saint of the Chishti order, known for his teachings of love, humility, and communal harmony. His shrine in Chhota Sheikhpura attracts devotees from diverse backgrounds, reflecting his message of unity and peace Main Points: 1. Hazrat Khwaja Syed Abdullah Chishti was a 16th-century Sufi saint of the Chishti order, famous for his teachings of love, humility, and communal harmony. 2. He settled in Chhota Sheikhpura, Bihar, after divine guidance and established a Khanqah and mosque. 3. His shrine attracts devotees from diverse backgrounds, reflecting his universal appeal. 4. The well, Khwaja Kuan, near his shrine is believed to have healing properties. 5. His annual Urs at his shrine is a symbol of the legacy that creates unity and peace among all the faiths. —— Introduction Hazrat Khwaja Syed Abdullah Chishti, a prominent 16th-century Sufi saint of the Chishti order, is remembered as a beacon of spiritual wisdom, unity, and love. A direct descendant of the revered Khwaja Qutub Uddin Maudood Chishti, his life and teachings embody the Sufi tradition of devotion, humility, and service to humanity. His shrine in Chhota Sheikhpura, Nawada district, Bihar, continues to inspire and attract devotees from all over the country across religious and cultural boundaries. A Noble Lineage and Spiritual Upbringing Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti was born in Old Bhakkhar, Sindh. His family was among the most renowned in the annals of Sufism and spirituality. His father, Khwaja Syed Asadullah Chishti, was a great Sufi saint of the Chishtia Nizamia order, and his family lineage traces directly to Khwaja Maudood Chishti, one of the founders of the Chishti order. He engaged in the study of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and the mystical traditions of the Chishti order from an early age. His father was his first spiritual mentor, instilling in him devotion, service, and love for all of God’s creation. Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti was blessed with titles such as Qutb-ul-Asr, Qutb-e-Bihar, Fani Fillah, and Peerzada-e-Chisht, reflecting his high spiritual stature and connection to the Almighty. The Journey to Bihar: A Divine Calling Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti’s life took a transformative turn when he embarked on a spiritual journey that led him to the Indian subcontinent. Travelling through various regions and seeking blessings from the shrines of renowned saints, he ultimately reached the province of Bihar. His arrival at the shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom Sharf Uddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri, a celebrated Sufi saint, marked a significant moment in his spiritual quest. According to Hazrat Syed Ainuddin Chishti, the Sajjadanasheen (spiritual successor) of Chhota Sheikhpura Khanqah, Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti experienced a divine vision at the shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom Sharf Uddin. It was revealed to him that he was destined to settle in close proximity to the shrine and establish his spiritual base there. The exact location of his future residence was to be shown through miraculous signs. Miraculous Signs at Chhota Sheikhpura Once divinely guided, Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti set out to find the designated location. He eventually reached the present site, about 42 kilometres south of the main shrine. After spending the night in prayer, he performed ablution at sunrise. In a remarkable act of faith, he planted his miswaak (a twig used for cleaning teeth) into the ground, and to his amazement, it immediately sprouted into a lush green shrub. Simultaneously, he placed his walking stick into the earth, and a fountain of water gushed forth from the spot. Recognising these as divine signs, Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti resolved to make Chhota Sheikhpura his permanent residence. He devoted himself to the remembrance of Allah and the service of humanity. Founding of the Khanqah and the Holy Well Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti transformed the entire region into a centre of spiritual activity through his presence in Chhota Sheikhpura. The local king, realising his divine wisdom and influence, granted him a piece of land called Baithka on elevated ground. Here, Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti founded a Khanqah (Sufi lodge) and a mosque, creating a haven for seekers of spiritual guidance and a centre for learning. People from all walks of life gathered at the Khanqah to receive guidance, participate in communal prayers, and remember Allah. The fountain that had emerged was converted into a well, now known as Khwaja Kuan. Pilgrims continue to draw water from it, considering it sacred and attributing miraculous properties to it. The well remains well-preserved even today and is located beside the main road leading to the Khanqah. Universal Appeal and Reverence Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti’s shrine, situated on the Hisua-Narhat road in Chhota Sheikhpura, is a place of reverence for people from all walks of life. Devotees from Bihar and neighbouring states like Jharkhand, Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh visit the shrine to seek blessings, offer prayers, and pay homage. The annual Urs, commemorating his death anniversary, is celebrated with great fervour. The shrine becomes a vibrant centre of spiritual activity as people from diverse backgrounds attend the festivities, which include Quran recitations, Qawwalis (devotional songs), and communal meals. The Chadar ceremony, where devotees place ceremonial cloths over his tomb, is a highlight of the Urs. The shrine’s inclusivity is particularly noteworthy. Both Hindus and Muslims venerate Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti, reflecting his message of universal love and harmony. It serves as a unifying space where people transcend religious and social boundaries to find spiritual solace. Spiritual Teachings and Legacy As a custodian of the Chishti order’s teachings, Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti emphasised love, humility, and service to humanity. His mission was to spread divine love and bring people together, irrespective of their differences. He was a disciple of his father, Khwaja Syed Asadullah Chishti, and received spiritual guidance through his great-grandfather, Khwaja Syed Mohammad Jaan Chishti, a disciple of Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. This lineage of spiritual masters enriched his teachings and practices, which he passed on to his disciples and followers. Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti authorised many disciples to carry forward his mission, including Syed Qutub Uddin Sani Chishti, Syed Nasir Uddin Chishti, and Syed Aashique Chishti. His sons, Khwaja Sayyad Nasir Uddin Chishti and Khwaja Sayyad Qutub Uddin Qutub Sani Chishti, upheld his legacy, while his daughter, Bibi Saleha, played a vital role in preserving his tradition through her marriage to Sayyad Aashique Chishti, one of his prominent disciples. Shrine of Miracles and Blessings The miracles associated with Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti continue to inspire awe and devotion. The sacred well, Khwaja Kuan, stands as a testament to his divine blessings. Pilgrims believe its water has healing properties, with many testifying to miraculous recoveries and blessings after using it. The Khanqah remains a place for prayer, reflection, and community, drawing countless devotees seeking guidance and solace. Over centuries, it has become a symbol of spiritual continuity. Annual Urs: Celebrating Faith and Unity The annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti is a grand event, celebrated with devotion and passion. The festival features prayers, recitations, and devotional singing, creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervour. People from across the country gather to honour the saint, reaffirm their faith, and seek his blessings. The Urs is a reminder of the saint’s lasting impact, transcending time and cultural boundaries. It fosters communal harmony, bringing together individuals from diverse communities in a shared expression of devotion. A Timeless Inspiration Hazrat Khwaja Syed Abdullah Chishti’s life and legacy continue to resonate deeply with his followers. His teachings of love, compassion, and unity remain as relevant today as ever in a world often divided by differences. The Khanqah, Khwaja Kuan, and his shrine stand as enduring symbols of his spiritual journey, offering solace and inspiration to countless devotees. In a time when humanity seeks peace and harmony, Hazrat Khwaja Abdullah Chishti’s legacy serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of love and spirituality. His shrine in Chhota Sheikhpura is not only a place of reverence but also a beacon of hope and faith for all who visit. —— Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. 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