Hazrat Zar Zari Zar Baksh: The Sufi of Khuldabad Whose Breath Brought Gold, Guidance, and Generations into Light

By Adnan Faizi, New Age Islam 5 July 2025 A quiet saint with immense spiritual depth, Hazrat Muntajibuddin Zar Zari Zar Baksh carried the Chishtiyya tradition into the heart of the Deccan. A beloved disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, he became a luminous force in Khuldabad, guiding generations through love, miracles, and simplicity. Main Points: 1. Born near Aurangabad, a descendant of Hazrat Abu Hanifa 2. Disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, led Deccan caravan of saints 3. Known for the gold-miracle, he was bestowed the title 'Zar Zari Zar Baksh'. 4. Settled in Khuldabad, converted many including mystic Sona Bai 5. Died at 34, his shrine remains a major spiritual site ---- Introduction Hazrat Shaykh Muntajibuddin, more lovingly remembered as Zar Zari Zar Baksh and Dulha Miyan, was among the most graceful transmitters of the Chishti light in southern India. Though he died young at just 34 his impact on the spiritual topography of the Deccan was profound. As mureed of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and brother to Hazrat Burhanuddin Gharib, his name is revered in Chishti circles, especially in the dargah town of Khuldabad. His legacy of charity, quiet strength, and divine miracles earned him the title “Zar Zari Zar Baksh” the one who distributed gold. Early Life and Background Hazrat Muntajibuddin was born in 675 AH (1276 AD) near Aurangabad in the Deccan region. His father was Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad, and his mother was Bibi Hajira (often called Ma Saheba), who lies buried beside him today. He belonged to a family steeped in spiritual legacy. Among his four brothers, Hazrat Burhanuddin Gharib stands out as one of the most renowned Chishti saints of the region. His siblings included Hazrat Aziz Qattal and Hazrat Abul Fatah, both buried in Deccan cities. He also had five sisters—Bibi Khadija, Bibi Maraya, Bibi Amana, and Bibi Hameeda. He was known for spiritual tendencies from childhood. Devoted to prayers, dhikr, and ascetic practices, he would also regularly offer Ishraq, Chasht, Awabeen, and Tahajjud prayers along with the obligatory ones. From an early age, he exhibited signs of deep devotion and renunciation. Nasabi and Spiritual Lineage Hazrat Muntajibuddin is widely believed to be the 21st-generation Spiritual descendant of Prophet Muhammad and the 11th-generation descendant of Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifa. His lineage from Abu Hanifa is noted as follows: 1. Hazrat Khwaja Muntajibuddin 2. Hazrat Mahmood 3. Hazrat Naseer Hanseri 4. Hazrat Sultan Muzaffar 5. Hazrat Sultan Ibrahim 6. Hazrat Shaykh Abu Bakr 7. Hazrat Shaykh Abdullah 8. Hazrat Shaykh Abdur Rashid 9.Hazrat Shaykh Abdus Samad 10.Hazrat Abdus Salam 11.Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifa As per most traditions, this lineage is accurate, though one version traces him as the 12th-generation descendant. Spiritually, he followed the Chishti Silsila from Prophet Muhammad through Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Hasan Basri, and other key saints, eventually to Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, and finally to himself. This rich transmission of Barakah shaped his approach to sainthood. Bay'ah and Khilafat Hazrat Muntajibuddin was a mureed (disciple) of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, one of the most influential Chishti saints. Not only did he earn his mentor's love, but he was granted full spiritual authority Khilafat at a young age. Along with this, he received a prayer mat, a robe of honour, a staff, and a written certificate of Khilafat. He was known for his deep Taqwa (piety), Zuhd (abstinence), and simple lifestyle. Despite being young, his maturity in spiritual matters and his authority among the saints were evident when he led a massive caravan from Delhi to Deccan. Caravan to Deccan and Settlement When Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya chose to spiritually illuminate the Deccan, he selected Hazrat Muntajibuddin to lead a spiritual caravan southward. This journey is legendary—some records state the caravan comprised 1400 palanquins, others mention 700 people. This group included: Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad (spiritual brother) Hazrat Khwaja Shamsuddin (his sister’s son) Hazrat Syed Kabir (his teacher) Hazrat Khwaja Sirajuddin (maternal uncle) Hazrat Badruddin Nau-Lakhi Hazrat Kamaluddin (buried in Mandi Takeri) Hazrat Sadruddin Hazrat Fakhruddin Hazrat Zaheeruddin Initially settling near Daulatabad, Hazrat Muntajibuddin began chilla kashi (forty-day meditations) in mountain caves. Later, he established himself permanently in Khuldabad, then known as “Baghe Roudah.” Title “Zar Zari Zar Baksh” The name “Zar Zari Zar Baksh” came from several accounts of divine provision: Every Tahajjud, a box of gold would appear before him—some say sent by angels or Jinn—used only to feed and clothe his dervishes. Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya once told him, “You will never lack help from the unseen,” and so it happened. In one narrative, during a famine, golden branches emerged miraculously to provide relief. Another tradition says his mother, while pregnant, consumed a blessed gold pill of Raw sugar given by Hazrat Nizamuddin, and he was born wrapped in golden cloth. Despite such miraculous blessings, he lived austerely, sharing everything with his companions. Miracles and Disciples Among the most known of his miracles is the story of Sona Bai, the daughter of a local Hindu chief. Once, when she refused water to a thirsty dervish, sarcastically saying he could have water only if the well turned to gold, Hazrat Muntajibuddin dipped a handkerchief into the water—and it turned golden. This event caused her entire family to accept Islam. Sona Bai later became a mystic herself and buried near Hazrat’s grave. Demise and Urs Tradition Hazrat Muntajibuddin passed away on 7 Rabi' al-Awwal 709 AH (1309 AD) at the age of just 34, in his Khuldabad residence. His Urs is still commemorated with deep devotion: The ceremonies begin on 1st Rabi' al-Awwal and reach their peak between the 4th and 8th. Rituals include Taqrib Chuna (whitewashing), Sandal Mali (applying sandal), and Farashan (changing the grave cover). A special tradition is washing the cover at the Satkonda wells. The days are marked with Qawwali, Meelaad Sharif, and distribution of sweets, creating a spiritual and festive atmosphere. Mausoleum and Legacy His dargah in Khuldabad is among the most visited Chishtiyya shrines in southern India. The shrine is elevated, covered with velvet and golden lace. Inside the Mausoleum preserved Qur’an copies and a steel mirror, while the floor at the entrance gate is lined with black stone. Nearby are the graves of his mother Bibi Hajira, his sister’s sons, and numerous dervishes. Historical records mention that the current structure was renovated during the Golconda era by Sultan Abul Hasan Tana Shah. Despite his short life, Hazrat Muntajibuddin’s spiritual legacy echoes through the Deccan. His shrine continues to inspire seekers and saints. His example of silent generosity, deep dhikr, and quiet dignity remains a guiding light. ----- Adnan Faizi is a Peace and Harmony activist based in Delhi. He is an alumni of CCS University, Meerut. 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