Nizamuddin Auliya: The Sufi Saint of Delhi
Nizamuddin Auliya, born in 1238 CE in Badayun (now in Uttar Pradesh, India), is one of the most revered Sufi saints in the Indian subcontinent. He belonged to the Chishti Order, a Sufi order known for promoting love, tolerance, and openness to all religions. His full name was Hazrat Khwaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya, and he was given the title “Mehboob-e-Ilahi,” meaning “Beloved of God.” Nizamuddin spent much of his life in Delhi, which became his spiritual and physical home. His teachings and influence shaped generations of spiritual seekers and played a significant role in spreading the Chishti teachings throughout India.
Early Life and Spiritual Calling
Nizamuddin Auliya was born into a family that had migrated from Bukhara, a prominent center of Islamic culture in Central Asia. Orphaned at a young age, he moved to Delhi with his mother, where he grew up under difficult circumstances. His spiritual journey began at the age of 20 when he became a disciple of Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar, a well-known Sufi saint of the Chishti order. Nizamuddin’s devotion and sincerity made him one of Baba Farid’s most beloved students, and after years of spiritual training, he was appointed as his successor.
The Teachings of Nizamuddin Auliya
Nizamuddin Auliya’s teachings were centered around love, compassion, and humility. He believed that the essence of religion was in serving humanity and showing kindness to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. He discouraged materialism and worldly desires, emphasizing the inner, spiritual path to God. His famous sayings like “Love all, hate none” and “I don’t see any stranger, I see only friends” illustrate his inclusive and loving outlook.
He did not involve himself in politics and kept a distance from rulers and kings, focusing instead on the well-being of the common people. He opened his khanqah (spiritual retreat) to the poor, needy, and homeless, offering food, shelter, and spiritual guidance. His tomb in Delhi, known as the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, continues to be a symbol of devotion, attracting people from all walks of life.
Amir Khusro: Favourite Student of Nizamuddin Auliya
Among Nizamuddin Auliya’s many disciples, Amir Khusro is perhaps the most celebrated. Born in 1253 CE in Patiali (near modern-day Etah in Uttar Pradesh), Khusro was a scholar, poet, and musician. He was of Turkish origin, and his family served in the royal courts of the Delhi Sultanate. Khusro, known for his intelligence and creative genius, is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures in Indian history.
Khusro’s Early Life and Path to Sufism
Amir Khusro began composing poetry at a young age and became known for his unique blend of Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Indian influences. He lived during a time of cultural fusion in India, as the Delhi Sultanate ruled over much of northern India. Khusro’s poetic talents gained him recognition in the royal courts, but his heart was always drawn toward the spiritual path. This yearning led him to Nizamuddin Auliya, whose teachings and personality left a deep impression on him.
When Khusro met Nizamuddin, he found in the saint not only a spiritual guide but also a father figure. Their bond grew to be one of deep affection and respect, and Khusro became his most dedicated disciple. He often referred to Nizamuddin as his “spiritual master” and wrote many poems in his honor. Nizamuddin, in turn, cherished Khusro, calling him his “Turk-e-Allah” (Turk of God) for his unique abilities and devotion.
Contributions to Music and Poetry
Amir Khusro is credited with many cultural contributions to Indian society, especially in the realms of music and literature. He is regarded as the “father of Qawwali,” a form of devotional music performed at Sufi shrines. Khusro also played a key role in developing Hindustani classical music by fusing Persian and Indian styles, and he is credited with inventing several musical instruments, including the sitar and tabla.
Khusro was a prolific writer, composing works in Persian, Hindavi (a precursor to modern Hindi-Urdu), and Arabic. His poetry covered various themes, from love and devotion to spirituality and mysticism. His riddles (paheliyan) and songs (khayal) are still famous today and are sung in various parts of India and Pakistan. Khusro’s work bridged the gap between the courtly world of the elite and the common people, allowing his message of love and unity to spread far and wide
The Unique Relationship Between Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro
The relationship between Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro was one of mutual admiration and deep spiritual connection. Khusro spent most of his life serving Nizamuddin, attending to his needs, and accompanying him during his sermons and gatherings. Khusro’s poetry often reflected his love for his spiritual master, whom he considered his source of inspiration. In his verses, Khusro compared his bond with Nizamuddin to the love between a moth and a flame, signifying his complete devotion to his master.
Nizamuddin Auliya, who rarely displayed outward affection, was deeply fond of Khusro. It is said that Khusro’s presence brought great joy to Nizamuddin, and he often referred to him as his “companion of the soul.” Their relationship was not just that of a teacher and student but that of two souls connected through the love of God.
Nizamuddin’s Passing and Khusro’s Grief
When Nizamuddin Auliya passed away in 1325 CE, Amir Khusro was devastated. He composed some of his most heartfelt poetry during this time, expressing his grief over the loss of his spiritual guide. It is believed that Khusro could not bear the separation from Nizamuddin for long and passed away just six months after his beloved master’s death. Both are buried near each other at the Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi, where devotees continue to pay their respects to this day.
Legacy of Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro
The legacy of Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro is deeply interwoven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of South Asia. Nizamuddin’s teachings of love, inclusivity, and devotion to God resonate even today among people of all faiths. His dargah remains a major spiritual center, visited by thousands every day, seeking solace and blessings.
Amir Khusro’s contributions to music and poetry have left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of India. His work paved the way for the development of new forms of expression, and his poetry continues to be sung and celebrated. The relationship between these two spiritual figures continues to inspire generations, reminding people of the timeless power of love and devotion.
In their lives and teachings, Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro exemplified the true spirit of Sufism—a path of love, service, and unity with the Divine.
Nizamuddin Auliya’s relationship with the political rulers of his time was often marked by tension, as he deliberately kept a distance from the royal court. He focused on spirituality and the well-being of the common people, rather than engaging in politics. This attitude, however, sometimes put him at odds with the rulers, particularly Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
Conflict with Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, was not fond of Nizamuddin Auliya. The saint’s immense popularity among the people and his refusal to acknowledge or serve the rulers in any capacity made the Sultan wary. Nizamuddin’s influence over the masses and his independent stance were seen as a potential challenge to royal authority. Tughlaq felt threatened by the saint’s growing power and thought it could undermine his control over Delhi.
The Sultan’s Orders to Exile Nizamuddin
Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq sought to exile Nizamuddin Auliya from Delhi as a way to curtail his influence. He ordered the saint to move away from the city and settle elsewhere. This decision was also influenced by the ongoing feud between Nizamuddin and some of the Sultan’s officials, who felt that the saint’s presence posed a political threat. However, Nizamuddin, who was known for his calm and peaceful demeanor, responded to this in a characteristically humble and spiritual manner.
It is said that when the Sultan issued this order, Nizamuddin Auliya famously remarked, “Hunuz Dilli dur ast,” which means “Delhi is still far away.” This phrase is believed to have implied that the Sultan’s plans might not come to fruition. Coincidentally, while Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was returning to Delhi from a campaign in Bengal, he died unexpectedly, either due to an accident or an assassination, before he could enforce the order. As a result, Nizamuddin Auliya never left Delhi and continued to live there until his death.
Legacy of the Conflict
Nizamuddin Auliya’s life exemplifies the Sufi ideal of detachment from worldly power. His conflict with Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq is remembered as a classic example of a saint’s peaceful resistance to political authority. Even though the Sultan tried to send him away, Nizamuddin’s spiritual influence and legacy remained rooted in Delhi, where his dargah stands as a symbol his popularity in that Era till now.
