Hazrat Sheikh Najibuddin Mutaawakkil Chishti: A Sufi Saint whose Shrine is in Delhi
By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam
06 February 2025
This Article Provides An In-Depth Examination Of The Life And Legacy Of Hazrat Sheikh Najibuddin Mutaawakkil Chishti, A Pre-Eminent Sufi Saint Of Medieval India. As A Distinguished Figure Within The Chishti Order, The Sheikh Is Remembered For His Unwavering Trust In The Divine, His Scholarly Mastery Of Spiritual Sciences, And His Close Association With Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masud Ganjshakar.
Main Points:
1. A revered Sufi of the Chishti order, known for his unwavering trust in Allah (tawakkul) and deep devotion to spiritual practices.
2. Descended from an esteemed lineage, his family migrated from Kabul to India due to political upheavals, settling in Kasur and later Delhi.
3. Younger brother of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar, from whom he received spiritual guidance and khilafat.
4. Known for karamat (miracles), including spiritual insights and moral guidance that influenced disciples and rulers alike.
5. His shrine in Delhi remains a site of pilgrimage, symbolizing his lasting impact on the Chishti tradition and Sufi spirituality.
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Hazrat Sheikh Najibuddin Mutaawakkil Chishti occupies an illustrious place in the annals of medieval Sufism in India. His life, characterised by humility, deep spiritual insight, and complete reliance on Allah (tawakkul), has been the subject of numerous hagiographical and historical accounts. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of his biography, examine the socio-political context in which he lived, and highlight the unique spiritual contributions that continue to influence the Chishti tradition and wider Sufi discourse.
Historical Context and Arrival in Hind
The historical narrative of the Sheikh’s life must be considered within the larger framework of the socio-political changes that marked the Indian subcontinent during his era. Originating from an illustrious family that traced its roots to Farkh Shah, the erstwhile ruler of Kabul, his lineage was profoundly affected by the rise of the Ghaznavid dynasty. Following the collapse of Farkh Shah’s authority and the subsequent capture of Kabul by the Ghaznavids, the region underwent significant political transformation. It is recorded that during the devastation wrought by Chingiz Khan on Ghazni, the forebears of the Sheikh achieved martyrdom in the struggle for Kabul. Subsequent migration saw members of his family relocate first to Lahore and later to Kasur, where the Sheikh’s reputation led to his appointment as Qazi at Teeswal by the local Sultan. This period of transition underscores the interplay between political upheaval and the evolution of spiritual leadership in pre-modern India.
Genealogical Lineage and Family Background
The genealogical record (Nasab Nama) of Hazrat Sheikh Najibuddin Mutaawakkil Chishti is both extensive and illustrious. His ancestry includes prominent figures such as Sheikh Jamaluddin Suleiman Faruki, Sheikh Shoaib Faruki, and several other esteemed predecessors. This distinguished lineage culminates in his descent from Hazrat Sayyidna Umar Farooq Azam, reinforcing the sanctity and scholarly heritage of his family. His father, Sheikh Jamaluddin Suleiman, was celebrated for his intellectual and spiritual accomplishments, while his mother, Bibi Kursum Khatun, daughter of Hazrat Maulana Wajihuddin Khujandi, is remembered for her exemplary piety. A well-known narrative recounts how Bibi Kursum, during her prayer, miraculously restored the vision of a frightened thief—a story that has contributed to the revered image of the family.
Spiritual Lineage and Mentorship
A central aspect of the Sheikh’s life is his affiliation with the Chishti order, one of the most influential Sufi traditions in India. He was the youngest of three spiritual siblings, with his elder brother being Azuddin Mahmood and his middle brother the renowned Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masud Ganjshakar. The Sheikh took bay‘ah (oath of allegiance) from his elder spiritual mentor, thereby receiving both khilafat (spiritual succession) and ijazat (authorization) to propagate the Sufi teachings. His exemplary life of tawakkul—in which he depended entirely on divine providence despite facing material hardships—earned him admiration among his contemporaries and later Sufi luminaries.
Spiritual Contributions and Distinctive Qualities
The Sheikh is particularly noted for his austere lifestyle and detachment from material concerns. Hagiographical sources attest that his life was dedicated almost exclusively to the remembrance of Allah, to the extent that mundane matters such as market prices or social conventions held little significance for him. This detachment is highlighted in the accounts of Sultan Mahboob-e-Ilahi Nizamuddin Auliya Dehlavi, who remarked on the Sheikh’s remarkable indifference to worldly affairs. Furthermore, his refusal to assume positions or honours that might compromise his spiritual integrity underscores his commitment to an ascetic way of life and his role as a moral and ethical exemplar within the Sufi community.
Incidents of Miraculous Significance
Miraculous occurrences (karamat) form an integral part of Sufi tradition, and several such incidents are associated with Hazrat Sheikh Najibuddin Mutaawakkil Chishti. One notable episode occurred during a visit to Badaun, where the Sheikh’s conduct at the residence of a distinguished dignitary, Sheikh Ali, drew significant attention. In a gesture of profound respect, the Sheikh removed his shoes and carefully placed his feet on the prayer mat—a practice which prompted Sheikh Ali to reflect on his own conduct. Upon being permitted to examine a book in the presence of Sheikh Ali, the Sheikh discovered an inscription that prognosticated the emergence of future Sufi masters who might falter in their commitment. The subsequent repentance of Sheikh Ali, following the Sheikh’s gentle admonition, illustrates the profound moral and spiritual authority that the Sheikh commanded.
Later Life, Demise and Legacy
In the later stages of his life, Hazrat Sheikh Najibuddin Mutaawakkil Chishti remained closely associated with his master, Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masud Ganjshakar, particularly during their time in Delhi. His sustained interactions with other prominent figures, including Sultan Mahboob-e-Ilahi Nizamuddin Auliya, served to reinforce his standing as a leading Sufi master. The Sheikh’s life concluded during the blessed month of Ramadan in 671 Hijri, under the auspices of Giyasuddin Balban. His final supplications, marked by an earnest desire for reunion with his spiritual guide, epitomise the enduring bonds of the Chishti order and its emphasis on spiritual continuity.
Shrine and Contemporary Relevance
The sacred shrine (mazaar) of Hazrat Sheikh Najibuddin Mutaawakkil Chishti is situated near the Darbar of Hazrat Mai Sahiba in the village of Adchani, on the outskirts of Maharuli Shareef, Delhi. Today, the shrine continues to serve as a vital centre for pilgrimage and spiritual reflection, attesting to the lasting impact of his teachings. The shrine, along with other significant dargahs of Delhi, remains an important site for scholars and devotees alike, underscoring the contemporary relevance of the Sheikh’s spiritual legacy.
Conclusion
The life of Hazrat Sheikh Najibuddin Mutaawakkil Chishti embodies a synthesis of spiritual excellence, ethical conduct, and profound reliance on divine providence. His contributions to the Chishti order—as both a spiritual mentor and a reformer of religious practice—continue to stimulate scholarly inquiry and inspire devotional practice. Future research may delve further into the socio-political dimensions of his life and explore the transformative effects of his teachings on the religious landscape of medieval India.
Citations
· Mazrat E Aulia Delhi by Mohd. Alam Shah
· AULIYA-E-DELHI KI DARGAHEN.by MOHD. HIFZUR-RAHMAN
· Tareekh-e -Auliya-e-Dehli by Ahmad Saeed
· In Search of the Divine: Living Histories of Sufism in India by Rana Safvi
· Mardane Khuda
· Mir-at ul-Israr - Urdu translation by Shaykh Abdul Rahman Chishti
· https://ranasafvi.com/dargah-of-sheikh-najibuddin-mutawakkil/
· https://auliadeccan.com/2023/08/31/hazrat-sheikh-najibuddin-mutawakkil/
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A regular contributor to New Age Islam, Sahil Razvi is a research scholar specialising in Sufism and Islamic History. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia.
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