Stemmed from the Chitshti Order in India. His birth occurred in Delhi, where he was named Syid Muhammed Hussaini on 13th July 1321.
His teachings facilitated the appreciation and acceptance of people from diverse religious backgrounds, which today serve as a foundation for supreme peace among the people of India. Wonders of Sufism, as well as the Chishtis set alongside his efforts, bring hope to a large population across the globe today.
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Syed Muhammed Hussaini’s family shifted to Daulatabad, currently in deed Maharashtra, where he spent his childhood and began to receive his spiritual training. At the age of 4 in 1321, he shifted with his family, had a good educational background and high spirituality. By the time he turned 15, he was able to return to Delhi and pursue his studies under the enormous Sufi saint Hazrat Nasiruddin. After learning for dedicating 15 years under his guide, he became fluent in spirituality and earned his Khilafat.
After the death of Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi, Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz assumed his position as the head of the Chishti Order. In 1397, he relocated to Gulbarga, for what is now in Karnataka, at the invitation of Sultan Taj-ud-Din Firuz Shah of the Bahmani Sultanate. While there, he put in efforts to propagate the Chishti Order in South India and set up his base of operation.
Impact in South India and Spiritual Legacy
After settling in Gulbarga, Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz became a spiritual luminary of the Deccan. Because of his teachings and spiritual practices he was followed by people of all cates, creeds and religions. He has authored more than one hundred ninety-five books in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu languages among them important works like Tafseer-e-Multaqat, Awarif-ul-Ma`arif, Fasoos-al-Hukm, Qaseeda Amali and Adaab-al-Mureedein.
. Many of these books, specifically his lesser-known writings, have a significant impact on scholars and devotees, even today. But very few are aware of them in Gulbarga.
A Life Dedicated to Sufism and Knowledge
His pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, along with a deep understanding of Sufism, allowed him to teach various places like Delhi, Mewat, Gwalior, Chanderi, and Khambayat. His teachings helped him gain a wider audience. In 1397, when he passed away in November of 1422, he left a legacy of wisdom, love, devotion, and fragrance of Sufism.
The Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz
On the 15th of Zul-Qaadah of the Islamic Calendar, devotees from all walks of life assemble to celebrate the death anniversary (Urs) of Khwaja Banda Nawaz at Gulbarga. This is done to celebrate his spiritual contributions towards the betterment of society and to bring people from various religions and cultures together. The Dargah is a pilgrimage site that is still visited by people in the hundreds of thousands who are looking for blessings and peace and trying to connect with the teachings of Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz.
For other important spiritual places in India, Ajmer Sharif Dargah India is also an important landmark in the country that unites people of different faiths through Sufism.
The Descendants and Their Continuing Legacy
Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini, the current head, is an eminent personality in the family living in Gulbarga. He has dedicated his life to exploring the teachings of his great-grandfather and, in the process, has authored countless books that would continue to inspire the descendants of his greatest forefather.
