Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the revered Sufi saint of Ajmer Sharif. The Prime Minister’s message emphasized the importance of peace and harmony, values that are deeply associated with the teachings of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shri Modi responded to a message by Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, stating, “Greetings on the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. May this occasion bring happiness and peace into everyone’s lives.”
Shri Rijiju had earlier shared that the Prime Minister had presented a Chadar (sacred cloth) to be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on his behalf. This gesture underscores the Prime Minister’s deep respect for India’s rich spiritual heritage and his commitment to fostering a message of unity and compassion.
Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
The Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is an annual event that attracts millions of devotees from across the globe to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan. The festival commemorates the death anniversary of the Sufi saint, who is known for his teachings of love, tolerance, and service to humanity.
The Prime Minister’s participation in this tradition highlights the government’s recognition of the diverse cultural and spiritual practices that form the fabric of Indian society. It also reflects the enduring relevance of Sufi teachings in promoting communal harmony and mutual respect.
As the nation celebrates this auspicious occasion, the Prime Minister’s message serves as a reminder of the values that bind the country together, transcending religious and cultural differences. The offering of the Chadar at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a symbolic gesture that reinforces the spirit of inclusivity and shared heritage.
The Urs celebrations will continue with various religious and cultural programs, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor the legacy of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and his timeless message of peace and compassion.
Who Was Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti?
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was a renowned Islamic preacher, mystic, scholar, and philosopher of Indo-Persian origin who introduced and popularized the Chishti Sufi order in India. Revered as Khwaja Garib Nawaz or “Benefactor of the Poor,” he is celebrated for his teachings of compassion, inclusivity, and spiritual wisdom.
Born in the mid-12th century in Sistan, a region straddling present-day Iran and Afghanistan, Khwaja Moinuddin hailed from a farmer’s family with a lineage tracing back to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After completing his education in the esteemed centers of learning in Bukhara and Samarqand, he turned toward spiritual mysticism and began a life devoted to spreading Islamic values.
Khwaja Moinuddin arrived in India and settled in Ajmer in 1192, soon after the Second Battle of Tarain, where Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.
His contribution towards the spread of Islam in India
His compassionate and tolerant approach made him a key figure in the spread of Islam in India, especially among the lower and marginalized classes. His magnetic personality and humanitarian outlook led to a significant number of conversions to Islam.
One of Khwaja Garib Nawaz’s distinctive contributions was his use of music in spiritual devotion, making Islam more relatable and accessible to the newly converted masses in India. His inclusive vision extended beyond religion, as evident in the fact that some of his verses are cited in the Sikh scripture, the Adi Granth, as noted by historian Satish Chandra in The History of Medieval India.
Unlike the Suhrawardi Sufi order, which engaged with rulers and state affairs, the Chishti saints, including Khwaja Moinuddin, consciously avoided political involvement, emphasizing a life of humility and detachment.
Khwaja enriched India’s socio-cultural fabric with messages of love, harmony, and brotherhood: PM Modi
Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the contributions of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in a message commemorating the Urs. He emphasized how saints like Khwaja Garib Nawaz have enriched India’s socio-cultural fabric with messages of love, harmony, and brotherhood. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the Urs would continue to inspire faith and unity among devotees.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti remains a towering figure in Indian spiritual history, embodying values that transcend time and boundaries. His shrine in Ajmer continues to be a symbol of peace, unity, and devotion for millions worldwide.