Khwaja Garib Nawaz - In Delhi


Hazrat Khwaja Gribnawaz (Allah's Mercy be on him) visited Delhi twice during the reign of Sultan Altamash. His first visit was in 611 AH – 612 AD when he came to Delhi to meet his favourite disciple Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him). Many people benefited by the prayers of Hazrat Khwaja Gribnawaz (Allah's Mercy be on him) and many be came enlightened. At this time Baba Farid Shakar Ganj (Allah's Mercy be on him) was spiritually enlightened by both Hazrat Khwaja Gribnawaz and Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah be pleased with them) and brought under the Chishtiya order.

It so happened that when Hazrat Khwaja Sahib came to Delhi, slowly everyone came from far and near to pay homage to him and even Sultan Altamash came to pay respects to the sage. When everyone was blessed Hazrat Khwaja Sahi enquired if anyone was yet left out. Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him) replied in the affirmative and took Hazrat Khwaja Sahib to a secluded room where Baba Farid Shakar Ganj (Allah's Mercy be on him) was lying down. He had become so seak whilst praying and fasting and meditating that he could not get up to pay his respects. Tears rolled down his cheeks and he placed his head on the ground. Hazrat Khwaja Sahib was moved and he and Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him) hands and made him stand. Hazarat Khwaja Sahib blessed him and prayed to Allah to accept him as a perfect Darwesh. A voice was heard that Allah had accepted the prayers. This gave strength to Baba Farid (Allah's Mercy be on him) and his condition improved. Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him) was then instructed by Hazarat Khwaja Sahib to teach the Sijra or special prayers (which is handed down to Chishtiya Khwajas) to Baba Farid (Allah's Mercy be on him) so that he may learn the mystery of the inner life and gain divine wisdom. The benefits of both the world were conferred on Baba Farid (Allah's Mercy be on him) by Hazarat Khwaja Sahib and Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him). Hazarat Khwaja Sahib gave his robe to Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him) and gave his turban and other relics to Baba Farid (Allah's Mercy be on him).

At this time, Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (Allah's Mercy be on him), moved by intense desire to see his beloved disciple and successor arrived in Delhi. He requested Hazarat Khwaja Sahib to stay with him and gain some more spiritual powers and blessings under his continuous constant training and preaching. Hazarat Khwaja Sahib joyfully stayed with his spritual mentor and acquired perfection.

During this time Shaikh Sadi Shirazi, a renowned poet, came to India and was fortunate to meet Hazarat Khwaja Sahib and Hazrat Usman Harooni (Allah's Mercy be on him). He paid his respects to them and gained their blessings.

Also, Sultan Altamash came to Delhi to pay his respects to Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni and Hazarat Khwaja Sahib (Allah's Mercy be on him) and pleaded Hazrat Usman Harooni (Allah's Mercy be on him) to accept him as his disciple. His sincerity and piety impressed Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (Allah's Mercy be on him) who accepted him as his spiritual disciple and offered him the cap. By his spiritual blessing, Sultan Altamash acqured varrious spiritual knowledge.

Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (Allah's Mercy be on him) requested Hazarat Khwaja Sahib to write a book on sufism based on Qur’aanic verses and precenpts, and on the teachings of the Allah’s Messenger (Traditions); and on the sayings of the outstanding saints and righteous persons, which may serve as a guide to Sultan Altamash. Hazrat Khwaja Sahib wrote a book on the above lines and called if Ganjul Israr and presented it to Sultan Altamash. On reading it the Sultan felt a change and he gained divine wisdom and spiritual powers. Even after Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (Allah's Mercy be on him) had left Delhi, Hazarat Khwaja Sahib remained back to teach and guide and inspire Sultan Altamash at the behes of Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harooni (Allah's Mercy be on him). Later, Hazarat Khwaja Sahib departed for Ajmer. In Delhi now lived two kings – one was Sultan Altamash, who looked after the country and held temporal authority and the send was Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him), who held spiritual authority. Together they preached and propagated Islam and introduced ways to better living.

Hazrat Khwaja Sahib’s second visit to Delhi was in 621 Ah, 1225 AD. To settle matters regarding unjustified confiscation of the produce of land by a certain officer. This land belonged to a farmer who was disciple of Hazarat Khwaja Sahib. Hazarat Khwaja Sahib was also requested by his son Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin Sarwar (Allah's Mercy be on him) to obtain sanction or free a part of Mandal Village by Sultan Altamash. Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him) was surprised and delighted at the unexpected visit of Hazarat Khwaja Sahib and they both approached the Sultan and the issue were settled favourably.

Hazarat Khwaja Sahib wanted to take Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him) back to Ajmer with him as Shaikh Nizamuddin Sughra (Allah's Mercy be on him) had complained to Hazarat Khwaja Sahib about Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi (Allah's Mercy be on him). He felt that the presence of Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi in Delhi made his position awkward and insignificant. Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi was over joyed to go with his master but the people were dumbfounded. They implored Hazrat Khwaja Sahib not to tak him and even persuaded Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Qaqi to stay. Finally Hazarat Khwaja Sahib permitted him to stay back in Delhi and he returned to Ajmer.

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