Nizam-ud-din Auliya

Sultan-ul-Mashaikh, Khwaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya, (Arabic: سَىدُّ مُحَمَّدٌ نِظَامِ الدَّىنْ اوْلَىاءَ) also known as Hazrat Nizamuddin (1238 – 3 April 1325), was a famous Indian Sunni Muslim scholar and Sufi saint of the Chishti Order. Like his predecessors, he emphasized love as a way to connect with God and humanity, promoting religious pluralism and kindness. His influence in Delhi led to a shift towards mysticism and prayer among Muslims, according to historian Ziauddin Barani. He had initial good relations with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, but their relationship soured due to differences in opinion, leading to regular disputes between them. Nizamuddin Auliya was born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, India. He became a follower of Baba Farid, a famous Sufi saint, when he was twenty years old. Nizamuddin focused on helping people, teaching about God, and living simply. He built a place in Delhi where everyone could come to learn and eat. He believed in loving and serving others, regardless of their social status. He didn't like spending time with powerful rulers and preferred being with ordinary people. He also valued music as a way to connect with God, though he believed it should be without dancing or musical instruments. Nizamuddin had many students who continued his teachings, including Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi and Amir Khusro. His teachings spread throughout India and beyond, forming the Chisti Nizami order of Sufism. He passed away in 1325, but his shrine in Delhi remains a place of pilgrimage for people of all faiths, especially during special events honoring him and his students. Songs and movies have been made about his life and teachings, celebrating his legacy of love, service, and spiritual devotion. References