Chishti

Chishti, or Chishtiyya, is a major Sufi order (tariqa) within Sunni Islam. It is named for the Chisht valley near Herat in present-day Afghanistan, where tradition places the early formation of the order in the 9th to 10th centuries. The Chishti lineage emphasizes inner devotion, ethical conduct, and service to others, with a focus on love as a path to God.

In the Indian subcontinent, the Chishti order was established by Khwaja Mu'in al-Din Chishti (better known as Moinuddin Chishti), who settled in Ajmer and founded a prominent center of teaching and practice. His emphasis on humility, generosity, and inclusive hospitality helped the order spread widely. Prominent later saints associated with the Chishti lineage include Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi and Baba Farid Ganj Shakar in Pakpattan, who expanded its reach and influence across the region.

Practices and teachings of the Chishti order center on remembrance of God (dhikr), ethical living, and service to the poor and needy (khidmat). The order is noted for its emphasis on love, tolerance, and a hospitable approach to people of diverse backgrounds. Devotional music, or sama, and poetry have also been associated with some Chishti communities, as a means of drawing the heart toward the divine. A formal spiritual lineage (silsila) links practitioners back to its founding figures through successive generations.

Legacy and influence: The Chishti order played a formative role in the spread of Sufism in South Asia and contributed to the region’s religious and cultural syncretism. Its major shrines, including Ajmer Sharif and Nizamuddin Dargah, remain important pilgrimage sites for followers and visitors. The order continues to have a presence in various regions, shaping contemporary Sufi practice.