Chishti Tariqah
Introduction
Chishti Tariqah (Arabic: الطريقة الششتية, Turkish: Çişti Tarikatı), also known as the Chishti Order, is one of the most influential Sufi brotherhoods in South Asia. It was founded in the thirteenth-century Indian subcontinent by Muin al-Din Chishti, who passed away in 1236. The Tariqah has deep historic roots and a rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Etymology
The term “Chishti” is derived from Chisht, a small town near Herat in present-day Afghanistan, where the founder of the order, Abu Ishaq Shami, settled and established his teachings before his disciple Muin al-Din brought them to India.
Historical Background
The order spread considerably throughout present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh starting from the thirteenth century. The golden age of the Chishti Tariqah spanned from the thirteenth to fourteenth centuries. During these centuries, its leadership prioritized practical and emotional mysticism and disciplined spiritual mentoring over academic or intellectual endeavors.
Core Teachings and Practices
Members of the Chishti Tariqah embrace poverty (faqr in Arabic), humility, and avoid close affiliations with political authorities. Their teachings emphasize altruism and spiritual listening (in distinct settings known as qalbiyyat).
Poverty and Spiritualism
The Chishti Tariqah is renowned for its pronounced emphasis on spiritual poverty and detachment from worldly possessions and positions—ideals that resonate deeply in their communities.
Relationship between the Elder and the Disciple
A defining feature of the Chishti Order is the unique relationship between the elder (shaykh) and the disciple (murid), which is both intensely personal and spiritually profound. The transmission of wisdom in the Chishti Tariqah happens through this mentorship dynamic, heavily reliant on emotional and practical mysticism.
Musical Culture: Qawwali
A notable cultural development within the Chishti Tariqah is qawwali, a form of devotional music crafted to induce states of spiritual ecstasy. This genre melds mystical poetry presented in Persian, Hindi, and Urdu, performed during Sufi gatherings at shrines known as mehfils.
Revitalization and Modern History
The order saw revitalization in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, notably during the efforts of Shah Wali Allah of Delhi, who emphasized adapting early Islamic preaching to contemporary conditions. This wave of revivalism marked a significant renewal of Chishti spiritual traditions.
However, during the nineteenth-century British colonial rule, the Chishti Order was often associated with various, albeit unsuccessful, attempts to reform Islamic institutions.
Key Sites and Pilgrimage
The shrine of Muin al-Din Chishti in Ajmer, India, stands as the most paramount pilgrimage center for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, attracting thousands of devotees annually.
Devotion to Ali ibn Abi Talib
Chishti followers hold profound reverence to Ali ibn Abi Talib, tracing their spiritual lineage and wisdom in an unbroken chain of spiritual teachers back to him, reflecting in their doctrines and practices.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Muslim Saints and Mystics: Episodes from the Tadhkirat al-Auliya” by Farid al-Din Attar.
- “The Sufis” by Idries Shah.
- “The Mystics of Islam” by Reynold A. Nicholson.
- “Civilizing Emotions” by Margrit Pernau et al., which explores qawwali among other cultural expressions.
Key Takeaways
- The Chishti Tariqah is renowned for its dedication to poverty and spiritual integrity.
- A defining cultural trait of the order is the music genre qawwali, which serves to elevate spiritual communion.
- The relationship between elder and disciple in Chishti practice is central to the transmission of knowledge.
- The order has undergone periods of renewal and faced political challenges under colonial rule.
- The shrine of Muin al-Din Chishti is a focal point for Muslim pilgrimage.
Conclusion
The Chishti Tariqah holds a profound place in the heart of South Asian spirituality, leaving a lasting influence on the cultural, spiritual, and communal perspectives of its followers. Through its teachings, musical traditions, and historical resilience, it continues to shape the dialogical landscapes of Islamic mysticism.
