Why in News? 

Recently, a 'Chadar' was presented on behalf of the Prime Minister at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti to mark the 813th Urs. 

Key Points About Sufism 

1. Definition: Sufism is a mystical form of Islam that emphasizes devotion, inner purity, asceticism, and the spiritual search for God while rejecting materialism. 
2. Beliefs 

• Self-discipline is essential for perceiving God. 
• Sufis focus on inner purity rather than external conduct. 
• Serving humanity is considered equivalent to serving God. 

3. Etymology: The term "Sufi" may come from 'suf' (Arabic for wool, as ascetics wore woollen clothes) or 'safa' (Arabic for purity). 

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti 

• Born in 1141-42 CE in Sistan (Iran). 
• Settled in Ajmer during the reign of Muizuddin Muhammad bin Sam after the Second Battle of Tarain (1192). 
• Preached spirituality and drew followers, including rulers like Akbar and Jahangir. 
• His shrine in Ajmer is a renowned pilgrimage site. 

 The Chishtiya Order 

1. Establishment 

1. Introduced in India by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. 
2. Emphasized unity with God (waḥdat al-wujūd) and pacifism. 

2. Beliefs 

1. Rejected material goods and abstained from political connections. 
2. Practiced the recitation of God’s name (dhikr), both aloud and silently. 

3. Prominent Disciples 

a. Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Fareeduddin Ganj-e-Shakar, Nizamuddin Auliya, and Naseeruddin Charagh carried forward the teachings.