2.7.1. Life in the Chishti Khanqah

The khanqah was the centre of social life. We know about Shaikh Nizamuddin’s hospice (c. fourteenth century) on the banks of the river Yamuna in Ghiyaspur, on the outskirts of what was then the city of Delhi. It comprised several small rooms and a big hall (jama’at khana) where the inmates and visitors lived and prayed.

The Chishti khanqah served as a community hub for spiritual seekers and devotees. Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya, a significant Sufi figure, operated a hospice in the 14th century that became a foundational structure for spiritual gatherings. This building included many rooms for residents and guests, facilitating communal prayer and living.

Imagine a community center today where people gather not just for meetings but also for support, learning, and spiritual growth. Similar to how such centers create connections among people and provide for communal needs, the khanqah provided a space for spiritual nourishment and connection among its visitors.

The inmates included family members of the Shaikh, his attendants and disciples. The Shaikh lived in a small room on the roof of the hall where he met visitors in the morning and evening.

The composition of the khanqah was diverse, including not just the Shaikh's family but also followers and attendants who contributed to the community’s spiritual environment. The Shaikh maintained close ties with his followers, meeting them regularly to guide and support them in their spiritual journeys.

Think of a school principal who not only oversees the administration but also keeps an open door for students and teachers, offering guidance and mentorship. The Shaikh in the khanqah operated in a similar way, providing personal engagement to foster community and spiritual development.

On one occasion, fearing a Mongol invasion, people from the neighbouring areas flocked into the khanqah to seek refuge.

The khanqah was not only a spiritual center but also a sanctuary during times of crisis. When danger from external forces like Mongol invaders threatened the local population, the khanqah opened its doors to provide safety, demonstrating its role as a protective space in the community.

Think of a public shelter during a natural disaster, where people can find safety and support. The khanqah functioned in a similar protective capacity, embodying a safe haven for those in distress, reinforcing the idea of Sufi teachings that prioritize compassion and assistance to others.

There was an open kitchen (langar), run on futuh (unasked-for charity). From morning till late night people from all walks of life – soldiers, slaves, singers, merchants, poets, travellers, rich and poor, Hindu jogis (yogi) and qalandars – came seeking discipleship, amulets for healing, and the intercession of the Shaikh in various matters.

The khanqah's langar exemplified the principles of sharing and community support, where food was provided freely to all visitors regardless of their social status. This practice echoed the Sufi ideal of unity, emphasizing that spiritual nourishment transcends societal divisions.

Imagine a communal kitchen at a festival where everyone, irrespective of their background, contributes or receives food. This spirit of inclusivity fosters a sense of community and belonging, reflecting how the khanqah operated as a melting pot for different social classes united in the pursuit of spirituality.

Practices that were adopted, including bowing before the Shaikh, offering water to visitors, shaving the heads of initiates, and yogic exercises, represented attempts to assimilate local traditions.

The integration of local customs into the practices of the khanqah illustrates the adaptability and inclusivity of the Chishti Sufi tradition. By incorporating regional traditions and practices, the khanqah became a culturally resonant place for people of various backgrounds, enhancing its appeal and spiritual efficacy.

Consider how modern organizations might adopt local traditions to create a more welcoming space for diverse groups. By acknowledging and incorporating these traditions, such an organization fosters an atmosphere of unity and respect, much like the Chishti khanqah did for its visitors.