Syed Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه

Following the passing of Khaja Moinuddin Chisti رضي الله عنه (632 AH), his caliphs and other scholars played a pivotal role in spreading the foundations of Islam throughout the country. Among them, Khaja Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه emerged as a successor and caliph in Ajmer. The historical oversight of Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه is indeed astonishing, considering that details about him are clearly documented in the book "Tarikh us Salaf." تاريخ السلف

Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه was not only the contemporary of Khaja Moinuddin Chisti رضي الله عنه but also his spiritual companion and closest Qadim. his lives were intricately intertwined, with virtually no chapter existing separately from the influence of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti رضي الله عنه. Khwaja Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه and his lineage asserted their legitimate claim to power and succession in Ajmer. Some of the current Khadims are in fact the grandsons of Shaykh Muhammad Yadkar رضي الله عنه. Originally an Iranian Rafzi thinker, Muhammad Yadkar رضي الله عنه underwent a transformation through Khaja's teachings, leading to their return to Ajmer with a newfound devotion. They later became instrumental in constructing Dargah Sharif. While their descendants continue to serve in Ajmer to this day, it is the Gardezi Sadats who now hold the reins of significant decisions and activities. They are recognized as "Sahib zadgaan" or "Sayyid zadgaan."

The exact birth date of khwaja Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه remains unclear. Historical records suggest that he was born in 409 Hijra (1243) in a place called Gardez . His family lineage traces back to Mosa kazim رضي الله عنه, who was the eighth paternal grandfather of Sultan Hind رضي الله عنه. Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه was younger than Khaja Moinuddin رضي الله عنه. Some historians noted that his birth occurred during Khaja's study period.

His family lineage can be delineated as follows: Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin gardezi bin Khwaja Syed Ahmed gardezi bin Hazrat Khwaja Shah Syed Swadaruddin bin Hazrat Khwaja Shah Syed Nizamuddin bin Hazrat Khwaja Syed Abul Fatah bin Hazrat Khaja Syed Abul Qasim bin Hazrat Khaja Syed Jamaluddin Bin Hazrat Khaja Syed Hussain Bin Syed Imam Musal Qalim Bin Jafar Swadiq Bin Syed Imam Bakr Bin Syed Ali Zainul Abidin Bin Imam Hussain Ali Bin Abi talib رضي الله عنهم أجمعين.

His parents provided him with a good education, discipline, and protection. This upbringing facilitated his swift acceptance as a disciple by Khwaja Usman chishti harwani رضي الله عنه. Khwaja Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه had the privilege of serving his Usthad (pir o murshid ) from a young age, a fact detailed in the book "Searul Arifeen.” سير العارفين

After a period, khwaja Uthman Harwani رضي الله عنه embarked on a quest for spiritual insight and harmony towards predecessors and the great charioteers. Their journey led them to a village with clay sports domes where fire worshippers resided. The fire pit in the village burned an amount of wood equivalent to what 20 trucks could carry. Uthman Harwani رضي الله عنه settled on a tree stump not far from the village, accompanied by khwaja Mir Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه, who was there to assist him. Khwaja Uthman Harwani رضي الله عنه instructed khwaja Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه to collect flour and firewood for making bread to break the fast at night. Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه visited the ashram to purchase flour and gather firewood, but the fire worshippers there denied him fire. He returned to his shaikh (pir o murshid)and recounted the incident.

Khwaja Uthman Harwani رضي الله عنه performed ablution from a nearby stream and approached the fire pit, engaging in a lengthy conversation with the priests present. Eventually, the fire-worshippers repented and turned to Allah, becoming the followers of Khwaja Uthman Harwani رضي الله عنه. (Seerul Arifeen Page No. 8)

Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه dedicated himself to serving his Shaikh usthad, Uthman Haruni رضي الله عنه, and accumulating merit until he was granted the Khilafat and Tawreeqat. After bidding farewell to his Guru,(Shaikh ) he joined Khwaja Moinuddin hasan رضي الله عنه as a companion to spread the teachings of Saint Deen e islam in India, eventually settling in Ajmer. Details of his journey alongside Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's رضي الله عنه arrival in India can be found in books like "Gulshan” and more

Following the attainment of titles like Caliph, Tawreeqat, and Ijazat, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti رضي الله عنه departed for Isfahan, situated in present-day Iran, near the town of "Sanjar." Accompanying him on this journey was Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه. Their travels took them to a town inhabited by infidels, gardeners, fire-worshippers, raiders, and demons. Seeking refuge under the shade of a tree, they found several fire pits burning intensely, their flames continually reignited. Khaja's رضي الله عنه intention was to guide those who had lost their way, leading him to dispatch his friend, servant, and caliph, Fakhruddin رضي الله عنه, for this purpose. After completing his pilgrimage to Madinah, Khaja Moinuddin Chisti رضي الله عنه returned and arrived at the ashram of his spiritual disciple, Usman Haruni رضي الله عنه, where he humbly prostrated before his Usthad. Following the Usthad's command, Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه accompanied him as a companion.

Fakhruddin رضي الله عنه wholeheartedly embraced his Usthad's instructions and maintained this relationship until his passing. Presently, his lineage continues to serve one after another, carrying on his legacy. Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه, who held the position of their chief servant, was deeply respected and admired by them.

Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki رضي الله عنه renowned as the first caliph of the Chishtiyya Twariqat after Khwaja Moinuddin رضي الله عنه, is documented by Jahanara Begum, Emperor Shah Jahan's favored daughter, in the authentic historical book ‘Moonisul Arwah’ "I served Sultanul Hind رضي الله عنه for 20 years. Never have I witnessed Khwaja رضي الله عنه granting permission for anyone to approach him or speak to him, except for Fakhruddin رضي الله عنه, when they were left alone, setting aside all their preoccupations."

During an instance, Khaja Moinuddin رضي الله عنه handed the musalla (prayer mat) to Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه and remarked, "Take this and be blessed today and tomorrow." At that moment, Fakhruddin Gardezi رضي الله عنه acquired the highest position that great Sufis strive for tirelessly over months and years.

A point to note here. The term "Khadim" can indeed have different meanings depending on the context. In the case we mentioned, the term is used in a unique and profound sense. Rather than referring to a group of people who come from outside to serve. in this context, "Khadim" signifies those individuals who lead a life of dedicated service and learning under a Usthad or spiritual guide for an extended period of time. Their commitment involves not just physical service but also a deep pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth. This perspective aligns with the records from Sultanul Mashah Mehbooba Elahi Nizamuddin Auliya's رضي الله عنه "Fawaidul Fawaid," where Khaja Thangal's رضي الله عنه commitment and service to his Ustad Usman Haruni رضي الله عنه are highlighted over the course of two decades. In this sense, "Khadim" refers to those who immerse themselves in their Usthad's teachings, seeking knowledge and spirituality through years of devoted service.

Indeed, Fakhruddin Gardezi’s رضي الله عنه life was dedicated to his Usthad, who held multiple roles including being a classmate, teacher, and guide. This Usthad's relentless efforts and hard work contributed to India's growth. Despite Fakhruddin Gardezi’s رضي الله عنه status as a fellow traveler in service, Khaja Moinuddin رضي الله عنه regarded him as a son, exemplifying the deep bond they shared. Over the centuries, the lineage of Fakhruddin رضي الله عنه has continued to serve, maintaining their dedication to their Usthad's teachings. The legacy persists even in the present day. The Khadims of this lineage have played a significant role, bringing notable scholars and individuals from various eras into the presence of Khaja Moinuddin رضي الله عنه. This tradition is cherished as an aspiration for a life dedicated to service, knowledge, and spirituality.