Mashaikh of Chisht (YM) EM-53             

This book contains the names, shajarah and life-episodes of such noble Auliya and Mashaikh whose existence constitutes Divine Favour and whose very mention is a Divine Mercy for the world.

The commencement of Uloom-e-Marifat in the Indian Subcontinent was with Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Silsilah of the Chishtiyyah spread in the Indian Subcontinent with the advent of Khwaja Moinuddin. He is the Imam of Tasawwuf of the Indian Subcontinent.

Most aptly does the following gracious Qur’anic ayat apply to these illustrious Souls:

‘Those first ones who have taken the lead among the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar and those who have followed them with the firmest conviction of Imaan (Ihsaan), Allah is well-pleased with them and they are well-pleased with Him.”

They were the true and perfect Mu’mins. They were excellent Muslims. In reality they were the slaves of Allah. They fully fulfilled the design declared in the ayat above.

About The Author

Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhalwi was born in the village of Kandhla (in Uttar Pradesh, India) in the month of Ramadhan 1315 AH (1898 CE).

His full name was Muhammad Zakariyya ibn Muhammad Yahya ibn Muhammad Isma‘il, and his lineage continues all the way back to Hadhrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), the great Companion of the Messenger (peace be upon him).

He spent 55 years teaching Ahaadith. of which 45 years were spent in teaching Bukhari Sharif.As an author he wrote many important books. Awjazul-Masaalik, commentary of Muatta Imam Malik in fifteen volumes and La’miud-Dirari, commentary of Sahih-al-Bukhari, consisting of over ten volumes. He has also written a compilation of books on virtues in various different subjects.

In the last century, India has undoubtedly become an important center for the study of hadith, and the scholars of India have become well-known for their passion for religious knowledge. Upon them ended the era of leadership in teaching hadiths, codification of the special fields (funun) of hadith, and commentary upon its texts (mutun).

He was given the honorary title of Shaykh al-Hadith, or “Great Scholar of Hadith,” by his teacher, Shaykh Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri, who recognized his deep insight, clear-sightedness, and extensive knowledge of hadith and related sciences.