Chishtiyya

Deviant

الچشتية

Overview

A Sufi order founded in Ajmer, India by Moinuddin Chishti (d. 1236 CE). One of the most popular orders in South Asia, known for the use of qawwali (devotional music) as a spiritual practice, and the veneration of shrines (dargahs) of Sufi saints. The order holds that music and sama' (listening to spiritual music) are legitimate paths to spiritual states.

Key Beliefs

Sama' (listening to spiritual music including qawwali) as a path to spiritual states
Veneration of the shrines of Sufi saints (dargahs)
Universal love as the core spiritual value
Seeking intercession from the saints buried in dargahs

Scholarly Evaluation

The use of music as a spiritual practice and the veneration of saint shrines are both condemned by Ahl us-Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ forbade musical instruments in numerous hadiths (Sahih al-Bukhari 5590) and forbade building structures over graves (Sahih Muslim 969). Dargah visitation practices — including seeking intercession from the dead — constitute shirk per Athari aqeedah.

Key Figures

Moinuddin Chishti (d. 1236 CE)
Nizamuddin Auliya (1238–1325 CE)

Sources

Sahih al-Bukhari 5590 (musical instruments)
Sahih Muslim 969 (graves)
Iqtida al-Sirat al-Mustaqim (Ibn Taymiyyah)

Parent Group

Sufi Orders (Tariqahs)

Founder

Moinuddin Chishti

Founded

1142 CE