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