His title was Sharfud Deen or Sharifud Deen. He was an embodiment of Uloom-e-Zaahiriyyah and Uloom-e-Baatiniyyah. He was born in the town of Chisht. He was a great Zaahid. He would eat only after seven days. He would say that the pleasure and taste obtainable in hunger are not experienced in other things. He also said that the Mi’raaj of the Fuqara is hunger.

When he contemplated to become bay’t he made Istikhaara for 40 days in succession. He then heard a voice saying:

“If you desire to reach the destination, go to Mumshad Dinwari.”

The name Chishtiyyah for our Silsilah initially gained recognition from his time. After him, another four Masha-ikh were also from Chisht. It is for this reason that the name, Chishtiyyah attained fame.

When his Shaikh, Khwajah Mumshad asked his name, he replied: “Abu Ishaq Shami.” The Shaikh said: ‘From today you will be known as Abu Ishaq Chishti because the people of Chisht will acquire guidance from you and your Silsilah will be known as Chishtiyyah until the day of Qiyaamah.’

His karaamaat are peculiarly significant. Whoever had the good fortune of sitting in his majlis (gathering), would not again commit sins.

Sick persons entering his majlis would be cured. When he contemplated going on a journey, a hundred or two hundred people would accompany him. He would close his eyes and in moments be at his destination with his entire entourage.

Once during a drought, the king came to Hadhrat Abu Ishaq and requested him to make dua. Hadhrat cast his tawajjuh and the rain came. When the king came the next day again with some need of his, Hadhrat Abu Ishaq wept. The king asked the reason for his grief. Hadhrat replied:

“The frequency of the king’s visits puts in me the fear that I have committed some sin, hence association with the affluent has increased so much resulting in a corresponding decrease in my association with the poor. I fear that suddenly my end comes in the company of the wealthy and not with the masaakeen (the poor).”

His Demise

He passed away on 14th Rabiuth Thaani 329 Hijri. His grave is in Akkah which is on the borders of Shaam. His khulafaa are Khwajah Abu Ahmad Abdal, Khwajah Abu Muhammad, Khwajah Tajuddeen and others. The first one, namely, Khwajah Abu Ahmad Abdal, will now be discussed.