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Every-day no where in the world at any Astana
such a large number of functions and ceremonies is performed
as at the Holy Astana of Hazrat
Khwaja Gharib Nawaz and that too, in a highly traditional
way and strictly in accordance with the Chishtia precepts.
These spiritual programmes are the source of
earning, the blessings, pleasure and confidence of the Holy
Saint and have proved beneficial for attainment of high
spiritual ecstasy and bliss.
Though these functions are performed by Khadims,
yet, they have been attended by devotees for their own benefit.
Therefore, devotees in large number attend these functions
and receive the blessings of the Holy
Khwaja and feel enlightened.
If these functions are attended with piety
and devotion all the prayers which are made at those timings
are sure to be granted.
The detailed description of these functions
is given below.
The daily functions and ceremonies which are
observed round the clock with great punctually of time begin
from early in the morning and continue till late in the evening,
are as under :
DAILY
FUNCTION :
KHIDMAT BEFORE FAZAR PRAYER
About an hour before the 'Salat'
of Fajar, Khadims of Khwaja
Sahib gather in Begami
Dalan with great respect & devotion. This Dalan is
towards the East of the tomb and in this Dalan is the main
entrance of the Mazar. At the fixed appropriate time all the
Khadims stand near the 'Door' entrance. The devotees also
follow them and stand with them in a highly honoured manner.
One of the Khadims recites 'AZAN',
As soon as the Azan ends, the Kalid Bardar opens the lock
and then the door. Through this entrance the Khadis enter
into the tomb and stand in between the main entrance and a
small door which is still closed. Before opening this small
door the Kalid Bardar sends Darood and Salam to the Holy
Prophet and his descendants and to Huzoor Gharib
Nawaz. After this the small door is opended and Khadims
enter into the tomb.
After entering into the tomb, they make themselves
ready for 'Khidmat'. Some of the stand round the first enceinte
of the azar (Grave) some enter in between the space of two
enceintes and some enter in between the space of the Holy
Mazar and the second enceinte. Now, they remove the flowers
and chadar from Mazar, clean the Mazar and its surroundings,
offer new chadar and fresh flowers. As soon as this particular
ceremony ends, the Khadims standing in between the two ancients
and outside the second enceinte start cleaning the floor with
'Farasha' (it is an special dust remover made of Peacock feathers).
During this ceremony
devotees are not permitted to enter the tomb. For them the
southern door of the tomb is opened from where they are allowed
to enter into the tomb and sit silently in the open space
near the tomb of Hazrat
Bibi Hafiza Jamal daughter of Khwaja
Gharib Nawaz.
When the Khadims finish with the ceremony of
Khidmat inside the tomb, then only the devotees are allowed
to enter into to the tomb and perform Ziarat of the Mazaar.
This ceremony ends before the call of Azaan
for Salat
of Fajar. This time is important for offering prayers.
Prayers made at this time are sure to be granted.
KHIDMAT AFTER THE ZOHAR PRAYER :
Daily after an hour of Zohar prayer generally
at 3 P.M. another ceremony
which is also known as Khidmat is performed. At this time,
though the doors of the tomb are closed, yet, the southern
door, though apparently remains closed, is used for entrance
into the tomb.
At the time of this ceremony, devotees are
permitted to enter the tomb, they are allowed to keep standing
silently in between the space of the walls of the tomb and
the enceinte of the Mazar.
At this time in presence of the devotees, after
removal of the already presented flowers, chadar, sandal.
Atar, Kewara and rose water is presented on the Holy grave.
Khadims who perform this ceremony
offer prayers loudly for devotes, after the end of prayers
fresh flowers are presented on the Mazar, if needed, the chadar
is also changed, After that the floor of the tomb is cleaned
in the traditional way.
Ladies are not permitted to enter the tomb
during the entire period of this ceremony.
LIGHTNING OR DANKA :
Every day about 20 minutes before Maghrib prayer
the ceremony of lighting is held. The way in which this ceremony
is performed is that some Khadis bring candles (specially
prepared for this purpose) in their hands fro a Hujra (cell
or room) near Choti
Deg. As soon as from Choti Deg they start moving towards
the Holy Tomb
drums are beaten.
All the people present in Dargah
premises start gathering inside the tomb, those who can not
enter the tomb stand outside on either side of the main-entrance
in the Begami
Dalan.
At this time too, ladies are not permitted
to enter into the tomb.
Khadims after touching the candles with the
heads of the devotees who keep standing on either side of
the way reach inside the tombs with prayers of blessing for
devotees on their lips. They place those candles in the lamps.
The unlighted candles are now lighted. The lamps in which
the candles are placed are four in number.
The Khadims hold those lamps in their hands
and keep them above their heads. One of them recite some Persian
verses in the glory of the Holy Saint. With the end of those
verses the people dispurse and the lamps are placed in four
corners of the Holy Tomb.
In the local language this ceremony is called
'Danka'.
KADKA :
This last ceremony
of the day is popularly known as 'Kadka' and is performed
in highly significant and traditional way. This is held after
about 1 ½ hour of Isha prayer. After this ceremony
the door of the main entrance into the Holy tomb is closed
and locked.
According to the old tradition, about 20 minutes
before closing the main entrance of the Holy Tomb, at a time
when about one fifth part of the night had passed, a person
loudly calls to ring five and with his voice the clock sounds
five times. The Khadims ready to perform this function request
the devotees to vacate the tomb, the devotees come out of
the tomb and stand on either side of the entrance in a queue.
The Khadims then close the other doors from inside and make
a search inside the entire tomb to see that there is now no
one inside the tomb. After that they start their usual service,
at least three Khadis join in this service. They clean the
surroundings of the azar in the same way as they do in the
morning and evening Khidmat. They come out of the tomb one
by one with the sand and dust of the floor kept in a fine
cloth and keep the same in a shelf inside Sandal-Masjid.
When the third and the last Khadim comes out, a person duly
appointed, again calls in a loud voice to ring six bells.
The bell sounds six times. As soon as the voice of the sixth
bell sounds, the Qawal, who stands there ready, start to sing
a special song in some old Indian language which is called
Kadka. As soon as the last verse of the Kadka is recited,
the main entrance of the tomb is closed and locked. The Khadim
on duty keeps the key with him and also keeps a watch round
the tomb throughout the night.
MILAD AND QURAN RECITAL
It’s a complete recital of the Holy Quran which takes
place
every day at Jama
Masjid and Alamgir
Masjid.
WEEKLY
FUNCTION
On every Thursday after Isha prayer Mehfil-e-Jumerat
is organised inside Ahata-e-Noor
opposite Begami
Dalan. This program starts with 'Zikr' proceeded with
Qawali and ends with Fateha. People in large number attend
this programme. This programme continues till the main entrance
of the tomb is closed.
MONTHLY
FUNCTION
FATEHA CHHATTI SHARIF
On every sixth of Lunar Month the famous and
highly inspiring programmes of Fateha
Chhatti Sharif is celebrated within Ahata-e-Noor
in front of Begami
Dalan. This was founded by the ancestors of Syed Akhtar
Moini and Syed Khalid Moini Khadi of Khwaja Sahib. It has
become very popular. Those who attend this function realise
its solemnity and sanctity and also the benefit which they
receive. This program which has its own blessings starts from
about 8.30 A.M. in the morning and continues about an hour
without any programme of Qawali.
The programme beings with recitation of Quran
proceeded with recitation of Shijra (spiritual genealogy of
Khwaja Saheb) and then with 'SALAM' and ends with Fateha.
Syed Khalid Moini or his younger brother Syed
Tariq Moini recites the Shijra and Salam in a highly impressive
voice.
In the evening in every home of the Khadims
this Fateha is organised
and prayers are offered for the well being of the devotees.
FATEHA OF HAZART GHOUSUL AZAM PIRAN
-E- PIR :
On every 11th of the Lunar Month the famous
programme, popularly known as Fateha Giarahween Sharif is
held. This programme is observed in the home of every Khadim
as well as at the Chilla of Piran-e-Piron a Hilly towards
south of Dargah
Khwaja Saheb.
FATEHA OF HAZRAT Khwaja QUTUBUDDIN
:
On every 14th of Islamic month Fateha of Hazrat
Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar-kaki, the first spiritual successor,
of Khwaja
Sahib whose holy Tombi sat Mahroli-Delhi, is performed
between Asar and Maghrib prayer at his own Chilla which is
situated at the bank of Ana-Sagar Lake.
ANNUAL
FUNCTION :
Throughout the year, several religious, spiritual
and historical programmes are organised and observed at the
Holy Astana of Hazrat
Khwaja Gharib Nawaz at a large and magnificent scale.
These programmes are performed in accordance with Islamic
Calendar and are detailed below :
MOHAIR CEREMONIES :
According to the Islamic Calendar the new
year commences from 1st of Moharram. This month is known as
Moharra-ul-Haram but the new year day is not celebrated in
a customary…………………..
1. ANNUAL URS OF HAZRAT KHWAJA QUTUBUDDIN-BAKHTIAR
KAKI
On 14th of this month, the Annual Us of Hazrat
Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, first spiritual successor
of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz is celebrated at his Chilla
situated at Daulat Bagh near Ana agar Lake. Fateha is offered
in every home of Khadims.
2. RABI-UL-AKHIR
In this month the only programme which is
known as 'Fateha Giarahwin Sharif' is observed on 11th day
of the month. Lectures on life and teachings of Hazrat Ghonsul
Azam Piran-e-Pir are delivered and tributes are paid to him.
3. JAMA-DI-UL-AKHIR
The death anniversary of Amirul Momeneen Hazrat
Syedna AbuBakr siddique, the first successor of the Holy Prophet
of Islamic observed at a large scale. Lectures are delivered
on his services and sacrifices which he rendered for making
the foundation of Islam more and more strong.
Urns of Hazrat Shah Mada is also celebrated
on 14th of this month from 25th of this month begins the celebrations
of the Annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.
4. RAJAB
Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz is celebrated
from
1st Rajab to 9th Rajab.
a. URS OF HAZRAT HUSAMMUDIN JIGAR SOKHTA
The annual Urs of Hazrat KhwajaHusauddin the grand son of
Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz is celebrated on 14th of this month
by Khadims of Khwaja Sahib at Saber where his Dargah is situated
(a place about 90 K.M. from Ajmer).
b. URS OF BIBI HAFIZA JAMAL
The annul Urs of Hazrat Bibi Hafiza Jamal, the daughter of
Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz is celebrated on 19th of this month.
c. URS OF HAZRAT KHWAJA FAKHRUDDIN
GURDEZI
The annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin Gurdezi, the ancestor
of Syedzada Khadis, who is lying buried near Khwaja Sahibis
Begami Dalanonthe right side of the main entrance of the tomb
is celebrated on 25th of this month.
d. MIRAJ-UN-NABI (Sal Allaho Alaiyhe
Wa Sallam):
On 26th of this month after Isha prayers, a grand function
in memory of the greatest event of human history, the 'Miraj
is held. Lectures are delivered and after lectures all the
people keep themselves busy in prayer throughout the night.
5. SHABAN
a. ANNUAL URS OF HAZRAT KHWAJA FAKHRUDDIN
Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin is the eldest son of Hazrat Khwaja
Gharib Nawaz. He spend his life in prayers and mediation at
village 'Sarwar' about 60 k.m. from Ajmer and breathed his
last in the same village.
His annual Urs is celebrated from 3rd to 9th
Shaban.
The Khadims of Hazrat Khwaja Sahib celebrate
this Urs at his tomb at Sarwar, all the ceremonies of Urs
including 'langar' are organised by Anjuman Moinia Fakhria
Chistia Khudam Khwaja Sahib Syed Zadgan.
b. SHAB-E-BARAT
The function of Shab-e-Barat is observed in the purely religious
tradition as it is observed by the entire Muslim world.
6. RAMZAN
The sacred month of Ramzan has its own blessings. Muslim all
over the world observe fast, become strict in performance
of prayers and devote most of the time in recitation of the
Quran and in additional prayers. They also perform acts like
payment of charity, feeding of poor and giving of alms.
No doubt that every Muslim knows the religious
importance of this month, but the Muslim world is not aware
of the most important events of Islamic History which took
place during this Holy month, as such except at Ajmer no where
the functions in memory of those events are held.
The details and importance of those functions
is given here.
a. 2nd OF RAMZAN
The annual anniversary of Khatoon-e-Jannat Hazrat Bibi Fateha
the youngest daughter of the Prophet of Islam and the mother
of Hazrat Imam Hasan and Hazrat Imam Husain is observed at
the Holy Astana of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz in a highly
dignified way. Lectures are also delivered on her high spiritual
status and her sacrifices for Islam.
b. 17th RAMZAM (BATTLE OF BADR)
17th Ramzan is the most memorable day of Islamic History.
It is the day when the first war between the Islamic forces
who were in small number, was fought against the large and
a strong army of the 'infidels of Makka. It was the first
battle of Righteous under the leadership of the Prophet of
Islam against the infidels in which the Rightous came out
victorious in a highly miraculous way.
In memory, of the first war of its kind ever
fought on this earth for establishment of justice, truth and
righteousness by Muslims against the strong and well armed
forces of wrong doers, cruel and barbarous people, who could
not think of defeat, but faced a shameful defeat at the hands
of armless people is celebrated at the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja
Gharib Nawaz on a large scale. Lectures are delivered and
prayers are offered throughout the night. The author himself
delivers lectures on this great Historical event in Juma Masjid
after Isha prayer every year.
c. 19th OF RAMZAN CONQUEST OF MARKET
In the Holy of Ramzan, the 19th day highly memorable day of
the Islamic History. This is the day when Islamic forces conquered
Makka, Where therein is the House of Allah, without any blood
shed. This conquest resulted into the conquest of the heart
and soul of the people of Arabia. It made easy for the people
of Arabia to understand the truth of Islam. They all without
any force, far or compulsion, accepted Islam and became the
leader of all the Nations of the world.
The conquest of Makka made the foundation
of Islam very strong and opened the door of thousands of other
types of victories.
This conquest also brought a evolution in human
moral and conduct and conquest other human virtues.
Therefore, in memory of this illustrious and
distinguished vent many programmes are organised at the Dargah
of Ajmer at a large scale.
d. 21st RAMZAN : THE DAY OF MARTYDOM
OF HAZAT ALI
21st of Ramzan reminds of the Martyrdom of Amirul Momeneen
Syedna Hazrat Ali Karam Allahwajho. Therefore, in his memory
a large number of Programme including 'free langer' to poor
are organised. Lectures are delivered on his love for Islam,
his services and sacrifices, his inspiring and illuminating
life, his spiritual and temporal status and, like that, tributes
are paid to that great personality of Islam.
e. 26th RAMZAN: THE NIGHT OF REVELATION
OF QURAN
26th day of Ramzan and the night thereafter is the most important
night. Its blessings are beyond description, it is the night
when the Quran was revealed, as such, it is celebrated all
over the world by the Muslims. Throughout the night, the Muslims
keep themselves busy in recitation of the Quran and other
modes of prayer and worship.
This night is celebrated here at Ajmer in
the same manner in which the entire Muslim world celebrates
it.
7. SHAWWAL : ANNUAL URS OF HAZRAT KHWAJA
USMAN HAROON THE SPIRITUAL LEADER OF KHWAJA SAHIB
The spiritual ceremonies of this function
are organised on 5th and 6th of Shawal.
People from far and near attend the programmes
and obtain those special bounties and blessings of Hazrat
Khwaja Gharib Nawaz which are bestowed upon devotees during
those days.
8. ZIL HIJJA
a. ANNUAL URS OF HAZRAT KHWAJA ABU
SAEED
The annual Urs of the son of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz is
celebrated on 4th day of the month of Sai Ghat near his tomb
in Dargah Sharif.
b. THE DAY OF MARTYDOM OF HAZRAT USMAN
Amirual Momenn Syedna Hazrat Usman was the third successor
of the Prophet of Islam. 18th Zil Hijja is observed as the
da of his Martyrdom and tributes are paid to him.
Lectures are delivered on his contribution
to Islam and Muslims on his spiritual status, on his life
and on the services he rendered.
c. THE DAY OF MARTYDOM OF HAZRAT OMAR
This day reminds us of the great services and sacrifices of
that soldier of Islam who in history is known as the conqueror
of Egypt, Conqueror of Syria, Conqueror of Iran and above
all the Conqueror of Jeru-salem (Baitul Muqaddas) and whose
name is Ameerul Momeneen Syedna Hazrat Qmar Farook Radhi Alla
Anho. He was the 2nd Successor of the Prophet of Islam. He
has rendered such invaluable services which have no parallel
in Islamic History.
29th Zil Hijja is the day of his Martyrdom
and is observed here at Ajmer on a large scale.
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