ملفوظاتِ خواجہ نظام الدین اولیاء اور کتاب فوائد الفواد کا انداز اسلوب

The style and approach of the sayings of Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya and book 'Fawaid al-Fuad'

Abstract

Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya (RA), one of the most revered Sufi saints of the Indian subcontinent, dedicated his life to the promotion of Islam and the service of humanity. As a prominent figure in the Chishti Order and the founder of its Nizami branch, he was known for his spiritual influence and deep understanding of Islamic teachings. Born in Badaun in 1238 CE, he gained extensive knowledge from scholars in Delhi and other regions. After pledging allegiance to Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar (RA), Khwaja Nizamuddin's spiritual journey flourished, leading thousands to Islam and a life of service to faith.Khwaja Nizamuddin’s Khanqah in Ghiyaspur, Delhi, became a center of spiritual and material care, providing daily food to thousands of needy individuals. He emphasized the importance of feeding others, considering it a key characteristic of Sufism. His teachings continued to guide people even after his passing in 1325 CE, with his tomb in Delhi remaining a place of pilgrimage.

Khwaja Nizamuddin's deep engagement with Hadith is evident in his "Fawaid al-Fuad" (Malfoozat), where he skillfully employed Hadith to derive and explain religious issues. His methodology in Hadith-based reasoning is reflected in three key approaches:

1. Extracting rulings directly from the Hadith text,
2. Using Hadith as evidence for an issue, and
3. Addressing objections raised against certain Hadith.

For instance, he reconciled between seemingly contradictory Hadith regarding perpetual fasting (Sa’im al-Dahr) and used Hadith to explain the virtues of Surah Al-Ikhlas. Additionally, he responded to questions concerning Hadith interpretations, such as the famous narration, "The generous person is beloved to Allah, even if sinful."

Through these approaches, Khwaja Nizamuddin demonstrated his profound knowledge of Hadith and jurisprudence, showing his ability to not only understand but also to apply the Prophetic traditions to both spiritual and practical matters. His legacy continues to inspire and guide scholars and devotees alike.