Amir Khusrau

Amir-Ul-Shaura Hazrat Khawaja Abul Hasan Amir Khusrau Dehlavi

His name was Abul Hasan, pseudonym Amir Khusrau, and title Yamin Uddin. His poetic name (pseudonym) became so popular that people forgot his original name. He was a great and prolific poet.

Title

He wished not had a title similar to the rich men and mentioned it to the Mahboobe-e-Ilahi. He said, "On the day of Resurrection People will call you Mohammed's admirer."

ROZA SHARIF HAZRAT AMEER KHUSRAU (NEW DELHI)

Birth and Parentage

Born in 653 Hijri of Amir Saif Uddin Mahmud who was one of the nobles of Hazara, Balakh. Chingez Khan's incursions loomed large on them so he migrated to India during the reign of Sultan Altutmish, joined the court, and settled down at Patiali in the district of Etah. Because of his abilities he rose to a high and trusted rank in the court. Here he was married to the daughter of a noble, Imad-Ul-Mulk, who bore him three sons: Aiza-Uddin, Ali Shah, Hisam Uddin, and Abul Hasan; the later was the youngest.

Education

His first tutor was his father who died when he was nine years old and his maternal grand father, Imad Ul Mulk, took over the responsibility of their education and up-bringing. His two elder brothers also gave their attention to his education. Consequently, he acquired proficiency in all material and intellectual subjects and was regarded a scholar of high repute. He was an intelligent and prolific poet, and sang melodiously innovated Qawwali, and invented several musical instruments. In addition to, he was a good prose writer.

Pledge of Obedience and Spiritual Heir

When eight he went with his father and other members of family to Hazrat Nizam Uddin's residence. His father wished him to select his guide and teacher himself. Others went in but he stayed outside thinking that if he (Hazrat Nizam Uddin) were a perfect saint he would summon him himself. Hazrat Nizam Uddin's spiritual powers revealed to him his dilemma. He sent his servant to bring him in. Amir Khusrau was so much impressed of his personality that he accepted him his guide and teacher and entered the fold. Soon he became the dearest of his disciples and in course of time was granted the robe of his spiritual heir.

Prayers and Meditation

Despite his association with the court he continued to pray and meditate and traveled speedily on the road of conduct. Every night he recited seven chapters of the Qu'Oran melodiously after the Tahajjud prayer. The chronicles mention that he kept fasts continuously for forty years. He was engrossed every time in the intense love of God. There was so much incinerating heat generated in his heart that whatever he wore burnt on the chest. Hazrat Nizammuddin once said about it "If asked on the Resurrection day what have you brought? I would say the heat from the bosom of the Turk."

Deep attachment to his Teacher

He loved his teacher deeply and spent most of his time with him. His teacher 'Hazrat Nizam-Uddin loved him more than any other of his disciples even more than his spiritual heir, Hazrat Nasir Uddin Roshan Chiragh Dehlavi. Once the Mahboob-e-Ilahi said, "I am annoyed by all, even by myself sometimes but never by you."

Buying his teacher's sandals for five lakhs rupees and carry them back on his head in the presence of Hazrat Nizam Uddin shows his deep love and faith for him.

His Poetry

He was not only a mystic but also a Persian poet of great caliber. His verses are available. One of his Urdu ghazal is found. Besides, he was sweet of tongue and interested in music.

Books

He wrote about 92 books some of them are Rahat-Ul-Mohibbeen' Tohfat-us-Saghir, Gharra-tul-Kamal, Moghzan-e-Asrar-e-Nizami, Sheerin-Khusrau, Laila-Majnoon, Aina-e-Sikandari, Hasht-Bahisht, Taj-Ul-Futuh, Tughlaq-Nama, Manaquib-e-Hind.

Revelations and Miracles

It is said that when Sheikh Abul Fateh Multani said his funeral prayers, raised hands to bless him, he got tip and recited a Persian couplet.

Death

Amir Khusrau was extremely grieved at the demise of his teacher. He was not in Delhi at the time and had gone to Lucknow. On hearing the news he returned to Delhi post haste and retired to his teacher's grave; resigned the service, gave away all his wealth to the poor, and needy, spent six months in mourning and in the end died in 725 Hijri. He was buried near the tomb of his teacher on a slightly raised platform popularly called "Chabootra-e-Yaran."