The Chishtia Order and Social Transformation in South Asia: From Khanqah to Cultural Legacy

Abstract

This study explores the profound social, spiritual, and cultural contributions of the Chishtia Sufi order to South Asian society, focusing on how its network of khanqahs (spiritual lodges) served as catalysts for community transformation. Centered around the teachings and practices of eminent Sufi masters such as Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti and Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the research examines how the Chishti tradition integrated mystical devotion with social responsibility. Through the propagation of values like love, tolerance, service, and inclusivity, the Chishtia order nurtured interfaith harmony and moral upliftment in a pluralistic society. The khanqah emerged not only as a space for spiritual refinement but also as a platform for charity, education, and social justice. This paper analyzes original Persian and Urdu sources—both oral and written—to demonstrate the enduring legacy of Chishti saints in shaping the ethical and cultural landscape of the region. The findings suggest that the Chishtia model presents a historically rooted yet timeless approach to social reform grounded in Islamic spirituality.