Selected Performance

Manqabat: "Khwaja-e khwajgan khwaja, hindul-wali" performed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and ensemble on The JVC Video Anthology of World Music and Dance (tape 14).

This manqabat praises Khwaja Mu`inuddin Chishti (d. 1236). [Chisht is the name of a village near Herat, Afghanistan, where Khwaja Abu Is'haq, founder of the Chishti order, once resided and where the order has its beginnings (Takahashi 1989:63).] His shrine is located near Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. His urs (death date) has become a major Sufi celebration and attracts qawwals from all over north India and Pakistan.

Cast a gentle glance in our direction, Oh king of Chisht.

Saint among saints, Venerable saint appointed of God.

Hear of the saints, Representative of the Prophet.

Object of the lover's admiration, Venerable saint appointed of God.

You are the protector of all things, We are your humble supplicants.

Grant unto all things the venevolence of the Prophet.

We are deeply tainted with sin, You are filled with a merciful heart.

Where we are, where you are, Venerable saint appointed of God.

The light emanating from you, Evidence of God's presence.

You are the one who interprets the authority of Mohammed.

You are not God, but a sign of God, Promised of God,

Saint among saints, Venerable Saint appointed of God.

Cast a gentle glance in our direction, Oh king of Chisht.

Saint among saints.

Venerable saint appointed of God

Sources of Indian Music: Qawwali