Renowned Sufi Spiritual Leader Served for 81 Years, Remembered for Promoting Peace, Harmony, and National Unity

Lucknow/New Delhi: Pirzada Rais Miyan Chishti, the Sajjadanashin (hereditary spiritual custodian) of the world-famous Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti Dargah in Fatehpur Sikri, passed away late on the night of July 8, 2026. He was 88 years old. His demise has left the Sufi community, devotees, and admirers across the country in mourning.

According to his son, Arshad Faridi, Pirzada Rais Miyan Chishti breathed his last at around 11:30 p.m. at Era Medical College in Lucknow, where he had been undergoing treatment after a prolonged illness.

Funeral to Be Held at Fatehpur Sikri Dargah

His funeral prayers will be held on Thursday, July 9, after the Asr prayers, and he will be laid to rest at around 5:15 p.m. within the premises of the Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti Dargah in Fatehpur Sikri.

Devotees, Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and dignitaries from across India are expected to attend the funeral and pay their final respects.

A 16th-Generation Descendant of Sheikh Salim Chishti

Arshad Faridi said that Pirzada Rais Miyan Chishti was the 16th-generation direct descendant of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti.

He assumed the role of Sajjadanashin at the age of seven and devoted 81 years to preserving and promoting the traditions of the Chishti Sufi order. Throughout his life, he championed the values of Hindu-Muslim unity, communal harmony, patriotism, and spiritual coexistence.

A Lifelong Messenger of Peace and Brotherhood

For several decades, Pirzada Rais Miyan Chishti served as the spiritual head of the historic shrine, spreading the Sufi message of love, peace, compassion, brotherhood, and humanity.

He was widely respected as a strong advocate of communal harmony and interfaith dialogue, and remained actively involved in serving the millions of pilgrims who visited the shrine every year.

Hosted Global Leaders and Indian Statesmen

During his tenure, the Fatehpur Sikri Dargah welcomed numerous world leaders, dignitaries, and prominent personalities from India and abroad.

According to the family, nearly 20 heads of state visited the shrine during his stewardship. Distinguished international visitors included Egyptian President Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser, the King of Bhutan, the Prince of Wales, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the Prime Minister of Zambia, and several other global leaders.

Among Indian leaders, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and V. P. Singh were among those who visited the shrine and received his blessings.

A Lasting Legacy of Simplicity and Spiritual Guidance

Pirzada Rais Miyan Chishti was admired for his humility, spiritual wisdom, and warm interaction with people from all walks of life. He remained dedicated to ensuring the welfare of pilgrims and consistently promoted the ideals of India’s Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, social harmony, and national integration.

His passing is being regarded as a significant loss to the Sufi tradition and India’s shared cultural heritage. Followers believe that his teachings of humanity, peace, and coexistence will continue to inspire generations to come.