Pirzada Arshad Faridi to Assume Role of 17th Sajjadanashin of Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti Dargah
Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh) : Pirzada Arshad Faridi is set to formally assume the spiritual and administrative role of the 17th Sajjadanashin (hereditary spiritual custodian) of the revered shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti on April 7, 2025. This significant occasion marks the first such ceremonial transition in 80 years, the last being held in 1945. The event is expected to witness participation from various Sufi communities, religious leaders from different faiths, and notable political and social figures from across India.
This historic Dargah, associated with the great Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti, holds immense spiritual importance and has long been a symbol of peace, devotion, and interfaith harmony.
During the 454th Urs (annual commemoration) held last year, an emotional and historic moment unfolded when Pirzada Arshad Faridi was publicly announced as the 17th Sajjadanashin in the presence of thousands of devotees, Sufis, and spiritual leaders. The declaration was made by the current Sajjadanashin, Hazrat Pirzada Rais Miyan Chishti, during a special spiritual assembly held at the historic Kachahri Khanqah within the Dargah premises. The traditional dastarbandi (ceremonial turban-tying) was performed amidst great reverence and celebration.
In his heartfelt address, Hazrat Rais Miyan recalled,
“After the passing of my father, the late Pirzada Azizuddin Chishti, I was made the Sajjadanashin of this sacred Dargah in 1945 at the age of just seven. My own dastarbandi took place right here in this very court. Today, I am filled with pride and emotion as I pass on this sacred trust to my eldest son, Arshad Faridi. I have served this Dargah for 80 years, and I am confident that Arshad will uphold its traditions, spiritual values, and royal decrees with full dedication.”
Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti is considered one of the towering figures of the Chishti Sufi tradition in India. A descendant of the great Sufi saint Baba Farid and closely associated with the lineage of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer, his shrine is a spiritual beacon attracting people from all walks of life, irrespective of religion or creed.
To honor this rare and auspicious transition, large crowds of devotees, Sufi followers, and spiritual leaders from different Khanqahs across India and abroad are expected to gather in Fatehpur Sikri. Among the distinguished guests is Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, Sajjadanashin of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, who will attend as a special guest. The presence of heads of other major Dargahs and spiritual institutions will further enhance the spiritual grandeur of the event.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Pirzada Arshad Faridi said,
“Under my father’s guidance, I have closely learned and followed the traditions of our Khanqah. I vow to carry them forward with sincerity. This Dargah is not limited to followers of one faith — people of all religions come here with love and devotion. It is our duty to honor their faith, promote brotherhood, and uphold the atmosphere of love and harmony. Our ultimate goal is to seek Allah’s grace, pray for the prosperity of the nation, and strengthen humanity.”
The spiritual gathering, accompanied by the traditional dastarbandi rituals performed by representatives of various Khanqahs, will be a celebration not just of legacy but of continued spiritual service. Many extended their heartfelt congratulations to Arshad Faridi, expressing confidence that he will preserve and expand the glorious Sufi legacy with utmost devotion.