Episode 01 — Who Was Khwaja Garib Nawaz?

Centuries ago, in the mid-twelfth century, a traveller arrived in the Indian subcontinent carrying little worldly wealth, yet carrying a message of unconditional compassion that would resonate through generations. That figure was Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, affectionately known across the world as 'Garib Nawaz' — Benefactor of the Poor.

Born around 1141 CE (536 AH) in Sanjar, Sistan (present-day eastern Iran), Khwaja Moinuddin grew up during a turbulent era marked by political instability and social conflict. His father, Sayyid Ghiyasuddin, was a virtuous and religious man who provided a stable education in Islamic fundamentals. However, before Moinuddin reached manhood, both his father and mother passed away, leaving the young youth orphaned with an orchard and a water mill as his sole inheritance.

Rather than settling into a comfortable life as a landholder, an encounter with a wandering dervish named Sheikh Ibrahim Qunduzi altered the course of Moinuddin's life forever. Intrigued by the stranger's inner tranquility, young Moinuddin offered him fresh grapes from his orchard. In return, Sheikh Ibrahim offered Moinuddin a piece of bread. Upon consuming it, a deep spiritual awakening awakened within young Moinuddin's heart.

Realizing the transient nature of material wealth, Moinuddin sold his orchard and mill, distributed all the proceeds among the poor and needy of Sanjar, and set out on foot toward the great learning centers of Bukhara and Samarqand. Thus began one of the most remarkable spiritual journeys in South Asian Islamic history.