By Haji Syed Salman Chishty

Ajmer Dargah Sharif, the resting place of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty (r.a.), is not only a sacred site but a symbol of India’s rich tradition of interfaith harmony. For centuries, Ajmer Dargah Sharif as a revered and sacred spiritual centre has brought together people from all walks of life, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed. Recently, a deeply divisive and fraudulent claim has been made by Vishnu Gupta, the leader of Hindu Sena, alleging that the Dargah Sharif might have been built with remains of a Hindu temple.

This claim, presented in a local court, relies solely on assumptions made in H.B. Sarda’s Ajmer Historical and Descriptive, a colonial-era text written under British Commissionerate rule to create a wedge between Hindus and Muslims during India’s struggle for independence. As a Gaddi Nashin of Ajmer Dargah Sharif, I feel compelled to address this matter and urge all Indian citizens to reject this baseless attempt to tarnish the Sufi shrine’s legacy and disrupt our collective peace.

H.B. Sarda’s book as it appears to be was part of the British colonial strategy to weaken the unity between Hindus and Muslims, who were actively resisting British rule and foreign domination. By casting doubt on the origins of Ajmer Dargah Sharif, the British Commissionerate sought to sow mistrust and divert attention from the larger cause of independence. The foreword of the book reveals its origins, with Sarda attributing his efforts to his British mentor, Mr. F.L. Reid, then Principal of the Ajmer Government College. The work draws extensively from colonial libraries and British-dominated institutions, reflecting a deliberate attempt to rewrite history. By emphasizing Hindu and Muslim divisions, the book aimed to sow discord between communities at a time when unity was crucial for India’s independence struggle.

The British rulers exploited such narratives to weaken collective resistance against colonial oppression. The book’s tone and content align with their agenda to divide Hindus and Muslims, preventing them from uniting against imperial rule.

This book is riddled with inaccuracies and biases, intentionally written to serve the colonial agenda. Reviving its claims in the modern era is not only historically flawed but also dangerously regressive.

Vishnu Gupta, a self-styled “activist” with a history of criminal allegations, has sought to weaponize Sarda’s questionable work to further a divisive agenda. In his recent fraudulent petition, Gupta presented the book as key evidence to claim that Ajmer Sharif was built up with a temple ruins. This claim disregards historical consensus and the living spiritual legacy of the Sufi shrine, which has been a sanctuary for people of all faiths for over eight centuries.

According to reports published in The Indian Express, Gupta’s criminal record includes charges of hate speech, vandalism, and instigating communal violence. By bringing such claims to court, he not only challenges the sanctity of Ajmer Sharif but also undermines the spirit of communal harmony that the Dargah Ajmer Sharif embodies. As reported in other credible sources, His organization, Hindu Sena, has consistently worked to deepen divides in society, often targeting minority communities.

Ajmer Sharif has always been a symbol of India’s pluralistic heritage. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (r.a.) preached a message of love, inclusivity, and service to humanity. His teachings brought together people of different backgrounds, making Ajmer Sharif a centre of spiritual solace. Historical records, writings of past eight centuries and the oral traditions of millions of devotees stand as sacred testament to Ajmer Dargah Sharif’s Chishty Sufi spiritual foundations and its unifying role.

Sarda’s narrative, rooted in colonial manipulation, cannot be considered a credible source to rewrite the history of such a revered Dargah Sharif. By presenting it as evidence, Gupta not only distorts history but also disrespects the faith of countless devotees who revered Ajmer Sharif as a sacred space.

Hazret Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty (r.a.) dedicated his life to serving humanity and spreading the message of love, compassion, and unity. The teachings of Chishty Sufi Order emphasize the importance of compassion, selflessness, and harmony. These values are more relevant than ever in today’s world, where divisive forces seek to exploit historical inaccuracies for personal and political gain.

This fraudulent claim is not just an attack on the Dargah Ajmer Sharif; it is an assault on India’s shared cultural and spiritual heritage. Such divisive attempts must be firmly rejected by all Indian citizens who value the country’s unity and diversity. Ajmer Sharif belongs to everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, and stands as a symbol for the inclusive spirit of India.

The Dargah Sharif has always been a space where differences dissolve, and a shared humanity takes precedence. Hindu, Sikhs, Christians, Jains and devotees, alongside Muslims and people of all faiths, have visited this shrine for centuries, seeking blessings and spiritual solace.

Through acts of service, humility, and love, Sufi teachings have played a pivotal role in fostering harmony in India’s diverse society. Ajmer Dargah Sharif is a living example of these principles, serving as a sanctuary of peace and mutual respect.

As Indian citizens, it is our collective responsibility to uphold the constitutional values, safeguard the unity and harmony that define our nation. The fraudulent claims against Ajmer Dargah Sharif are an affront not only to its sacred legacy but also to the very fabric of our society.

I appeal to all people of goodwill, irrespective of their faith, to reject these baseless allegations. Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity, and attempts to divide us must be met with resolute opposition.

The fraudulent claims rooted in H.B. Sarda’s colonial-era book and resurfaced by individuals like Vishnu Gupta must be rejected outright. As responsible citizens, let us uphold the truth, protect our shared heritage, and ensure that Ajmer Sharif continues to shine as a sacred light of peace and unity for generations to come.

As the Gaddi Nashin of Ajmer Dargah Sharif and proud Indian citizen, I urge every fellow Indian brother and sister to rise above the noise of division and commit to the values of love, respect, and harmony. Khwaja Gharib Nawaz’s teachings remind us that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, compassion, and understanding.

May the sacred and blessed spaces guide us in these challenging times, enabling us to preserve the sanctity of Ajmer Dargah Sharif and the unity of our diverse nation. Together, let us ensure that the legacy of Ajmer Dargah Sharif continues to inspire generations to come.

The author is Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin, Dargah Ajmer Sharif, and Chairman, Chishty Foundation.

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