AJMER SHARIF: In a powerful celebration of spirituality, music and universal brotherhood, the world-renowned Fanna-Fi-Allah Sufi Qawwali ensemble, led by Tahir Hussain Faridi Qawwal, performed at the revered Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishty (r), popularly known as Gharib Nawaz, in Ajmer Sharif.

The spiritual gathering witnessed the participation of a 55-member international delegation comprising travellers, family members and friends from the United States, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. The group was welcomed by Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer Sharif and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation, who offered prayers, traditional dastarbandi and the blessings of the shrine.

Music of Faith Transcends Borders

Performing traditional kalaams in praise of the Almighty, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Sufi masters of the Chishti order, the ensemble created an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual reflection before thousands of devotees and pilgrims. People from different faiths joined the gathering, while several members of the international delegation were reportedly moved to tears by the experience.

The ensemble features Tahir Hussain Faridi Qawwal on lead vocals and harmonium; Kash Qalandar on tabla and vocals; Laali Qalandar, Salim Chishti and Ali Shan on vocals and clapping; Abrar Hussain on tabla, vocals and clapping; Chetan Ramlu on harmonium and vocals; and Aziz Abbatiello performing Sufi whirling.

With more than two decades of training under distinguished masters of the South Asian qawwali tradition, Fanna-Fi-Allah has taken the sacred musical heritage of Sufi shrines to audiences across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The ensemble has also released ten albums.

Special Prayers for a Couple

The visit carried a personal significance for Andre, a member of the delegation, and his bride-to-be, who visited the shrine to seek the blessings of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz ahead of their wedding in India this week. Haji Syed Salman Chishty offered special prayers for their happiness and lifelong companionship.

‘Love Towards All, Malice Towards None’

Reflecting on the gathering, Haji Syed Salman Chishty said the shrine had welcomed people of every faith, nationality and language for more than 800 years.

“Today, friends from across the world sat together at this threshold in one remembrance of the Divine. Qawwali here is not a performance. It is a prayer that dissolves the self until only love remains,” he said.

Describing the visitors as ambassadors of peace, he added that they would return to their respective countries carrying the eternal message of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz: “Love Towards All, Malice Towards None.”

The gathering at Ajmer Sharif served as a reminder of the enduring appeal of Sufi traditions, where music, devotion and shared humanity bring people together across geographical, cultural and religious boundaries.