Delhi is Still Far Away

Shaykh Nizamuddin Muhammad bin Ahmad bin Ali al-Badauni al-Dihlawi, known as “Awliya” (633-725 AH), was one of the most renowned scholars of India and among the great masters of the Chishti Sufi order. His ancestors hailed from the city of Bukhara, and they migrated to India, settling in the city of Badaun. Shaykh Nizamuddin was born there, grew up, and advanced in both knowledge and practice. He received authorization in the Chishti order from Shaykh Fariduddin Masud Ganj Shakar, famously known as Baba Farid. Later, he settled in Delhi, where he passed away and was buried. His tomb remains well-known in a district of Delhi named after him, “Hazrat Nizamuddin,” which also serves as a center for Da’wah and Tabligh.

Shaykh Nizamuddin lived during the reign of several kings and sultans, including Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, of Turkish origin, who ruled from 720 AH to 725 AH. He was the founder of the Tughluq dynasty, which governed India for nearly a century.

Sufi chroniclers narrate that some rulers opposed Shaykh Nizamuddin Awliya due to the overwhelming number of people flocking to him from across India. Among them was Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, who, towards the end of his life, embarked on a military campaign in Bengal. From there, he sent a letter to the Shaykh, ordering him to leave Delhi and threatening him with death if he disobeyed. In response, the Shaykh wrote back, “Hanooz Dilli Door Ast”—which means, “Delhi is still far away.”

After completing his campaign, the Sultan began his return journey to Delhi. The Shaykh’s disciples, fearing the Sultan’s wrath, urged him to flee, but he calmly repeated, “Delhi is still far away.”

Upon reaching Afghanpur, a village three miles from Delhi, the Sultan lodged in a grand wooden palace built for him by his son, the crown prince. When news of the Sultan’s proximity to Delhi reached Shaykh Nizamuddin, he remained composed and again said, “Delhi is still far away.”

It is said that the luxurious palace collapsed entirely upon the Sultan, leading to his death, while the Shaykh was spared from his tyranny.

The phrase “Delhi is still far away” has since become a proverbial expression for anticipating delays and obstacles even when something appears near. I recalled this famous saying when I heard an arrogant tyrant boast that he would turn Palestine into a living hell for its people. Encouraged by those upon whom humiliation has been decreed—except for those holding onto a rope from Allah and a rope from the people—he even went further, bragging that he would transform the Middle East entirely. To that, I say: “Delhi is still far away.”

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This article was translated by AI.
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