First Phase: (early 13th to later 14th century)

 Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti (died. 1236) a native of Persia, introduced it in India.

He was the disciple of Khwaja Usman Haruni
He reached India in 1190 during Ghori conquest and settled in Ajmer about 1206.
His simple, pious and dedicated life had great impact on those who came in contact with him.
He was respected by both Muslims and non Muslims.
He was not actively involved in conversions and his attitude towards non-Muslims was one of
tolerance.
Later, His tomb in Ajmer became a famous centre of pilgrimage.

 Shaikh Outbuddin Bhaktiyar Kaki (d.1235) and Shaikh Hamiduddin (d. 1276 after living ordinary
,

life in Nagaur, Rajsthan) the two eminent disciples of Muinuddin Chisti:

The former popularized the Chisti order in Delhi and the latter in Rajasthan.
They lived simple life.
Shaikh Hamiduddin was a strict vegetarian and mixed freely with the Hindus.
Shaikh Qutbuddin Bhaktiyar Kaki settled down at Delhi during the reign of Rtutmish and refused to
accept the royal patronage. The famous Outub Minar was named after him.
The Chishti mystics believed in the spiritual value of music. Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki died in
a state of ecstasy under the spell of music.
 Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar (known as Baba Farid) was a disciple/ Khalifa (successor) of
Bhaktiyar Kaki.
He popularized the Chisti order in Haryana and Punjab.
He led a householder's life.
Some of his sayings are included in the Adi Granth of the Sikhs after 300 yr.
He kept himself far away from political personalities and avoided contact with rich and powerful
people.
He advised his disciple Syed Maula: "Do not make friends with kings and nobles. Consider their visits
to your home as fatal (for your spirit). Every darwesh who makes friends with kings and nobles, will end