Tragic Fire Claims Life of Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Head Custodian in Delhi
New Delhi: In a devastating incident, the head custodian of the revered dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, Syed Mohammad Nizami, passed away after reportedly suffocating in a fire that erupted at his residence on Saturday evening. His wife, Fida, who was rescued in an unconscious state, has since recovered and is now in stable condition.
Electric Geyser Explosion Sparks Blaze
Authorities indicate that an electric geyser explosion is believed to have triggered the intense blaze. The fire was reported around 5 pm, prompting a swift emergency response. Delhi Fire Services dispatched five fire tenders with approximately 25 personnel to the scene, while two ambulances and three PCR vans were also mobilized.
Firefighters faced significant challenges as the house was locked from the inside, necessitating the cutting of an iron gate and breaking open the main door. By the time they gained entry, the fire had engulfed the entire single-storey structure, leaving it pitch black with thick smoke.
Rescue Efforts and Fatal Outcome
While other family members were safely evacuated through a back door, Nizami and his wife, Fida (45), were discovered unconscious due to smoke inhalation. Police reported that Fida was rescued first, after which a bathroom door was broken open to find Nizami inside. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. The fire was fully extinguished by around 6:30 pm.
Legal proceedings are underway, with police stating that action will be based on inquest findings. The incident has left the local community and followers in mourning.
Family Background and Personal Legacy
Nizami, aged 50 and also known as Khwaja Syed Mohammad Nizami, had returned home around 3 pm after attending a qawwali session prior to the fire. His 13-year-old daughter, Mahmooda, was at a tuition class, and his 11-year-old son, Hasan, was playing downstairs at the time. His mother, Gulerana, was asleep during the incident.
As the only brother among four siblings, Nizami was deeply committed to upholding his family's rich heritage. His elder sister, Ghazala, shared that he aspired to continue the legacy of music and literature, noting their grandfather, Khwaja Hasan Nizami, was a Sufi saint and Urdu essayist who wrote extensively on India's freedom struggle.
The family has faced previous hardships, including the loss of Nizami's eldest daughter in a road accident six years ago. After his father's death when Nizami was about 18, he was guided toward spirituality by his uncle, Khwaja Hasan Sani Nizami. He had served as the head custodian of the dargah since 2015, earning widespread respect for his dedication to Sufism and love for Hindustani classical music from followers globally.
Community Tributes and Professional Life
On Sunday afternoon, devotees from across India and abroad gathered at the burial site in Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti to pay their final respects. Musicians at the dargah revealed that Nizami was a chartered accountant by profession, balancing his spiritual duties with a professional career.
Local residents fondly remembered his generosity. A fruit vendor, Riyazuddin (37), recounted how Nizami frequently provided financial assistance to neighbors in need without expecting repayment, stating, "He never wanted the money back. His family has always been kind to us."
The tragedy has left the community in shock, highlighting the sudden loss of a revered figure known for his kindness and spiritual leadership.
