Explanation:

 
The Sufis were divided into different silsilahs (orders) with each silsilah having its own pir (guide or spiritual director) called Khwaja or Sheikh.

The pir and his disciples lived in a khanqah(hospice). A pir nominated a successor or wali from his disciples to carry on his work.

It must be noted that unlike the Chishti saints, the Suhrawardis maintained close contacts with the state. They accepted gifts,
jagirs and even government posts in the ecclersiastical department.

Source: http://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/SecICHCour/English/CH.09.pdf