Abida Parveen: A Living Legend of Sufi and Sindhi Classical Music
Abida Parveen is a beacon of Sindhi heritage, spreading Sufi wisdom through her powerful voice. Draped in Ajrak, she keeps Bhittai’s poetry alive, ensuring Sindhi culture thrives globally.
Sufi Sindhi Singer Abida Parveen
Personal Information
Attribute
Details
Full Name
Abida Parveen
Title
Queen of Sufi Music, Sufi Ki Sultana
Date of Birth
1954
Place of Birth
Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan
Nationality
Sindhi Pakistani
Religion
Islam (Sufism)
Languages
Sindhi, Punjabi, Seraiki, Urdu, Persian
Family & Early Life
Attribute
Details
Father
Ustad Ghulam Haider (Santoor player, music teacher)
“Allah Hoo,” “Tere Ishq Nachaya,” “Haq Ali Ali,” “Yaar Ko Humne,” “Man Kunto Maula”
International Performances
Royal Albert Hall (UK), Carnegie Hall (USA), Nobel Peace Prize Concert (2014)
Coke Studio Contributions
Featured in Season 6–8, hit song “Koh-e-Raha”
Unique Style
Fuses classical Sufi poetry with modern musical elements
Cultural & Linguistic Contributions
Contribution Area
Details
Sindhi Poetry
Revived Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s Risalo through music
Multilingual Songs
Sings in Sindhi, Punjabi, Seraiki, Urdu, Persian
Preservation of Folk Music
Uses traditional instruments like yaktaro and dholak
Fusion Projects
Collaborated with Western and Indian artists to spread Sufi music globally
Awards & Recognition
Award
Year
Sitara-i-Imtiaz
2005
Hilal-i-Imtiaz
2012
Legion of Honour (France)
2021
UNESCO Music Prize
2007
Impact & Legacy
Area
Contribution
Breaking Gender Barriers
First prominent female Sufi singer in a male-dominated field
Mentorship
Trains students in Karachi, emphasizing music as a spiritual journey
Cultural Diplomacy
Performs at Indo-Pak peace rallies and UN events for harmony
Spiritual Influence
Her music unites people across religious and national boundaries
Philosophy & Lifestyle
Attribute
Details
Spiritual Beliefs
Considers music a divine gift, tool for spreading love and peace
Lifestyle
Leads a simple, devotional life, avoids celebrity culture
Famous Quote
“My voice is a gift from Allah, meant to serve humanity.”
Conclusion
Abida Parveen is not just a singer; she is the soul of Sindhi heritage. Through her powerful renditions of Sufi poetry, she has preserved Sindhi language and culture globally. Her signature Ajrak symbolizes her deep roots in Sindh’s traditions. A true icon, she has ensured that the mystical verses of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and other Sufi saints continue to inspire generations through her timeless voice.
