Saints

Sindh’s 7 Saints: Bridging Faiths, Cultures & Wisdom

Introduction

Sindh, a land steeped in ancient history and cultural diversity, has long been a cradle of spirituality. Nestled in present-day Pakistan, this region is celebrated not only for its archaeological wonders but also for its profound spiritual heritage. At the heart of Sindh’s identity are its saints—Pirs, Murshid, mystics, poets, and philosophers—who transcended religious and social boundaries to preach love, unity, and devotion.

From the Sufi and saints luminaries like Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar to the Hindu patron saint Jhulelal, these figures remain pillars of Sindh’s syncretic culture. This article delves into the lives, teachings, and shrines of Sindh’s most revered saints, exploring their local and global influence.

The Spiritual Landscape of Sindh

Sindh’s spiritual ethos is deeply intertwined with Sufism, a mystical Islamic tradition that emphasizes inner purity and universal love. Over centuries, Sufi saints settled in Sindh, establishing khanqahs (spiritual centers) that attracted followers from across South Asia.

Alongside Sufism, Sindh’s Hindu community venerates Jhulelal, is one of the saints a god for some Hindus in Sindh. These spiritual traditions coexist, reflecting Sindh’s legacy of tolerance. The shrines of these saints are not merely places of worship but vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, music, and poetry.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai: The Great Poet of the Desert

Origin & Life:
Born in 1689 in Hala Haveli, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai is Sindh’s one of the most revered saints. Belonging to the Bhutto tribe, he rejected materialism to wander the Thar Desert, absorbing folk stories and spiritual wisdom. His poetry, compiled in Shah Jo Risalo, blends Islamic mysticism with Sindhi folklore.

Teachings:
Bhitai preached wahdat al-wujud (Unity of Existence), advocating love for humanity and nature. His verses, sung in raga modes, often feature heroines like Sassui and Marvi, symbolizing the soul’s quest for divine union.

Shrine & Location:
His shrine in Bhit Shah near Hala, is an architectural marvel with a white dome and intricate tilework. The annual Urs (death anniversary) features qawwali and dhamal (ecstatic dance), drawing thousands.

Recognition:
UNESCO recognizes his work as intangible cultural heritage. His poetry has been translated into over 50 languages, resonating globally as a voice of peace.

Lal Shahbaz Qalandar: The Red Falcon of Sehwan

Origin & Life:
Born Syed Usman Shah Marwandi in 1177 in Afghanistan, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar traveled across the Muslim world before settling in Sehwan, Sindh. His title “Lal” (red) refers to his crimson attire, and “Shahbaz” (royal falcon) symbolizes his spiritual prowess.

Teachings:
A Qalandar (wandering dervish), he rejected orthodoxy, embracing music and dance as paths to divine ecstasy. His famous couplet, “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar,” celebrates spiritual liberation.

Shrine & Location:
The Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif is a symbol of Sindh’s Sufi identity. The silver-covered tomb and its iconic green gate attract millions, especially during the three-day Urs.

Recognition:
Venerated by Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs, his shrine exemplifies interfaith harmony. Internationally, his poetry inspires artists, and the Canadian band Qalandar pays homage to his legacy.

Jhulelal: The River Saint of Sindh

Origin & Life:
Jhulelal, or Uderolal, is one of the patron saints of Sindhi Hindus. Born in the 10th century in Thatta, he is believed to be an incarnation of Varuna, the water deity. Legends say he saved Sindhi Hindus from a tyrannical ruler by appearing on a fish in the Indus River.

Teachings:
Jhulelal symbolizes unity and resistance against oppression. His teachings stress devotion (bhakti) and communal harmony, encapsulated in the phrase “Jiye Sindh” (Long live Sindh).

Shrine & Location:
The Jhulelal Temple in Udero Lal (Hyderabad District) sits on the Indus’ banks. The annual Cheti Chand festival marks his birth, with processions and floating oil lamps.

Recognition:
Sindhi Hindus worldwide, from India to the Americas, celebrate Jhulelal. UNESCO’s acknowledgment of Sindhi cultural traditions underscores his global relevance.

Sachal Sarmast: The Mystic Bard

Origin & Life:
One of the most revered saints and sufis ,Abdul Wahab Farooqi, known as Sachal Sarmast (“Truthful Mystic”), was born in 1739 in Daraza (Khairpur District). A polymath, he wrote in Sindhi, Persian, and Urdu.

Teachings:
Inspired by Rumi and Hafiz, Sachal’s poetry critiques dogma, urging direct communion with the Divine. His famous line, “I am neither Sunni nor Shia—I am just a lover of the Beloved,” champions pluralism.

Shrine & Location:
His shrine in Daraza Sharif hosts a vibrant Urs with sufi kalam (mystic songs). The complex includes a library of his manuscripts.

Recognition:
Sachal’s works are studied in South Asian literature courses, and his messages of unity inspire modern Sufi movements.

Other Notable Saints of Sindh

1. Shah Inayat Qadiri: A 17th-century Sufi martyred for advocating land rights. His shrine in Jhok Sharif (Thatta District) is a symbol of resistance.
2. Makhdoom Bilawal: A 16th-century scholar-martyr whose shrine in Dadu attracts political pilgrims.
3. Mangho Pir: Associated with Sufi crocodile legends, his shrine in Karachi highlights Sindh’s natural mysticism.

Sufi Shah Inayat Shaheed

Origin:
Sufi Shah Inayat Shaheed was born in 1655/56 in Miranpur, Sindh, near present-day Thatta-Tando Mohammad Khan-Hyderabad road. He hailed from the Langah family and was a disciple of Shah Abdul Malik Jilani in the Qadiriyya order. Choosing the sword as a symbol of martyrdom, he dedicated his life to social justice and spiritual teachings.

Shrine Location:
His shrine is in Jhok Sharif, Sindh, Pakistan, attracting devotees who honor his legacy of resistance, equality, and Sufi spirituality.

Overview:
Shah Inayat was one of the saints and a revolutionary Sufi and agrarian reformist who preached equality, love, and collective farming. His slogan, “Jo Kherray So Khaey” (One who tills the land should eat), threatened feudal landlords and orthodox clerics. His growing influence led to a prolonged siege of Jhok by Mughal forces under Farrukhsiyar’s orders.

Betrayed during peace talks, he was arrested and executed in 1718 in Thatta. His martyrdom cemented his status as a symbol of resistance against oppression. His teachings continue to inspire movements advocating social justice, equality, and Sufi philosophy in Sindh and beyond.

Sufi Makhdoom Bilawal

Origin:
Makhdoom Bilawal was born in 1451 AD (856 AH) in Sindh, Pakistan. He was a Sufi saint, philosopher, and poet, also known as Makhdum Bilal or Bilali Makhdum. His teachings emphasized spirituality, wisdom, and resistance against oppression.

Shrine Location:
His shrine is located in Talti, near Sehwan Sharif, Sindh, Pakistan, where devotees visit to pay homage to his legacy.

Overview:
Makhdoom Bilawal is revered for his defiance against the Argun invaders who attempted to subjugate Sindh. He played a significant role in inspiring local resistance through his teachings and influence. His steadfastness led to his martyrdom in 1522 AD (929 AH). Today, he is remembered as a symbol of resilience and faith, with his poetry and philosophy continuing to inspire Sindh’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Manghopir

Location & History

Manghopir, one of Karachi’s oldest settlements, is home to the revered shrine of Pir Mangho one of the saints in Sindh, a 13th-century Sufi saint who migrated from Iraq to Sindh during the Mongol invasions. The shrine sits on a hill surrounded by palm trees and sulphur springs, a site that has drawn pilgrims and visitors for centuries.

The Sacred Crocodiles

One of the most intriguing aspects of the shrine is its crocodile-filled pond. Legend has it that these reptiles were originally lice that transformed into crocodiles through the saint’s blessings. While religious folklore credits their presence to Pir Mangho’s miracles, archaeologists suggest that a flood from ancient times may have washed them into the pond. Fossilized remains indicate that crocodiles have lived here since the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BC).

The Sheedi Community & Their Annual Festival

Manghopir holds special significance for Karachi’s Sheedi community, descendants of African slaves brought by Arabs, Persians, Turks, and European traders between the 10th and 17th centuries. The Sheedi celebrate their heritage through an annual festival at the shrine, where crocodiles are ritually fed as part of their cultural and religious practices.

Scientific & Cultural Significance

Studies suggest that the crocodiles have adapted to generations of human feeding, consuming not just meat but also sweetmeats. Unlike their wild counterparts, these crocodiles have remained docile, with no recorded attacks.

Despite historical disruptions due to gang violence and extremist threats in the area, recent security efforts have revitalized hopes for the return of the Sheedi festival, keeping the rich traditions of Manghopir alive.

Conclusion

The saints of Sindh are more than historical figures—they are living embodiments of the region’s soul. Their shrines serve as bridges between faiths, while their poetry and teachings continue to inspire global audiences. In a world fractured by division, Sindh’s saints remind us of the transformative power of love, humility, and shared humanity. As long as the Indus flows and the dhol (drum) beats at Sehwan, their legacy will endure.