Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Day
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Day: Celebrating the Universal Poet of Humanity and Harmony
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Day, April 5 – Today, across Sindh and in Texas USA, cultural institutions, literary forums, and spiritual followers are celebrating the latif Day – a day to honor the life and message of one of the greatest poets ever produced by the East. Known for his soulful poetry, mysticism, and humanism.
From Sufi saints to modern scholars, and from Muslim to Hindu communities, millions across Sindh and South Asia respect and celebrate Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Day and respect him as their spiritual guide, philosopher, and poet of the soul. His shrine in Bhit Shah remains a place of spiritual refuge and cultural pride, welcoming all who seek love, wisdom, and inner peace.
Shah Jo Risalo Poetry Book for All Mankind
On the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Day we can not forget the Shah Jo Risalo which is a poetic compilation of Bhittai’s mystical verses, consisting of 30 Surs (chapters). Each Sur is named after a classical raga (musical mode) and conveys deep spiritual, philosophical, and emotional themes through the lens of Sindhi folklore, Sufi thought, and universal human values.
The most famous Surs include Sur Marui (سُر مارئي), Sassui (سُر سسئي), Suhni, Moomal Rano, Ramkali, and Sarang. These poetic compositions explore themes of love, separation, devotion, struggle, and divine longing. Shah Jo Risalo remains one of the most revered works in Sindhi literature and a spiritual guide for generations.
Shah Jo Risalo, was first translated into German in 1866 by Ernest Trumpp. Later, Elsa Kazi translated it into English, followed by Dr. H.T. Sorley in 1940. Recent translations include works by Amena Khamisani (1994), Shaikh Ayaz in Urdu, Kartar Singh Arsh in Punjabi, and a French translation.
The Arabic and “Seeking The Beloved” translations, by Hari Daryani and Anju Makhija, have also gained recognition, including a Sahitya Akademi Award in 2011.
The Sufi of Sindh: A Life Rooted in Love and Wanderlust
Born in 1689 in the village of Hala Haveli, Latif belonged to a family of Sayed caste—descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). From a young age, he showed signs of deep spirituality. He studied the Quran, Hadith, Arabic, and Persian literature but was more drawn to the divine presence in nature and among the ordinary folk.
His heart found peace not in palaces or madrasas but in deserts, rivers, and villages. Shah Bhittai embarked on spiritual travels, walking across Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. He spent time with fakirs, farmers, fishermen, yogis, and saints, absorbing the essence of their lives and struggles.
It was through these encounters that he composed his immortal verses – tales not of kings, but of ordinary people with extraordinary inner strength.
Settling at Bhit: From Traveler to Saint
After years of wandering, Shah Latif chose to live the rest of his life on a mound near Bhit Shah. There, he spent his days in quiet reflection, prayer, and poetry. His followers gathered around him, and together they recited his verses, sung to the music of the tambura, an instrument he played himself.
It was this place that became known as “Bhit,” and he became “Bhittai” – the one who resided at the mound.
A Message for All Mankind
On Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Day, we must spread the message of his poetry he taught us, Unlike many of his contemporaries, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai did not focus on theological debates or sectarianism. He spoke to the heart of all human beings – regardless of religion, caste, gender, or social class.
He saw divine beauty in every human, every struggle, every act of love and sacrifice. His poetry often revolves around strong women from Sindhi folklore – Marui, Sassui, Moomal – symbols of resistance, patience, and purity.
In one of his timeless lines, he reminds us:
“سڀني سان سلوڪ ڪر، پر سچ سان نه ٺڳي.”
(Treat all kindly, but do not compromise on truth.)
Another beautiful reflection of spiritual vision is:
“جو ڏسي پاڻ کي، سو ڏسي سڀ ڪجه،
جو پاڻ کي نه ڏسي، سو ڪاوڙو ئي ڪج.”
(He who sees himself sees everything; he who ignores his own soul sees nothing.)
Poet of Peace, Poet of Pluralism
In today’s world of rising intolerance and hatred, Shah Latif stands as a timeless figure of unity. His love for humanity went beyond religious boundaries. Both Muslims and Hindus of Sindh consider him their spiritual master.
He incorporated Hindu yogis in his poetry, admired their discipline and spirituality, and often celebrated Krishna, Shiva, and Ram in symbolic verses. Yet he remained deeply Muslim in his love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the divine oneness of Allah.
His universal appeal lies in this inclusivity. As he wrote:
“ڪنهن سان ڪين ڪجي نفرت، سڀني مان دوست.”
(Hate no one; treat all as friends.)
And in another couplet:
“نالت نه ڪر ڪنهن سان، سڀني سان مٺي ڳالهه.”
(Speak ill of none; speak sweetly to all.)
Shah Jo Risalo: A Treasure of Spiritual and Cultural Wisdom
His poetry was later compiled by his disciples into a book called “Shah Jo Risalo” – a collection of Sur(s) or melodic chapters, each based on a specific raga of Indian classical music. These include Surs like Marui, Sassui, Moomal Rano, Suhni Mehar, and Ramkali – each one rooted in folk tales but elevated to divine metaphors.
His poems, though deeply rooted in Sindhi soil, speak the language of the cosmos. They are metaphysical, philosophical, and spiritual—reminding mankind of humility and the greater purpose of life.
One such verse reads:
“موٽيان مٽيءَ ٿي، ساڻ سڏين سڄڻ،
ماروئڙا منجهه، وساڻ وساڻ.”
(Let me turn to dust, as long as I remain close to my beloveds in the desert.)
Death and the Everlasting Legacy
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai passed away in 1752 at the age of 63. His shrine was later constructed by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, and it stands today as one of Sindh’s most visited spiritual centers. Every year, on the 14th of Safar (Islamic month), his Urs is held, drawing thousands of devotees, musicians, and seekers.
The atmosphere during Urs is filled with the sound of Shah’s verses sung with devotion, and the fragrance of flowers and faith fills the air. His followers gather in peaceful celebration of his life, music, and eternal message of love.
Before his death, Shah is said to have advised:
“نه ڪعبو، نه ڪنڌلو، نه ڪا دُنيا جي واک،
سچو عشق، سچي راھ، تن کي الله ماڻ.”
(Neither Kaaba nor Kandahar, nor the world’s paths – only those who walk the road of true love reach the Divine.)
Global Recognition
Today, Shah Latif’s poetry has been translated into multiple languages including English, Urdu, German, French, and Arabic. Scholars like Elsa Kazi and Annemarie Schimmel praised him as one of the greatest spiritual poets of all time.
Renowned Pakistani singers such as Allan Faqir, Abida Parveen, and Sanam Marvi have kept his voice alive on international stages. UNESCO has recognized Bhittai’s shrine and his contributions to intangible cultural heritage.
Why Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Day Matters
In a time when the world is struggling with spiritual emptiness, cultural polarization, and social injustice, Shah Abdul Latif’s message provides healing:
- He taught self-realization.
- He preached tolerance and humility.
- He elevated women as symbols of devotion and resistance.
- He spoke for the marginalized and forgotten.
His simple philosophy remains as relevant today as ever:
“جيڪو پاڻ کي نه سڃاڻي، سو ڪڏهن به رب کي نٿو سڃاڻي.”
(One who doesn’t know himself can never know God.)
Conclusion
On Shah Abdul Latif Day, let us not just celebrate his poetry, but also embody his teachings of compassion, truth, and unity. Let us rise above our petty differences, and walk the path of love, as shown by this humble poet of Bhit Shah, who spoke not just to a nation – but to the soul of mankind.
“Happy Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Day to All Mankind “
