Shah Jo Risalo: The Poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

Risalo (شاھ جو رسالو) is a collection of poems by the World renowned Sufi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. His poetic work, primarily composed during his lifetime, was orally transmitted and later compiled after his death. This compilation was known as “Shah Jo Risalo”.

The book holds significant cultural and spiritual value in Sindhi literature and holds a revered status, showcasing the deep mystical philosophy of Bhittai Latif. It is known for its profound reflections on divine love, human struggle, and spiritual enlightenment.

Christopher Shackle, Emeritus Professor of Modern Languages of South Asia at the University of London, published a modern English prose translation of Shah Jo Risalo, alongside the original Sindhi text, was released by Harvard University Press, offering a contemporary interpretation of the classic Sufi poetry.

Translations of Shah jo Risalo Sindhi

Risalo of Shah was first edited by Ernest Trumpp, a German scholar and missionary, who published it in 1866 from Leipzig, Germany. He referred to the compilation as Diwan, a term used for a collection of poems by one author, in his German edition. Thus the Risalo of Shah was introduced in western world.

Surs in Risalo (Chapters)

The traditional compilation of Bhittai Jo Risalo contains 30 Surs, each dealing with different themes of life, love, and spirituality. However, earlier editions of the Risalo contained as many as 36 Surs. Over time, linguists and scholars discarded six of these Surs due to differences in language and content compared to the rest of the poems.

The word “Sur” itself is derived from the Sanskrit word “Svara,” meaning a mode of singing. In Indian classical music, “Ragas” and “Raginis” are sung at specific times of day, and similarly, the Surs in Latif Jo Risalo are associated with specific themes and emotions.

They are intended to be sung in the form of Ragas, creating a musical and spiritual experience. The Surs are categorized based on their subject matter, each telling a unique story of divine connection, human struggle, and transformation. The underlying message of the Risalo is the importance of cultivating divine qualities and shedding one’s ego to achieve spiritual growth.

Notable Surs in Shah Jo Risalo

The traditional 30 Surs in Shah’s Risalo are as follows:

Each Sur deals with different facets of the human condition, from tales of love (such as Sohni, Sassui, and Momal Rano) to spiritual themes that emphasize selflessness, patience, and devotion. The Sur of Marui, for example, tells the story of a girl from the desert who remains steadfast in her love for her homeland despite numerous trials, symbolizing perseverance and loyalty to the divine.

Modern Translations and Legacy

Abdul Latif’s Risalo continues to be studied and appreciated across the world. It has been translated into several languages, helping extend Bhittai’s mystical teachings to diverse audiences. The most notable translations include those by Ernest Trumpp, Elsa Kazi (Shah jo Risalo English), and Amena Khamisani (1994, Shah jo Risalo in English).

Other poets and scholars have translated the Shah jo Risalo in Urdu, Punjabi, and even French and Arabic, further amplifying its global reach. In Sindh, the work remains a central element of cultural heritage, and Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Baloch has worked extensively on preserving its linguistic integrity, while others like Dr. Aurangzeb Siyal have provided further insights through modern interpretations.

Latif Award

The Latif Award (Sindhi: لطيف ايوارڊ‎) is presented annually by the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Government of Sindh. It honors exceptional researchers and singers who contribute to the preservation and promotion of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s mystic poetry, Sindhi language, and music.

The award, a prestigious cultural recognition, is given during the Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The golden model of the Tamboro, a stringed instrument believed to be invented by Latif, serves as the award’s distinctive trophy.

Compilation of Shah Jo Risalo in Sindhi

Emergence of Multiple Manuscripts:

As Shah Latif’s disciples continued to compile his poetry, numerous manuscripts were created, each with slight variations in the text. These differences arose due to factors such as different interpretations, memorization errors, and regional linguistic variations.

Over time, these various versions multiplied, resulting in around 50 different versions of Shah Jo Risalo Book. Despite the variations, each manuscript still carried the core essence of Shah Latif’s profound spiritual message.

Initial Compilation and Discarding of Manuscripts:

The disciples diligently recorded his poetic verses, which he composed in a state of spiritual ecstasy, and compiled them into three volumes which were intended to preserve his poetic legacy. However, Shah Latif, in his deep humility, discarded the volumes into the Karar Lake, symbolizing his belief that the essence of his poetry was for the soul, not for material preservation.

Recompilation with Consent

Later on his disciples, especially female disciple Mai Niamat were determined to preserve his poetry. They sought his permission to recompile the verses. Shah Latif, recognizing their devotion, granted consent. Niamat Mai, who had memorized many of his verses, played an instrumental role in faithfully preserving and re-recording the poetry for future.

Other Contributors in Compilation and Research of Shah Jo Risalo after Death of Bhittai

Muhammad Ismail Khahori (Ganj Compilation)

Muhammad Ismail Khahori played a crucial role in the early preservation and compilation of Shah Jo Risalo. Almost a century after Shah Latif’s death, he compiled a significant version of the poet’s work, which he titled Ganj (meaning “Treasure”).

This compilation was one of the first major efforts to organize and preserve Shah Latif’s poetry, safeguarding its continuity for future generations. Ganj became an essential historical document, capturing many of Shah Latif’s verses that had been passed down through oral traditions.

Mirza Qaleech Baig;

He was a prominent scholar and researcher who played a vital role in compiling and preserving the Risalo. His efforts were instrumental in shaping the structure of Shah Jo Risalo as it is known today. Baig’s meticulous approach to gathering manuscripts and his thorough analysis were essential in determining the authenticity of the various versions of the poetry.

Dr. Gurbakhshani:

He was a significant scholar who made important contributions to the research and compilation of Shah Jo Risalo. His efforts centered on preserving the original integrity of Shah Latif’s verses, ensuring that the poetic text was accurately recorded for future generations.

Notably, his work emphasized the mystical and spiritual dimensions of Shah Latif’s poetry, offering a deeper understanding of its metaphysical themes.

Allama I. I. Qazi (Former VC of University of Sindh Jamshoro)

He was a prominent academic who extensively researched and critiqued Shah Latif’s poetry. His scholarly work played a crucial role in understanding the broader philosophical and metaphysical aspects of Shah Latif’s verses. Through his research, Allama Qazi illuminated the deeper meanings behind the poetry, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Dr. Dawood Pota

Dr. Pota was renowned for his rigorous study of Sindhi literary traditions, with a particular focus on Shah;s poetry. His work centered on preserving the text’s authenticity while examining it through the lens of Sufi philosophy and Islamic mysticism. His contributions were instrumental in helping scholars and readers gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual messages embedded within Latif’s poetry.

Kalyan Advani, Siddiq Memon, Tara Chand Shauqi Ram

These scholars played crucial roles in the continued research and compilation of Bhittai’s poetry. Each contributed significantly to documenting and analyzing Shah Latif’s work, ensuring its preservation. Their efforts primarily focused on reconciling discrepancies between different manuscripts and compiling the most comprehensive and authentic version of his poetry.

Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi, Muhammad Usman Diplai, Ibrahim Nasarpuri:

These later scholars continued the legacy of their predecessors by further researching, analyzing, and compiling Shah Jo Risalo. Their work focused on refining and expanding existing manuscripts, bridging gaps between regional and oral traditions. This ensured a more comprehensive and preserved version of Shah Latif’s poetry for future generations.

Dr Nabi Bux Baloch’s Scholarly Contribution to Shah Jo Risalo

A distinguished linguist, scholar, and researcher, hailed from the Sindh. Born in the village of Baloch, near Umerkot, he dedicated his life to the study and preservation of Sindhi culture and language. His research into Shah Jo Risalo, particularly his compilation, is regarded as the most authentic and comprehensive version of the text and is widely accepted in academic circles.

Key contributions include:

Exhaustive Research: Dr. Baloch meticulously studied over 50 manuscripts of Shah Jo Risalo, including rare and previously unpublished versions.
Compilation of an Authoritative Version: After examining these manuscripts, he compiled a version that is widely regarded as the most authoritative and scholarly.
Inclusion of 36 Surs: Dr. Baloch’s version of Shah Jo Risalo included all 36 surs (chapters), ensuring the complete collection of Shah Latif’s poetic work.
Annotations and Explanatory Notes: His edition provided detailed annotations, a biography of Shah Latif, and a glossary, helping readers understand the historical and cultural context of the poetry.
Diacritic Marks: Dr. Baloch’s work also featured diacritic marks, ensuring the correct pronunciation and interpretation of the Sindhi text.
Published in 2009: The edition was published in 2009, and due to its significance, it was reprinted by Sindhica Academy in Karachi.

Structure of Shah Jo Risalo

Divided into Surs (Musical Chapters): Shah Jo Risalo is organized into chapters known as “Surs,” which are named after musical notes. Each “Sur” represents a unique theme or melody that complements the poetic content, reflecting the spiritual and mystical expressions of Shah Latif’s work.
Disagreements on the Number of Original Surs: Scholars have debated the exact number of Surs included in the original Risalo. While some versions of the text include 36 Surs, others argue that the number may differ. The variations stem from the different manuscripts and editions compiled over time, each with slightly different inclusions.
Debate Over the Authenticity of Sur Kedaro: One of the most contested Surs is Sur Kedaro. Some scholars, like Nabi Bakhsh Baloch, have questioned its authenticity, suggesting it may not have been part of Shah Latif’s original work. However, other scholars and versions of Risalo include Sur Kedaro, leading to continued scholarly debate on its rightful place in the collection.

Collectively, these scholars and researchers have helped shape Risalo into the revered collection of poetry it is today, offering deep insights into the life, philosophy, and spiritual wisdom of Bhitai Ghot Latif. Through their work, the poet’s mystic teachings and Sufi ideals continue to resonate with readers across generations.

“Shah Jo Risalo online” is now available today in the app, PDF, and online formats. You can easily access this literary masterpiece of Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Whether you prefer reading it on your mobile app, downloading the PDF version, or reading it online, you have various options to explore and enjoy this remarkable collection of poetry.

Conclusion

Risalo of Shah latif Bhittai is not only a work of poetic excellence but also a profound spiritual guide. Through his mystical verses, Shah teaches humanity to transcend ego, embrace divine love, and seek a deeper understanding of life and spirituality. His poetry, celebrated worldwide, continues to inspire generations, making Risalo of Bhittai Latif a timeless treasure in the world of Sufi literature.