“Shah Latif Bhittai: 18th Century Poet, Still the Greatest one”
Shah Latif Bhittai the greatest poet of Sindhi language and literature, his life and works remain an integral part of Sindh’s rich cultural and literary heritage. Known for his deep spiritual insight, Shah Latif Bhittai’s life journey is as profound as his poetry.
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is known by many revered names: Shah Latif, Bhittai Ghot, Lakhino Latif, Shah of Bhit, Latif Sarkar, Latif Sain, Latif Murshid, Murshid Latif, and Lal Latif. These titles reflect his spiritual stature, poetic legacy, and deep-rooted love in the hearts of the Sindhi people.
Early Life and Origin:
Shah Latif Bhittai was born to a Kazmi Syed family in Hala Haweli, near modern-day Hala. His lineage can be traced back to Herat, Afghanistan and his ancestors were originally from Central Asia. Shah Latif Bhittai’s family lineage also traced back to the fourth caliph, Ali, and his daughter, Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.
This prestigious ancestry contributed to his high social standing and influence in Sindh. So he was highly respected by Sindhis from an early age, and this reverence continues even today. His spiritual influence and teachings were deeply respected by the people of Sindh. His followers, known as Mureeds, devotedly adhered to his words
And his impact on the cultural and spiritual life of the region remains significant. His early childhood was spent in Hala Haweli, but the family later moved to Kotri Mughal. Despite local traditions suggesting that Shah Latif Bhittai was illiterate, his poetry demonstrates his advanced knowledge of Arabic and Persian.
Shah Latif Bhittai was known for carrying Daras Masnawi of Maulana Rumi, the Diwan-e-Khawaja Hafiz Shirazi, and the Quran with him, signifying his intellectual depth. The influence of Persian poets like Rumi is evident in his teachings, reflecting his education and spiritual connection to these great thinkers. His presence left a lasting imprint on the cultural and spiritual life of the region.
The Love Story:
At the age of around 20, Shah Latif Bhittai fell in love with Saida Begum, the daughter of Mirza Mughal Beg, an aristocrat from Kotri Mughal. This love affair, while romantic in nature, led to conflict within his family and society. As a result, Lakhino Latif’s family moved back to Hala Haweli.
However, this love deeply impacted Shah of Bhit, driving him to wander and seek spiritual fulfillment across Sindh and neighboring lands. It is said that his love for Saida Begum was a pivotal moment in his life, sparking a journey that would change the course of his spiritual and poetic destiny.
Some scholars, like Nabi Bakhsh Baloch, challenge the idea of Bhittai’s romantic love. Baloch suggests that Bhittai’s marriage to the Arghun family was more of a societal and familial arrangement, which was common at the time. Despite these varying views, Bhittai’s deep emotional and spiritual connection to Saida Begum is a key part of his life story, influencing his creative and spiritual path.
The Wandering Years:
After the upheaval caused by his love for Saida Begum, Bhittai embarked on a period of wandering that lasted around three years. During this time, he traveled through various regions, seeking spiritual wisdom and meeting several mystics and Yogis, who left a lasting imprint on his poetry. Bhittai’s wanderings took him to places such as:
- Ganjo Hill (near Hyderabad): This site had a significant impact on Bhittai’s spiritual journey. He came into contact with mystics and ascetics, and it is believed that it was here that he began to develop his poetic nature.
- Kolachi (modern Karachi): Bhittai continued his travels to the coastal regions of Sindh.
- Thatta and Banbhore: The ancient city of Banbhore was a key stop in his travels.
- Hinglaj in southern Balochistan: Bhittai met with Jogis during his time here and learned from their mysticism and spiritual teachings.
- Lahut in Lasbela, Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagadh, Kutch: These were among the many places he visited during his long wanderings. The cultural diversity and mystical traditions he encountered shaped his views and poetry.
- Karoonjhar Mountains (Nagarparkar) and Jaisalmer: Bhittai’s journey continued through these regions before he returned to Thatta and then home.
Bhittai’s travels were deeply reflective of his spiritual quest. Along his journey, he carried spiritual texts like the Quran and books of Rumi, reflecting his commitment to learning and spiritual growth. The influence of Rumi’s philosophy is evident in Bhittai’s poetry, which blends Sufism, mysticism, and love.
Spiritual Growth and Poetry:
During these years of wandering, Bhittai’s poetry blossomed. His encounters with mystics, ascetics, and Yogis enriched his spiritual understanding and allowed him to explore deeper dimensions of life and existence. His poetry reflects themes of love, devotion, and the search for spiritual truth.
Shah Latif Bhittai’s journeys exposed him to various religious and philosophical teachings, deeply influencing the mystical themes in his poetry. Upon his return, he married Saida Begum in 1713, after the death of her father. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived as Saida Begum passed away young.
And Bhittai did not marry and remained unmarried and childless for the rest of his life. Devoting himself entirely to spiritual practices, prayer, and reflection, his piety earned him a large following, establishing him as a respected spiritual leader in Sindh.
Final Years and Death:
In the final years of his life, Shah Latif Bhittai settled at Bhit Shah (Mound of Shah), where he lived in seclusion, dedicating himself to worship. It was here that he composed the majority of his famous poetry, which was later compiled by his disciples in Shah Jo Risalo. His poetry reflects his deep spiritual longing, mysticism, and love for the Divine.
It was also during this time that his piety and spiritual influence attracted both admiration and hostility, particularly from the ruling class. There are reports that the ruler of Sindh, Noor Mohammad Kalhoro, tried to assassinate Bhittai by poisoning him, but Bhittai survived the attempt.
Shah Latif Bhittai passed away on 21 December 1752 (14 Safar 1166 AH) at the age of 63. He was buried at Bhit. and a grand mausoleum was constructed over his grave by the ruler of Sindh, Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, a few years later. Today, its know as Bhit Shah.
Every year, a three-day Urs is held at Bhit Shah, a popular pilgrimage site attracting over half a million people from all over the world to pay homage to Shah Latif Bhittai. The Government of Sindh announces a public holiday in his remembrance, celebrating his spiritual legacy.
Legacy of Shah Latif Bhittai
Shah;s poetry, compiled in Shah Jo Risalo, continues to be a cornerstone of Sindhi People and Sufi mysticism. His poems, rich in spiritual wisdom and human emotion, are not only revered in Sindh but have also been translated into various languages, ensuring that his legacy transcends regional boundaries.
His life, full of spiritual yearning, love, and wisdom, remains an enduring source of inspiration to this day. In 2018, Harvard University Press published an authoritative English translation of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s Risalo, a pivotal work of Sindhi literature. Edited and translated by Christopher Shackle, it was released as part of the Murty Classical Library of India.
