Written by: Syed Hamza Raza
Posted on: April 11, 2023 | 
| 中文
A photo of the Mausoleum from the outside
Surrounded by the fertile crops and vegetation of the Mattiari district in Sindh lies the small yet bustling city of Bhit Shah. The busy roads, lively stalls, and the local people strolling around the city wearing their native clothing (called Ajrak in Sindhi), might make it seem like this is just another microscopic drop in the vast sea of the province’s history. However, in the heart of the town, lies the sacred mausoleum of one of Sindh’s greatest sons and poets: Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The tomb has intricately adorned walls, embellished with beautiful calligraphy, frescoes, and paintings that depict scenes from the life of Shah Abdul Latif. Covered with a green and gold cloth that is embroidered with delicate patterns and a motif, the cloth is a symbol of respect and admiration to the saint that for millions of Sindhis, is revered as the biggest proponent of Sindh and its literary culture. Today, we will explore the life and influence of a cultural figure that transcends time and space, and who’s name and poems are etched in the minds of his admirers around the world.
The entrance to the town of Bhit Shah where Shah Abdul Latif is buried
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was born on 18 November 1689 in Hala Haveli, a village in the Sindh province of Pakistan. His father, Syed Habibullah Shah, was a Sufi saint and a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Shah Abdul Latif attained his early education from his father and was later sent to study at the shrine of Shahbaz Qalandar, another celebrated Sufi Saint native of Sindh. He spent several years there, studying Islamic theology, Arabic, Persian and Sindhi literature. This education and exposure to different cultures later helped him in writing his own work. Another important aspect to note about the period in which Shah Abdul Latif grew into the prominent figure that we know, was a period of relative economic and political stability. With the Mughal empire of Delhi’s iron grip on the subcontinent weakening, a dynasty known as the Kalhoras gained ascendancy in the region, and brought relative peace. This allowed the influential poet the freedom to flourish and write his iconic works undisturbed.
Inside the Mazaar
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai spent a majority of his life in Hala Haveli, where he devoted his time to writing poetry and serving the local community. His poetry was deeply influenced by Sufism, an interpretation of Islam that delves into the religion’s mystical and spiritual aspects. He is best known for his magnum opus, "Shah Jo Risalo" (The Message of Shah), a collection of poems that celebrates the virtues of love, tolerance and compassion. Whether it be the story of Umar Marvi, one of the most popular stories in the book, to the story of Sasui and Punhoon, a story of two lovers when they broke the rules of their castes and faced the opposition of their families. There is a moral to all his stories for the readers about the need to be humane and not be divided on the basis of caste or class, and advocates the power of love and compassion. This love is manifested when hundreds of thousands of admirers go to pay homage to Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, specially at the time of his Urs (death anniversary of Sufi saint) to express their devotion and admiration for him. The Shah Jo Risalo is divided into thirty chapters, each of which represents a different stage in the spiritual journey of the human soul. The poems are written in a simple and elegant language that is easy to understand and have been translated into several languages, including English, Urdu, and Hindi, and is considered a fine expression of Sindhi literature.
Shah Jo Risalo
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's poetry and philosophy continue to inspire and influence people across the world, which is why he is celebrated not only as a scholar but also as a humanist. Beside his literary achievements, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was also a social reformer who fought against social injustices and discrimination. He was a strident critic of the caste system and the oppression of women, and focused on female heroines rather than the conventional male heroes. Shah Abdul Latif was an ardent advocate of education, and established several schools and seminaries in Sindh to provide education to children and young adults. On the topic of education, he was once quoted as saying, “knowledge is the light which illuminates the darkness of ignorance”. He loved nature, and preached that the earth was a miracle bestowed from God and was to be treated as such. He loved his homeland and his wish was, “When I die, let my body be buried in the land of Sindh”.
A scene from Urs (death anniversary of Sufi saint)
Shah Abdul Latif’s has left a unique legacy both as a sufi saint and for Sindhi literature. One only has to visit his mausoleum to see thousands of people chanting, praying and celebrating their saint to see why he is referred to as “Lakhino Lateef” or the Lateef of hundreds of thousands.
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