Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai: Biography, Life and more

Shrine of Shah of Abdul Latif Bhittai

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689-1752) was a great Sufi Scholar and Saint, and it considered as the greatest poet of the Sindhi Language. He settled in the town of Bhit Shah in Sindh, Pakistan. His most famous written work is the Shah Jo Risalo, a treasure house of wisdom as well as romantic folklore and fine poetry. He also founded a musical tradition of his own which is still popular. Devotees sing with fervor and frenzy his love-intoxicated kafis (poetry) to the strains of yak-tara (single string instrument) mainly on the occasion of his urs held every year. His shrine is located in Bhit Shah, 5km from Hala, and attracts hundreds of pilgrims everyday.

The shrine’s inner sanctum is the site of the saint’s tomb.

The shrine of Bhittai, located in the center of town, was built by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, who ruled over Sindh during the late 1700s. Kalhoro ordered the shrine to be built in 1772. It is a beautiful structure covered with traditional Iranian qashani tiles, glade in the colors such as blue and turquoise. The final resting place of Shah Latif is under the main-dome of the building. His grave is enclosed by carved wooden screen and lies under a beautifully painted fresco. Musicians are often seen serenading the constant trickle of devotees who visit the saint. On Thursday's evenings, local gather around to remember the Sufi saint, by reciting his poems and playing music. The Urs of Shah Latif is celebrated in the Islamic month of Safar.

Early Life of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

Shah Abdul Latif was born to Shah Habib in the village of Hala Haveli, a few miles to the east of the present town of Bhit Shah (named after him), on November 18, 1690 CE. Latif was raised during the golden age of Sindhi Culture. His first teacher was Akhund Noor Muhammad Bhittai, although he was largely self-educated. Although he recieve little formal education, the Risalo provides proof that he was well-versed in Arabic and Persian. The Qur'an, the Hadiths, the Masnawi of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi, along with the collection of Shah Karim's poems, were his constant companions, copious references to which are made in the Shah Jo Risalo.

His correspondence in Persian with contemporary scholar Makhdoom Moinuddin Thattvi, as contained in the Risala-E-Owaisi, bears witness to his scholastic competence.

    Beloved's separation kills me friends,
    At his door, many like me, their knees bend.
    From far and near is heard His beauty's praise,
    My beloved's beauty is perfection itself.
    -Bhittai (Sur Yaman Kalyan)

In his poems he writes about Sindh and its neighboring regions, he mentions distant cities such as Istanbul and Samarqand as well as Sindhi sailors (Samundi), their navigation techniques, voyages as far as the Malabar coast, Sri Lanka and the Island of Java.

Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

The Urs is a grand festival in Sindh, where people from almost every village and town of Sindh and from different cities of other provinces of Pakistan. Rich and Poor, young and old, scholars and peasants, make a determined effort to attend. The Urs commences every year from 14th Safar (2nd month of Hajra calendar) and lasts for three days. Along with other features, like food fairs, open-air markets selling Ajrak and Sindhi Caps among others, and entertaining and competitive sports, a literary gathering is also held where papers concerning the research work done on the life, poetry and message of Bhittai, are read, by scholars and renowned literary figures. His disciples and ascetics, singers and artists, gather around nd sing passages from his Risalo. Scholarly debates and exhibitions of his work and traditional Sindhi artifacts are also organized.

Appearance and Characteristics

In appearance, Bhittai was a handsome man, of average height. He was strongly built, had black eyes and an intelligent face, with a board and high forehead. He grew a Sunnah beard. He had a serious and thoughtful look about himself and spent much time in contemplation and meditation, since he was concerned about his moral an spiritual evolution with the sole purpose of seeking proximity of the Divine. He would often seek solitude and contemplate on the burning questions running through his mind concerning man's spiritual life:

•         Why was man created?

•         What is his purpose on this earth? What is his relationship with his creator?

•         What is his ultimate destiny?

"Cloud was commanded to prepare for rain, Rain pattered and poured, lightning flared. Grain hoarders, hoping for high prices, wring their hands, Five would become fifteen in their pages they had planned. From the land may perish all the profiteers, Herdsmen once again talk of abundant showers, Latif says have hope in Allah's blessed grace." -Bhittai

The Seven Queens of Sindh

The women of Shah Abdul Latif's poetry are known as the Seven Queens, heroines of Sindhi folklore who have been given the status of royalty in the Shah Jo Risalo. The Seven Queens were celebrated throughout Sindh for their positive qualities: their honesty, integrity, piety and loyalty. They were also valued for their bravery and their willingness to risk their lives in the name of love.

Perhaps what Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai saw in his tales of these women was an idealised view of womanhood, but the truth remains that the Seven Queens inspired women all over Sindh to have the courage to choose love and freedom over tyranny and oppression. The lines from the Risalo describing their trials are sung at Sufi shrines all over Sindh, and especially at the Urs of Shah Abdul Latif every year at Bhit Shah.

The Seven Queens mentioned in the Shah Jo Risalo are:

    Marvi

    Moomal

    Sassi

    Noori

    Sohni

    Sorath

    Lila

The Final Years

For the last eight years of his remarkable life, Shah Latif lived at Bhit Shah. A few days before his death, he retired to his underground room and spent all his time in prayers and fasting, eating very little.

Laggi Laggi wa'a-u wiarra angrra latji, Pa-i kharren pasah-a pasand-a karrend-i pirin-a jay.

Wind blew! The sand enveloped the body, Whatever little life left, is to see the beloved.

After 21 days in there, he came out and having bathed himself with a large quantity of water, covered himself with a white sheet.

He suffered from no sickness or pain of any kind. The date was 14th Safar 1165 Hijra corresponding to 1752 CE. He was buried at the place where his mausoleum now stands, which was built by the ruler of Sindh, Ghulam Shah Kalhoro. His name literally means 'the servant of the Shah'. He, along with his mother, had adored and revered Shah Latif and were his devoted disciples. The work of the construction of the mausoleum was entrusted to the well-known mason, Idan from Sukkur. The mausoleum, as well as the mosque adjoining it, were later repaired and renovated by another ruler of Sindh, Mir Nasir Khan Talpur.

Korren kan-i salam-u achio a'atand-a unn-a jay.

Countless pay homage and sing peace at his abode.