Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is also known as Shah Latif. he is one of the most popular Sufi poets of Sindh. He was born in 1689 in the Sindh province of Pakistan. He is not only famous for his poetry but also has deep knowledge of spirituality, and his skill in crafting the words to blend the teachings of Islam with local culture and folk traditions is amazing.
Latif’s poetry defines the importance of love, peace, tolerance, & devotion to Allah. His verses of poetry directly touch the soul, beyond time, & religion. It’s been centuries passed when he died, and still his words inspire, heal, & guide thousands of people around the globe.
Shah Latif’s Background and His Early Life
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was born in 1689 in Hala Haveli, a small town near Hyderabad city in Sindh province of Pakistan. Shah Latif’s family was well-educated and known for its faith. His father’s name was Shah Habib, who was a bookish person, and passed over to Latif both spiritual and intellectual curiosity from him.
In his early years, Shah Latif took an interest in Islamic teachings, Persian, and the traditions of Sindhi folks. Unlike other kids of his age, he preferred desolation, scrutiny, and listening to wandering mystical music and exploration.
Latif’s Path to Mysticism
As Shah Latif became older, he withdrew from the pursuit of wealth and chose to be a sufi and live accordingly. He started wearing simple clothes, and over the years, he travelled from deserts to mountains in search of divine truth.
His life was all about discovering himself and distancing himself from the ego, and completely turning over to the will of Allah. In his travelling period, he met with saints, fakirs, and spiritual masters to gain insights into the different Sufi orders and philosophies.
In his late 30s, Latif lived in a small village near Bhit Shah, which is where his shrine is located. It has become the reason that he was called by the name Bhittai.
Shah Jo Risalo- The Spiritual Guide
Shah Latif’s most important work, “Shah Jo Risalo”, is a collection of his poetry translated after his death. The word “Risalo” means “message,” and it works as a spiritual guide for those people who are searching for love, unity, and truth.
The Risalo is translated into English, French, German, and other languages as well. It is written in classical Sindhi and is separated into chapters called “Surs”. Each Sur is defined as a musical mode and represents a specific character or theme from folklore, such as:
- Momal and Rano
- Sohni and Mehar
- Sassi and Punhoon
- Umar Marui
- Noori and Jam Tamachi
- Leela and Chanesar
Shah Latif defines deep mystical meanings through these folk tales. The main lead female characters in his stories are examples of pure love, devotion, and sacrificial nature that every seeker must adopt on the path of spirituality.
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was not just a poet; he was a humanist, musician, mystic, and philosopher. His messages cross the boundaries and remain relevant in today’s modern world. In an age where most of us are in confusion and conflict, his words work as a light that can give you compassion, understanding, and inner peace.
Shah Latif Once Said:
“Why Blame Others, O latif,
When the fault lies within ourselves?”
In these two lines, Latif beautifully explained that you can’t blame other people when the reason for your failures is that you don’t work on yourself. Instead of blaming others, it is important to discover yourself and find what is pushing you towards the mistakes that become the reason for failure.
