Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was one of the greatest Sufi poets of Sindh.

 Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was one of the greatest Sufi poets of Sindh. 

He is considered the soul of Sindhi culture.

Quick facts:

Born in 1689 in Hala Haveli, near Bhit Shah, Sindh

Passed away in 1752 in Bhit Shah. His shrine is there and thousands of people visit it every year

He wrote in Sindhi

Bhittai means from Bhit

His work:

He wrote Shah Jo Risalo, a collection of poetry with 30 chapters called Surs. Each Sur tells a folk story but also carries a deep Sufi meaning.

Some of the most loved ones are:

Sur Sassui Punhun about love and longing for God

Sur Sohni Mahiwal about devotion and sacrifice

Sur Umar Marvi about loyalty to your homeland

Sur Momal Rano about love and trials of faith

His message:

Shah Latif used folk tales, music, and desert life to talk about divine love, peace, and humanity. He traveled across Sindh, Balochistan, and Rajasthan, meeting Jogis, fishermen, farmers, and nomads, and made them part of his poetry.

He believed God is in every person, every river, every grain of sand. His core teaching was love, tolerance, and respect for all.

Music:

His verses are sung as Shah Jo Kalaam with tambura and yaktaro. Every Thursday night at his shrine in Bhit Shah there is dhamaal and music. The tradition is still alive today.

From Karachi, Bhit Shah is about 2.5 to 3 hours away. People go there for peace, poetry, and blessings.