Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Muslim / Sufi

18th Century

Pakistan
(Indian Subcontinent)

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai

Timeline (1689 - 1752)

Poems by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
Books - Links

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai poetry, Muslim / Sufi, Muslim / Sufi poetry, poetry, poetry, poetry

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Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (sometimes written Bhittai or Bhittaii) was a devout Muslim Sufi, but his spirituality was broad and welcoming, making room for Muslim and Hindu alike. He is one of the most revered poets and saints of the Sindh region of what is today Pakistan.

Although born into a well-respected family, he turned away from the comforts of life, revealing a natural ascetic tendency. He adopted the saffron-colored robes and simple lifestyle of the wandering Sufis and sanyasins of the region.

In his quest for inner truth, still a young man, Shah Bhitai left his home and began to travel extensively, favoring small villages and the countryside, interacting with the common people and other Muslim and Hindu ascetics. He quickly developed a reputation for holiness and absorption in meditation. At this time disciples began to gather about him.

Shah Bhitai returned to his family home for a while, where he married Bibi Saidha Begum, a young woman who was respected in her own right for her great piety. Sadly, she died at a young age, and Shah Bhitai never remarried.

Bhitai and his growing circle eventually moved to a place of retreat, a sand hill ("bhit") next to scenic Kiran Lake.

A fascinating story is told of his poetry. When Shah Bhitai was nearing death, he didn't want his poetry to simply waste away, so he had his writings thrown into the nearby lake. But, at the request of a disciple, Bhitai allowed his poetry to be re-written down by another disciple who had memorized them.

Poems by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai

	If you are seeking Allah,
	Wind blew! The sand enveloped the body,

Recommended Books

The Melody and Philosophy of Shah Latif, by D. H. Butani

Amazon.com

Sufi Music from Sindhi, by Sindhi Music Ensemble

Amazon.com

Related Links:

	Life and Times of Shah Bhitai http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~makhdoom/bhitai.html A biography of Shah Bhitai, with several poetry selections. Many links and related pages to explore on Sindh culture and language, Sufism, etc.
	Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai - Classic Sindhi Poet of Sindh http://www.geocities.com/thebhittai/index.html An excellent resource for English translations of Shah Bhitai's poetry. The rhyming in the English translations feels a little forced to modern ears, but the spiritual beauty of the poetry still shines through.
	Shah Latif - Sindh Poet http://www.shahlatif.8k.com/ Online biography and poetry selections with accompanying art.
	Shah Abdul Latif 1689 - 1752 http://www.storyofpakistan.com/person.asp?perid=P063 A brief biographical sketch.
	Sufi Poets - Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai http://www.the-south-asian.com/May2001/Sufi%20PoetsII3.htm A short article on Shah Bhitai, with brief poetry selections.
	Sindh Today - egroups http://www.sindhtoday.net/egroups.htm Several Sindh-related discussion groups, including one dedicated to Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
	DAWN - Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai http://www.dawn.com/2006/05/04/fea.htm#2 A biography of Bhitai.
	Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai : Indus SRC 2003 http://www31.brinkster.com/induspak/ShahLatif.htm Online biography of Bhitai.

Please support the Poetry Chaikhana, as well as the authors and publishers of sacred poetry, by purchasing some of the recommended books through the links on this site. Thank you!

Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai

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Sacred Poetry from Around the World