Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai poetry, Muslim / Sufi, Muslim / Sufi poetry,  poetry,  poetry,  poetry Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
Pakistan (1689 - 1752) Timeline
Muslim / Sufi


Poems by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
Books - Links

Shah Abdul Latif, sometimes called Bhitai, 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 fakirs and sanyasins of the region.

In his quest for inner truth, still a young man, Shah Latif 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.

Latif 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 spiritual insight. Sadly, she died at a young age, and Shah Latif never remarried.

Shah Latif 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 Latif 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, Latif allowed his poetry to be re-recorded by another disciple who had memorized them.

Poems by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai


Recommended Books: Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai

The Melody and Philosophy of Shah Latif Sufi Music from Sindhi



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.
Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai