The Tomb of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Bhit Shah in Sindh, Pakistan - January 2011

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shah_Abdul_Latif_Bhittai

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (also referred to by the honorifics Lakhino Latif, Latif Ghot, Bhittai, and Bhitt Jo Shah) (1689 – 1752) (Sindhi: شاھ عبدالطيف ڀٽائيِ, Urdu: ,شاہ عبداللطیف بھٹائی) was a Sindhi Sufi scholar, mystic, saint, poet, and musician. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest poets of the Sindhi language. His collected poems were assembled in the compilation Shah Jo Risalo, which exists in numerous versions and has been translated to English, Urdu, and other languages. His work frequently has been compared to that of Rūmī: Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Professor of Islamic studies at George Washington University, described Shah Latif as a "direct emanation Rūmī's spirituality in the Indian world."[1]

He settled in the town of Bhit Shah in Matiari, Pakistan where his shrine is located. The major themes of his poetry include Unity of God, love for Prophet, religious tolerance and humanistic values.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was born in 1689 in Hala Haveli's village Sui-Qandar located near Hyderabad, Pakistan. Shah Abdul Latif was son of Syed Habibullah and grandson of Syed Abdul Quddus Shah.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (also referred to by the honorifics Lakhino Latif, Latif Ghot, Bhittai, and Bhitt Jo Shah) (1689 – 1752) (Sindhi: شاھ عبدالطيف ڀٽائيِ, Urdu: ,شاہ عبداللطیف بھٹائی) was a Sindhi Sufi scholar, mystic, saint, poet, and musician. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest poets of the Sindhi language. His collected poems were assembled in the compilation Shah Jo Risalo, which exists in numerous versions and has been translated to English, Urdu, and other languages. His work frequently has been compared to that of Rūmī: Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Professor of Islamic studies at George Washington University, described Shah Latif as a "direct emanation Rūmī's spirituality in the Indian world."[1]

He settled in the town of Bhit Shah in Matiari, Pakistan where his shrine is located. The major themes of his poetry include Unity of God, love for Prophet, religious tolerance and humanistic values.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was born in 1689 in Hala Haveli's village Sui-Qandar located near Hyderabad, Pakistan. Shah Abdul Latif was son of Syed Habibullah and grandson of Syed Abdul Quddus Shah.

The early life
Debal, mid-1500sMost of the information that has come down to us has been collected from oral traditions. A renowned Pakistani scholar, educationist, and a foremost writer of plays, dramas and stories, Mirza Kalich Beg has rendered a yeoman service to Sindhi literature by collecting details about the early life of Shah Bhittai, from the dialogues that he has constantly held with some of the old folks, still living at that time, who knew these facts from their fathers and grandfathers for they had seen Shah Latif in person and had even spoken to him.

“ "The next day I sat down, and listened to the Story of the 'Vairagis.' Their salmon-coloured clothes were covered with dust. The lonely ones never talk to anyone about their being. They move about unmarked amongst the common folk." ........Shah Latif Bhittai
”

He was born around 1689 CE (1102 A.H.) to Shah Habib in the village Sui-Qandar a few miles to the east of the present town of Bhit Shah (named after him), on Safar 14, 1102 A.H. i.e. November 18, 1690 CE. He died at Bhit Shah on Safar 14, 1165 A.H., i.e. January 3, 1752 CE. In his memory, every year, on 14th Safar of the Hijri Calendar, an Urs is held at Bhit Shah, where he spent the last years of his life and where his elaborate and elegant mausoleum stands.

Latif got his early education in the school (maktab) of Akhund Noor Muhammad in basic Persian (the government language at that time) and Sindhi (local spoken language). He also learned the Qur'an. His correspondence in Persian with contemporary scholar Makhdoom Moinuddin Thattvi, as contained in the Risala-i-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]
”

The UrsThe 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 Hijra 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 and sing passages from his Risalo. Scholarly debates and exhibitions of his work and traditional Sindhi artefacts are also organised.

“ "Sleeping on the river's bank, I heard of Mehar's glory, Bells aroused my consciousness, longing took its place, By God! fragrance of Mehar's love to me came, Let me go and see Mehar face to face." .....Bhittai [Sur Suhni]
”

The mausoleum over his tomb was built by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, to commemorate his victory over the Rao of Kuchh a Maratha ally in the Thar Desert.

Education
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, had emerged as a very popular figure during his lifetime, due to the increasing and growing numbers of his followers.Young Shah Abdul was raised during the golden age of sindhi culture. His first teacher was Noor Muhammad Bhatti Waiwal. Mostly, Shah Latif was self-educated. Although he has received scanty formal education, the Risalo gives us an ample proof of the fact that he was well-versed in Arabic and Persian. The Qur'an, the Hadiths, the Masnawi of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi, Shah Inayatullah, along with the collection of Shah Karim's poems, were his constant companions, copious references of which have been made in Shah Jo Risalo. He is also known for his famed Calligraphic, and hand written skills he made several copies of the Qur'an.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, received his higher education in the Maktab of Akhund Noor Muhammad in basic Persian (the official language of the Mughal Empire) and Sindhi. He is also known to have memorized vast passages of the Qur'an. His correspondence in Persian with contemporary scholar Makhdoom Moinuddin Thattavi, as contained in the Risala-i-Owaisi, bears witness to his scholastic competence. In his poems he writes about Sindh and its neighbouring regions, he mentions the distant cities such as Istanbul and Samarqand, he also writes about Sindhi sailors (Samundi) their navigation techniques voyages as far to the Malabar coast, Sri Lanka and the island of Java.

Appearance and characteristics
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, mentions his travels in the Risalo.
Sindhi historians believe that the Tambura was invented by Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.In appearance, Bhittai was a handsome man, of average height. He was strongly built, had black eyes and an intelligent face, with a broad and high forehead. He grew a beard of the size of Muhammad's 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 and 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?
Although he was born in favoured conditions, being the son of a well-known and very much respected Sayed family, he never used his position in an unworthy manner, nor did he show any liking for the comforts of life. He was kind, compassionate, generous and gentle in his manner of speech and behaviour which won him the veneration of all those who came across him. He had great respect for woman, which, unfortunately, the present day Vaderas (the landlords) do not have, and he exercised immense reserve in dealing with them, in an age when these qualities were rare. He hated cruelty and could never cause physical pain to any man or even to an animal. He lived a very simple life of self-restraint. His food intake was simple and frugal, so was his dressing which was often deep yellow, the colour of the dress of sufis, jogis, and ascetics, stitched with black thread. To this day, his relics are preserved at Bhitsah (where his mausoleum stands), some of which include a "T"-shaped walking stick, two bowls, one made of sandal-wood and another of transparent stone, which he used for eating and drinking. His long cap and his black turban are also preserved.

“ "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 God's blessed grace." ......Bhittai [Sur Sarang]
”

Quest for religious truths
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, traveled throughout Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan and the Thar Desert.In quest of religious truths, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai traveled to many parts of Sindh and also went to the bordering lands as far as Multan. He became well known to the rulers at height of the power and rule of Kalhoras in Sindh. However he independently traveled with Sufi brotherhoods visiting towns and cities, to preach the teachings of Islam. Throughout his travels he went to hills, valleys, riverbanks, fields and mountains where he met the ordinary simple people. He is known to have traveled to the Ganjo Hills in the south of Hyderabad, Sindh.

He also writes about the adventures of Samundis (Sindhi Sailors) and how they voyaged to Lanka and Java, in the Sur Surirag and Sur Samundi, he writes a detailed account on Thatta and the port Debal. He is known to have traveled with Baloch nomads and tribes into the mountains in Las Bela, Balochistan. For three years, he traveled with these jogis and sanyasis, in search of the truth, peace, and harmony. At several places in the Risalo, mention has been made of these jogis and of his visits to these wonderful, holy and peaceful places. He also traveled to such far away places in the Thar desert such as Junagadh, Jaisalmer.

“ "In deserts, wastes and Jessalmir it has rained, Clouds and lightning have come to Thar's plains; Lone, needy women are now free from care, Fragrant are the paths, happy herdsmen's wives all this share." ..........Bhittai [Sur Sarang]
”

Piety and ascetismBy the time he was a young man of twenty one years, he began to be known for his piety, his ascetic habits and his absorption in prayers. Observation and contemplation were chief traits of his character. A number of people flocked round him adding to the already large number of his disciples. This aroused jealousy of some powerful, ruthless, tyrannical persons - landlords, Pirs, Mirs, and Rulers - who became his enemies for some time. Later, seeing his personal worth, and the peaceful and ascetic nature of his fame, abandoned their rivalry. At this time he was living with his father at Kotri, five miles away from the present site of Bhitshah. It was here that his marriage was solemnised in 1713 CE with Bibi Sayedah Begum, daughter of Mirza Mughul Beg. She was a very virtuous and pious lady, who was a proper companion for him. The disciples had great respect for her. They had no children.

In the true ascetic spirit, Shah Latif was now in search of a place where in solitude, he could devote all his time in prayers and meditation. Such a place he found near Lake Karar, a mere sand hill, but an exotic place of scenic beauty, four miles away from New Hala. This place was covered by thorny bushes surrounded by many pools of water. It was simply and aptly called 'Bhit' (the Sand Hill). On the heaps of its sandstones he decide to settle down and build a village. As it was sandy, he along with his disciples dug out the hard earth from a distance and covered the sand with it to make the ground firm. After months of hard labour, carrying the earth on their heads and shoulders, the place was now fit enough for the construction of an underground room and two other rooms over it, along with a room for his old parents. A mosque was also built and the houses of his disciples properly marked out. In 1742, whilst he was still busy setting up a new village, Bhit, he got the sad news of the death of his dear father.. Soon after this Shah Latif shifted all his family members from Kotri to Bhitsah, as the village now began to be called. His father was buried there, in accordance to his will, where his mausoleum stands only eight paces away, from that of Shah Abdul Latif, towards its north.

The final years
For the last eight years of his remarkable life, Shah Latif lived at Bhitshah. 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 khanen pasah-a pasan karran-i pirin-a jay." ......Bhittai "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 and asked his disciples to sing and start the mystic music. This went on for three days continuously, when the musicians, concerned about the motionless poet, found that his soul had already left for its heavenly abode to be in the proximity of the Beloved for who he had longed for, all his life, and only the body was there. 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. A pair of kettle drums, that are beaten every morning and evening even till today by the fakirs, jogis and sanyasis, who frequent the mausoleum, were presented by the Raja of Jesalmeer.

“ "Korren kan-i salam-u achio a'atand-a unn-a jay." "Countless pay homage and sing peace at his abode."

"Tell me the stories, oh thorn-brush, Of the mighty merchants of the Indus, Of the nights and the days of the prosperous times, Are you in pain now, oh thorn-brush? Because they have departed: In protest, cease to flower. Oh thorn-brush, how old were you When the river was in full flood? Have you seen any way-farers Who could be a match of the Banjaras? True, the river has gone dry, And worthless plants have begun to flourish on the brink, The elite merchants are on decline, And the tax collectors have disappeared, The river is littered with mud And the banks grow only straws The river has lost its old strength, You big fish, you did not return When the water had its flow Now it's too late, You will soon be caught For fishermen have blocked up all the ways. The white flake on the water: Its days are on the wane." ......Bhittai [translated by Prof. D. H. Butani (1913-1989) in The Melody and Philosophy of Shah Latif
”

According to Sindhi historians young scholars such as Abul Hassan Thattvi (author of the Muqadamah as-Salawat, Hanafi Compendium) also wrote and sought advise from the elderly Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and frequently traveled to Bhit Shah.

The Seven Queens of SindhThe 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 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. The Seven Queens mentioned in Shah Jo Risalo are Marvi, Momal, Sassi, Noori, Sohni, Sorath, and Lila.

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.

Taken in: Pakistan / Sindh / Bhit Shah (show map)

Taken on: January 22, 2011

Tags:

pakistan

shrine

sufi

religion

islam

shrine culture in pakistan

bhit shah

bhit shah sindh

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

mystic poets

peots sufi

mystic sufism

islam sufism sindhi

poetry pakistani

poets sindhi

language

literature sindhi

literature history

sindh historical

sindhi

figures pakistani sufis

sindhi sufis

sindhi people

history

1689 births

1752 deaths

places to visit in sindh

urs in sindh

mitiari

mitirai district

places to visit near hyderabad

hala

hala sindh

historical architecture in sindh

historical architecture in mitiari

architecture in sindh

religion in sindh

islam in sindh

islam around the world

sindhi culture

shrines in sindh « less

Sets appears in: • Group 3 • Religion in Pakistan more » • Historical Buildings in Pakistan • Sindh « less

Groups appears in: • UK Flickr users • 日本語flick'r more » • Religious Photos • sky & clouds • Your Postcard Shot • People of the World (no AI !) • World Culture • visit the world - the travel guide • People Watching • Travel Photography • Religion • URBAN • Truly Asia • Urban Asia • Your photo goes here! no 30/60 • Towards Pakistan • The World Through My Eyes ... • Young Travelers of the World Unite! • People / Adults + Photo Titles • WORLD CITIES HUB • Pakistani Pictures • worldwidewandering - a travel atlas • Travel Guide of Pakistan • World Wide Photographers • You Think this is Art • Photography Club Pakistan • Sindh (Mehran) • Project worldwide (pictures of places around the world) • SAARC Photographers • Priceless • Ultimate GOLD (Post 1 - Give 5 Gold Stars) • Photographers Club • Your Best Photography • Wonderful world Mix ( Post 1 - Comment 5.) Please!!! • Picture Fantastic • ☼ O B J E K T I F ☼ • We travel the World • PHOTO NOW • Traveler's Photos • World Photography - Public Photos - Traveling - Life • 攝影人碼頭 [ Photographer's Wharf ](post 1,award 2) • Pictures Worth A Thousand Words - Post 1/Comment 2 • ±100 AШΑRĐZ for the «5000+» ♥Best♥ Photogs on Flickr!! • The Best Picture Gallery! • Picture Perfect (Post 1 - Comment 3) • Royal Group - Have a Good Light ! • Worlds interesting PLACES (NO sunsets or sunrises, please!) • Historical and architectural gems • This is Why I Love Photography • Travel Planet • Pakistan the Paradise • You made my day • sw - I Like : Please comment other shots • PLANET EARTH OUR HOME • ***FLICKRPEDIA*** House of Knowledge/Please comment on 3 • SAARC • Photo Guestbook • Urban Urban Urban • Pictures from my friends *no animals* use award code please! • Top Honor of Photographer Paradise"Post 1 / Award 5" • Travel Pixes • The Big Blue Planet *sweeper IS active* • Wonderful World! • ܤܿHistorical-Traditional-Oriental ( Post 3 Comment 2 ) • worldlightning • 100.000.000 Flickr Photos [No AI or SL] • Strictly GeoTagged (no 30/60 limit) • ~ The Muslim World ~ • So,You Want to BE A STAR? ★ POST 1 AWARD 3 • PLANET EARTH ARCHITECTURE • unbelievable pics (Post 3 / comment 1) • PUBLIC PHOTOS ! ♪♪ Post 1 - Award 2 • World Masterpiece Award " Win Pro Account - NEW EASY RULES" • The Hundred Club of Flickr • VIVID & STRIKING - P1/A3 - Sweeper Active • Sapphire Awards *POST 1 - AWARD 3* *Sweeper Active* • ♦♦♦ TUTTI I FOTOGRAFI DEL MONDO ♦♦♦ • Photos beautiful • Super Photographer (Post1 -Award 5) • ♦♦♦ TAGLIO FOTOGRAFICO ♦♦♦ • Travel - Around the World • WORLD TRAVEL : Your traveling experience (50 photos@day) • Wonderful Asia, P1 C1 ( CONTEST WINNERS DISPLAYED) • Poppy Awards * Post 1 - Award 3 * Sweeper Active * • «★» FLICKR EXPERT GROUP «★» POST 1- AWARD 4 • ᗪiscovery .ᗯorld • [][][]serenity group[][][] • The Galaxy & Stars 1 (P1/C5 - No AI Images • Great World Architecture • [][][]Beyond time[][][] • The New Photo Distillery • Show Room (Comment 2) • Pakistani Photographers Organization (PPO) • Colours Strong • Tu Foto-Tu Reto: Concurso Semanal: Con fondo negro • The Power Of Colors • Trans-Eguzkilore. • the world i see • ♥ ♥ ♥ IMMAGINI - FOTO - SENTIMENTI ♥ ♥ ♥ • Worldwide Flickr Friends • POEMAS PARA ♥ ANA LÍA ♥ Images & Poetry ♥ • ♥♥ MEM0RIES FR0M THE HEART ♥♥ • ♥♥ VACATI0NS ♥♥ • UNFORGETTABLE IMAGES. ( OPTED OUT OF 30/60 RULE ) • Your Best Shot For Today • TARJETA VISA ORO PARA TU FOTOGRAFÍA • ♥♥♥♥♥ BUILDINGS ALL 0VER THE W0RLD ♥♥♥♥♥ • Views: 100,000 • World of Blue • Photographers from around the world • 100,000 Views Unlimited 100000 • TOURISM magazine • Your best of the best • ♣My Hat's Off to You!! • ㋡ flickr ○● DEPOT ㋡ • ｼ ▇▇ horizontal photographs ▇▇ 橫向照片 ▇▇ • Your Perspective and Creative • ㋡ YᴀʜᴏＯ! ⦿_⦿ Ｕ２丫？ • THE IMAGINATIVE CAMERA • World Street Photography! Full Color and Monochrome. • ₪ ARCHITECTUR•ℰxᴛᴇʀɪᴏʀ┼ɪɴsɪƊƐ•SIGN ₪ • Photo Artistry • ㋡ SMICKR = SmugMug + Flickr ㋡ • World Wide Live ! no 30/60 « less

Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S1600, f/6.4, 1/125 sec, 5mm, ISO 64 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Fujifilm FinePix S1600
Aperture:	f/6.4
Exposure Time:	0.008 sec (1/125)
Focal Length:	5mm
ISO:	64
Exposure Bias:	-1.2 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Manual
Light Source:	Daylight
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Digital Camera FinePix S1600 Ver1.04
Show full info

Stats: 146,429 views / 46 comments