Introduction
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, known by honorifics such as Lakhino Latif, Latif Ghot, Bhittai, and Bhit Jo Shah, was a revered Sindhi Sufi mystic and poet born in 1689 or 1690. His contributions to Sindhi literature have earned him the title of the greatest poet of the Sindhi language.
Early Life and Background
Bhittai was born into a Sayyid family in Hala Haweli, near modern-day Hala. His family traced their lineage back to the Islamic prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima. Despite local traditions suggesting Bhittai was illiterate, his use of Arabic and Persian in his poetry contradicts this claim. His ancestors had emigrated to Sindh from Herat in the late 14th century.
Wanderings and Spiritual Awakening
At around the age of 20, Bhittai embarked on a journey through Sindh and neighboring regions. His encounters with mystics and Jogis during this period significantly influenced his poetry. Falling in love with Saida Begum, the daughter of an Arghun aristocrat, led to family troubles and his subsequent travels. The impact of this love is evident in his later works.
Literary and Spiritual Influences
Bhittai’s travels, including visits to Ganjo Hill, Kalachi, Hinglaj, Lahut, Dwarka, and Karoonjhar Mountains, shaped his poetic nature. His experiences with Jogis and exposure to various cultures are reflected in his verses. The Jogis’ influence is especially noticeable in his spiritual awakening.
Marriage and Later Years
In 1713, Bhittai’s family faced adversity when Mirza Mughal Beg, Saida Begum’s father, was killed by robbers. Bhittai, who had been in love with Saida Begum, married her after the incident. Unfortunately, the marriage did not yield any children, and Saida Begum passed away a few years later. Bhittai, choosing not to remarry, devoted himself to prayer and worship.
Persecution and Relocation to Bhit
Bhittai’s growing popularity and piety attracted a large following but also earned him the hostility of nobles and Noor Mohammad Kalhoro, the ruler of Sindh. Attempts to assassinate him reportedly failed. Approximately ten years before his death, Bhittai left his home, settling in a sandhill near Hala Haweli, later known as Bhit Shah.
Poetry
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s poetry stands as a Sufi masterpiece, blending profound spirituality with the rich tapestry of local culture. The musicality of his verses, coupled with their thematic depth, continues to captivate audiences, making his work a timeless treasure in the world of Sufi literature. Shah Jo Risalo is a book of poems of the Sindhi Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Shah Abdul Latif’s poetry was compiled during his lifetime and after his death.
Death and Legacy
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai passed away on 21 December 1752 at Bhit, aged 63. His burial site became a place of reverence. A tomb was constructed over his grave by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, the ruler of Sindh, in 1754 or 1765. Today, Bhittai’s poetry remains immensely popular in Sindh, and his shrine at Bhit Shah attracts pilgrims and admirers from far and wide.
In summary, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s life and literary contributions have left an indelible mark on Sindhi culture, making him a celebrated figure in the history of Sufi poetry.