Sultan Bahoo, a celebrated Sufi is renowned for his transcendent Sufi Poetry. He was believed to possess the mystical power of alchemy, capable of transforming ordinary stones into gold.
Introduction
Sultan Bahu, born on 17th January 1630, was a prominent 17th-century Punjabi Sufi mystic, poet, scholar, and historian. Active during the reigns of Mughal emperors Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, he left an enduring legacy in the Punjab region, present-day Pakistan.
Early Life and Background
Little is known about Sultan Bahu’s early life, except for details found in a hagiography called Manaqib-i Sultani, written by one of his descendants seven generations later. He was born in Shorkot, Jhang, to Bayazid Muhammad, an officer in the Mughal Army, and Rasti, belonging to the Awan tribe. Sultan Bahu was initiated into the Qadiri Sufi order and later founded the mystic tradition known as Sarwari Qadiri.
Education and Spiritual Journey
Sultan Bahu’s first teacher was his mother, Mai Rasti, who encouraged him to seek spiritual guidance from Shah Habib Gilani. Around 1668, he moved to Delhi for further training under the guidance of Syed Abdul Rehman Jilani Dehlvi, a notable Sufi saint of the Qadiriyya order. Afterward, he returned to Punjab, where he spent the rest of his life.
Literary Contributions
Sultan Bahu’s extensive literary contributions include more than forty books on Sufism, mostly written in Persian. Notable works include “Abyat e Bahu,” “Risala e Ruhi,” “Nur ul Huda,” and “Dewaan e Bahu.” While his writings cover specialized aspects of Islam and Islamic mysticism, it is his Punjabi poetry that gained popular appeal, especially in Sufi music genres like qawwali and kafi.
Spiritual Lineage
Sultan Bahu followed the Qadiriyya tradition of Abdul Qadir Jilani, initiating an offshoot called Sarwari Qadiri. His spiritual lineage, reaching Mian Taj Muhammad, includes notable figures like Abdul Qadir Jilani, Abdul Razzaq Jilani, and Syed Abdul Rehman Jilani Dehlvi. The tradition continues to be practiced by Mian Taj’s successors.
Shrine and Urs Celebrations
The shrine of Sultan Bahu, located in Garh Maharaja, Punjab, is a popular Sufi destination. Originally built on his grave site, it had to be relocated twice due to the changing course of the Chenab River. The annual Urs festival commemorating Sultan Bahu’s death is celebrated with great fervor on the first Thursday of Jumada al-Thani month. Additionally, Sultan Bahu initiated an annual Urs to honor the martyrs of Karbala during the first ten days of Muharram.
In conclusion, Sultan Bahu’s life and contributions have left an indelible mark on the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry of the Punjab region, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through his writings and annual festivals at his shrine.
The core of his teachings is in fact Oneness of Allah. Moreover, he unveiled an easy way to reach Allah i.e. Ism-e-Allah Zaat. He gained such an elevated status in the Holy Court of Allah that he says about himself:
نام باھُو مادر باھُو نہاد
زانکہ باھُو دائمی با ھُو نہاد
Meaning: Bahoo’s mother named him Bahoo because Bahoo has always remained with Hoo.