"Gallows is lovers' adornment ever,
To bend, to return, to them is shame,
In full public view they stand to fulfil,
Their initial vow of being cut to pieces."
..........Bhitai [Sur Kalyan]

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai's poetry was originally to be sung, hence it is composed on the various notes of music. Sur Kalyan is a basic melody in music which brings peace when played. It is to be sung at late evening or at dawn since both of these are considered sacred as they are suitable for devotional purposes. Sur Kalyan is a Sanskrit word which means, "peace that passeth understanding."

The Shah Jo Risalo begins with the praise of Almighty Allah and of Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet is refered to as the cause of creation and the messenger whose message was to propagate the oneness of God. He is the guide and intercessor between man and God. God is one. He is all-encompassing for He is all-knowing, all-seeing and all-powerful. At the same time He is compassionate and most merciful. We fail to fathom His ways but there is always some good in them, which human limitations hinder us from understanding. Nature and all that we behold and perceive, is a manifestation of God, hence ever object in some form or the other, reflects Divine beauty and glory. Unity has led to diversity.

God's lovers and seekers of the Divine path are put through many trials and tribulations symbolized in drinking poison, giving up one's life on gallows and cutting of limbs, to which they cheerfully submit as coming from God. He becomes fro them a surgeon, a butcher and even a hangaman. Madam Khamisani in her English translation of the Risalo, "Risalo of Shah Abdul Latif : Translated in Verse" emphasises that, "when a seeker becomes restless, under these severe methods of purification, He then becomes the physician who applies the soothing balm." He even becomes for them a cup bearer offering the Divine wine. Quoting the words of the Holy Quran...click, Latif reminds us that those who remember God are remembered by Him also.

Peace can come to the seeker after observing in the beginning ritual of prayers and performing other religious obligations, repenting for the wrongs done and controlling has base passions. He has then to pass through the three stages of Tariqat or self-effacement, Marifat or knowledge of Divine, unfathomable workings, and Haqiqat, knowledge of God, ultimately being assimilated in God. The above guidance is for the sufis...click, to the ordianry man Latif's message is to lead a righteous life through repentence, piety and prayers which would bring him peace.

A great poet's creativity is capable of more than one interpretation. Although Bhitai is mainly referring to the sufis, who are the seekers of the path which leads them ultimately to the revelation of eternal truths, it can be applied to any one who pursues an ideal and struggles for its achievement. He too is confronted with many hardships and has to sacrifice much in various ways. If he is selfless, sincere in the pursuit of his goal, is not dismayed by the many obstacles and hurdles that come in his way, then undoubtedly he will succeed in achieving his ideal. This in fact is the under-current of nearly all surs...click. Madam Khamisani emphasises that, "God is Shah Abdul Latif's beloved in all the surs of the Risalo.

Click here for Bhitai's poetry in sur Kalyan:
To Seek Eternal Abode With Knowledge Rare

"Foremost, omniscient and supreme is world's Lord,
Of His own might in existence since aeons old,
Mighty Creator, Merciful, Sustainer, One and Only,
His praises sing, He planned and perfected the universe."
...........Bhitai [sur Kalyan]

Sufism And Love : One And The Same