Written by: Sadaf Shahzad
Posted on: October 01, 2020 | 
| 中文
The Entrance to Bulleh Shah's Shrine in Kasur
The province of Punjab and the Punjabi language, has long been associated with the wisdom of the Sufi saints who lived and died in the region. But it is Bulleh Shah who is seen by many as the definitive poet and Sufi saint of Punjab. His extraordinary philosophical contributions to Sufi poetry, as well as the sincerity and simplicity with which he pondered complex questions of spirituality, identity and transcendence, has allowed him to remain timeless and deeply moving to those who appreciate Sufi poetry.
Devotees lighting incense at the shrine (photo credits to Asad Munir)
Syed Abdullah Shah Qadri, more popularly known as Bulleh Shah was born in Uch Sharif (in southern Punjab) in 1680 to a family of Sayyiads, who draw biological connections to the Prophet (PBUH), through the progeny of Baghdadi scholar Abdul Qadir Gilani. Like many of the Sufi mystics, facts about Bulleh Shah’s life are often entangled with myth and oral traditions. What has been established, however, is that his father Shah Mohammed Dervish was an accomplished religious scholar with spiritual leanings, which he transferred to his son.
In Lahore, Bulleh Shah crossed paths with Shah Inayat Lahori, a spiritual teacher and gardener who accepted Bulleh Shah as a disciple. In his poetry, Bulleh Shah credits Shah Inayat for awakening his spiritualism. However, the difference in social standing between the two men created much social disapproval, and Bulleh Shah was constantly criticized for associating with a lowly gardener.
Bullah has fallen in love with the Lord.
He has given his life and body as earnest.
His Lord and Master is Shah Inayat
who has captivated his heart.
Shah Inayat's Shrine in Lahore
Bulleh Shah was a contemporary of Sindhi Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689-1752) as well as Punjabi Sufi poet Waris Shah (1722 - 1789), and Sindhi mystic Sachal Sarmast (1739-1829). These Sufi poets lived and wrote during a time of violence and uncertainty, brought about by the decline of the Mughal Empire. For example, the rising power of the Sikhs in Punjab caused large scale political and economic devastation and created divisions and suspicions between the Muslims and the Sikhs.
To counter these dangerous prejudices, Bulleh Shah, the other Sufi poets as well as important Sikh leaders like Guru Nanak, popularized what is known as the ‘Kafi’, a classical form of devotional music. Kafis are small philosophical poems, which talk of the love that a disciple has for his Guru or Murshid (Teacher). Although there is considerable overlap between the ‘Kafi’ and the ‘Qawwali’ forms of singing, the ‘Kafi’ focuses more on the words of the poet rather than the musical composition. Often, minimal instruments are used, mostly the harmonium, dholak and tabla. Although the ‘Kafi’ is mostly sung in Urdu and Punjabi, it incorporates words from other languages like Hindi, Seraiki and Sindhi to stress the secular and spiritual nature of a genre that extends beyond community or religious divisions.
Qawwals Performing at the Shrine (photo credits to Sidra Zia)
Bulleh Shah’s poetry and teachings often touched on themes of humanity, and a rejection of man-made divisions. He was not one to follow the prevalent orthodox traditions, but dedicated his life to fighting against issues of caste, creed and familial honor. As opposed to writing in Persian, the language of the Mughal courts, he wrote his poetry in Punjabi as a way to reach out to the people. Many were inspired by his message, and believed that he possessed mystical and healing powers.
Inside the shrine of Bulleh Shah
However, his outright rejection of religious dogma earned him much scorn from those close to him. Shah Inayat, who was not as radical in his beliefs, was said to have feared for Bulleh Shah’s safety at a time when many Sufi saints were being persecuted. And while Bulleh Shah was firm in his belief, he too sometimes fell victim to societal pressures due to his allegiance to his family and Sayyiad clan.
The story goes that when Shah Inayat send another disciple to a wedding hosted by Bulleh Shah’s family, the poorly clad boy was rudely snubbed by everyone, including Bulleh Shah. In retaliation, Shah Inayat stopped speaking to him, and Bulleh Shah’s mystical visions vanished. Distraught, Bulleh Shah spent twelve years trying to re-earn his Master’s trust and love. According to lore, it was when Bulleh Shah sang and danced to ‘Tere Ishq Nachaya’ (Your Love Made Me Dance Like Mad), that Shah Inayat finally forgave his disciple.
Dissuade me not from the path of love
Who can hold the boats on the move?
Stupid, I joined the boatman’s squad
Your love has made me dance like mad
Bulleh Shah died in 1757, and was buried in the city of Kasur. His death anniversary or ‘Urs’ is celebrated around late August and early September, when devotees from all over the world gather to pay tribute to his life and teachings. His shrine can be found in the older section of the small town of Kasur, among the narrow streets and the old bazaars. While the exterior of the building is adorned with white and green tiles, the interior is a dazzling display of white tiles and calligraphy of Bulleh Shah’s own poetry. The shrine is surrounded by a courtyard where many mystics sing and recite his poetry, while other devotees tie ribbons to a tree of wishes.
The Tree of Wishes at the Shrine (photo credits to Sidra Zia)
Bulleh Shah’s words of love and humanity have continued to inspire artists and singers across Pakistan, from the Qawwals who gather at his shrine to recite his poetry, to megastars like Abida Parveen and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. One popular poem which has seen many iterations, has been ‘Bullah ki Jaana’ (Bullah! I know not who I am), which was written as a critique against traditional ideas of divisions and organized religion. Although Bulleh Shah believed that the road to the Divine must be devoid of existing theological, political and social labels, in the poem he struggles to define himself without using these terms.
Not a believer inside the mosque, am I
Nor a pagan disciple of false rites
Not the pure amongst the impure
Neither Moses, nor the Pharaoh
Bulleya! I know not who I am
Sufi Mystics Celebrating the Urs of Bulleh Shah
Bulleh Shah’s poetry continues to resonate with those who also attempt to grapple with their identity beyond socially determined norms and divisions. His mission to emphasize humanity, even at the risk of personal pain, has touched and inspired people to reflect on and spread his message of peace and love. Listening to popular renditions of his poetry sung by popular artists, may be an effective way to introduce oneself to Bulleh Shah, however, one must delve into his social context and relationships with the people in his life, to truly understand his humanity and devotion to spirituality.
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