Remembering Bulleh Shah as Socio-Political Reformists!

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Ahmad Bharawana

Bulleh Shah was a 17th-century Punjabi Sufi poet, philosopher, reformist and humanist. He is widely regarded as the “Father of Punjabi Enlightenment” for his revolutionary and anti-establishment views on religion, society and politics. He was a disciple of Inayat Qadri, a Sufi master of Lahore. Bulleh Shah was a descendant of Prophet Muhammad through Sayeed Jalaluddin Bukhari. He was born in Uch, Multan province, Mughal Empire (present-day Punjab, Pakistan) and died in Kasur, Bhangi Misl, Sikh Confederacy (present-day Punjab, Pakistan). He is buried in Kasur and his shrine is a place of pilgrimage for many people.

Bulleh Shah’s poetry is a reflection of his mystical journey towards the divine love and union with God. He used the poetic form of kafi, which is a genre of Punjabi and Sindhi poetry that expresses the longing of the lover for the beloved. He also used metaphors, symbols, allegories and paradoxes to convey his spiritual message. His poetry is rich in themes such as:

Universal love: Bulleh Shah preached the love of God that transcends all boundaries of caste, creed, race and religion. He denounced the rituals, dogmas and divisions that create hatred and violence among people. He advocated for tolerance, compassion and harmony among all human beings. He said:
Ishq ishq ta har koi karde Par koi Challa wich pair na rakhay Ishq da jaam ta har koi peenda Par ishq de anjam ton darda

Everyone talks of love, But few know how to walk on its path Everyone drinks the wine of love, But few can bear its consequences.

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Purification of soul: Bulleh Shah emphasized the need for self-knowledge and self-annihilation to attain the true knowledge of God. He criticized the hypocrisy, pride and arrogance of the religious scholars and the rulers who claim to be close to God but are far from His essence. He urged the seekers to renounce their ego and worldly attachments and to surrender to the will of God. He said:
Parh parh ilm hazaar kitaaban Qaddi apnay aap nu parhya naee Jaan jaan warhday mandir maseedi Qaddi mann apnay wich warhya naee Aa-vain laarda aye shaitan de naal bandeaa Qaddi nafss apnay naal larhya naee

You have read thousands of books But you have never read your own self You run to enter temples and mosques But you have never entered your own heart You fight with the devil every day But you have never fought with your own ego.

Humility: Bulleh Shah stressed the importance of humility and modesty as the virtues of a true lover of God. He denounced the false pride and vanity that make people look down upon others. He praised the lowly and the humble who are sincere in their devotion to God. He said:
Bulla ki jaana main kaun Na main momin vich maseet aan Na main vich kufar diyan reet aan Na main paakaan vich paleet aan Na main moosa na pharaun

Bulla, who knows who I am? I am not among the faithful in the mosque Nor among the infidels in their rites I am not among the pure in their filth I am not Moses nor Pharaoh.

Bulleh Shah’s poetry is relevant to modern times because it addresses the universal issues of human existence that are still prevalent today. His poetry challenges the status quo and inspires people to seek the truth beyond the superficial appearances. His poetry also promotes peace, love and harmony among people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds. His poetry also offers a way of coping with the challenges and difficulties of life by relying on God’s grace and mercy. His poetry also celebrates the beauty and diversity of God’s creation and encourages people to appreciate it.

Bulleh Shah’s poetry also reflects his love for Punjab culture and its people. He used Punjabi language, idioms, proverbs, folk tales, legends and songs to express his thoughts and feelings. He also depicted the various aspects of Punjab culture such as its festivals, rituals, customs, music, dance, art, crafts, cuisine, attire, etc. He also praised the bravery, generosity, hospitality and resilience of the Punjabi people. He also criticized the social evils and injustices that plagued the Punjab society such as caste discrimination, feudal oppression, religious intolerance, etc. He also highlighted the historical and political events that shaped the Punjab region such as the invasions, wars, migrations, etc. He also showed his admiration for the other Punjabi Sufi poets and saints such as Shah Hussain, Baba Farid, Sultan Bahu, etc. He said:

Aseen aapay rabb wangu naam japaanday Aseen aapay rabb wangu naam japaanday Aseen aapay rabb wangu naam japaanday Aseen aapay rabb wangu naam japaanday

We chant the name of God like God Himself We chant the name of God like God Himself We chant the name of God like God Himself We chant the name of God like God Himself.