What to read after GREAT SUFI POETS OF THE PUNJAB?

PREFACE

Whenever I chanced upon to hear melodies of Punjabi Sufi poets sung by folk singers, qawwaals or other accomplished musicians, I was always fascinated by their mysticism, their professed love for the Divine Beloved, their sincerity of purpose, the simplicity of their language, down-to-earth similes, most appropriate metaphors to drive home a point, and, some times, I wondered how very rich these compositions were in content, which, in fact, spurred me on the undertake study of Punjabi Sufi poetry in greater detail. During the course of this study I was pleasantly surprised when, in my search, I came across a treasure-trove of Divine Knowledge and Spiritual Realisation of a high order. It was also learnt that how these Sufi poets exercised a profound influence in the lives of the people and were responsible to a great extent for evolving a composite culture of the Punjab. They not only led the vanguard of progress in Punjabi language and literature but also, by the nobility of their pious feelings and rhythmic rendition, inspired the people to seek the Divine Love.

The history of the Punjab from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries has seen many storms and peaceful interludes. These vicissitudes are reflected in the poetry of the Sufis. The Sufis, in the process, contributed a great deal in maintaining mental equilibrium of diverse communities in troublous times in the medieval ages. Their friendly and tolerant utt4erances retained the favour of both the Hindus as well as the Muslims and influenced the people's thought and sent the message of peace, love, fellowship, understanding and amity to every home and hamlet. They bestowed a remarkable legacy of communal harmony for posterity.

I have tried to capture the essence of Sufi sayings and elaborate them into this book with the hope that it may help others in understanding the great Punjabi Sufi poets of yore and their contribution to bringing about a spirit of solidarity amongst different communities. It is not in any way an exhaustive study of the subject.

As the Punjabi poetry was written by the Sufis in Persian script and, to maintain authenticity and originality, the verses of the Sufi poets in the book have been printed in Persian, as also in Devnagari and Roman scripts for easy comprehension and wider understanding. As regards the translations, or transliterations as some would prefer to call them, I would like to mention that it is not possible to preserve in any translation or transliteration the inherent depth, beauty and charm of the original, but for the benefit of those who are not so well-acquainted with the Punjabi language it was considered necessary that explanations in the form of translation should be given. So an attempt has been made to give a sense atleast.

Another object which has prompted me in writing this book is that after truncation of the Punjab. In the wake of partition of India into Bharat and Pakistan in 1947 A.D., the original sources of information, regrettably, are fast disappearing I felt that I must explore, exploit and, where still possible, preserve this information, before it is too late.

To me the study of poetry of the great Punjabi Sufi poets has been a source of tremendous strength, happiness and satisfaction. In the pious, full of Love Divine and rhythmic poetry of the Sufis of the Punjab, I have always found gems of wisdom, high intellect, profound spiritualism, hidden advices, solace and glory of the Divine Beloved, which brings peace and tranquility upon mind and spirit. I can only hope that this book will enable many others to derive the same benefits.

A comprehensive glossary deals with the Sufistic terms to be found in the book. I have prepared this glossary as a soft of Sufistic dictionary and attempted to give various meanings of the words which, I believe, will be found useful in allegorical interpretation of Sufistic terms.

I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to Dr. Syed Amir Hassan Abidi, Professor Emeritus, Department of Persian, University of Delhi, for favouring me greatly by writing a valuable 'Foreword' to this book.

I am grateful to Iran Society of Calcutta, a premier literary society in eastern India, for undertaking the onerous task of publication of this book which is expected to be especially useful for all those who cherish and seek Love Divine.

R.M. CHOPRA

Calcutta

August 1999