Divine Love and Bulleh Shah
Sometimes Divine love unveils the great mysteries of the universe, sometimes it sets one on an infinite journey within. Somewhere it blesses one with success in the court of the beloved (Divine Essence), while for some it makes them sacrifice their life for the sake of the Beloved’s pleasure. Divine love in fact is a feeling that overtakes the seeker’s every action entirely. Many revered Sufi Saints have expressed their Divine love through Sufi poetry.
Among these revered Sufis is Baba Bulleh Shah (r.a). His unique style of Sufi poetry and Divine love gave him unparalleled fame. His Sufi poetry encompasses subjects such as reality of human, the true secrets of faith, love of the spiritual guide and Divine love. Bulleh Shah was born in 1680 AD (1091 AH). His parents named him ‘Abdullah Shah’. His paternal homeland was the famous village of Uch Gilaniyan in Bahawalpur. However, his parents settled in the rural areas of Multan district in pursuit of a stable livelihood, in the village of Pandoke, which had newly been populated. From childhood, the yearning and attraction towards Divine love were evident in his nature.
Bulleh Shah received his formal education at the Mosque of Kot Kasur. His teacher was Khwaja Hafiz Ghulam Murtaza Kasuri, who was a highly knowledgeable and learned scholar. He was proficient in Persian, Arabic, Hindi, and Punjabi.
Search for Spiritual Guide
Baba Bulleh Shah couldn’t find satisfaction in formal education because his inward was in search of Truth. He wanted to adopt company of a spiritual guide who could enlighten him with the light of Oneness. When he was wandering in search of a spiritual guide, one day he lay down in the shade of a tree for rest. In a dream, he saw Syed Abdul Hakim who was a Saint from his forefathers. The revered Saint expressed his need for water. Bulleh Shah offered him a cup filled with milk. The Saint drank a little himself and then offered the rest to him, upon drinking which enlightened his inward. Then the Saint prayed for him and also directed him to obey the spiritual guide.
When he woke up, he returned home and recounted the entire incident to his father. His father said he should cling to that Saint. Again, Bulleh Shah saw the same venerable Saint in the dream at night. When he presented his plea, the Saint gave him the glad tidings of allegiance to Hazrat Shah Inayat Qadri.
During that era, Shah Inayat Qadri was the perfect Spiritual Guide (Saint) residing in Lahore. The fame of his asceticism and sanctity had spread far and wide. Divine seekers attained spiritual beneficence from him.
Pledging Allegiance to Shah Inayat Qadri
When Bulleh Shah embarked on a journey to pledge allegiance to Shah Inayat Qadri, a thought crossed his mind: I am from Syed lineage. What excuse could I have to not give the spiritual guide the due devotion and respect? With this intention, he reached Lahore and presented him in the court of Shah Inayat Qadri. When he requested allegiance in his court, Shah Inayat Qadri said, “You are of high lineage, and I am a gardener’s son (Arain), what can I offer you?” Bulleh Shah deeply regretted his thoughts and resolved to sacrifice everything for the pleasure of his spiritual guide. Shah Inayat Qadri accepted his oath of allegiance and bestowed him with his grace. (Kalam Baba Bulleh Shah).
Poetry of Baba Bulleh Shah
Bulleh Shah was a great poet of Punjabi language. On one hand, his personality was a source of grace and blessings, while on the other hand, his poetry contained a treasury of influence, impact, and fervour. Every verse of his poetry emerged from the depths of the soul and delved into the depths of the heart. This is why the villages, towns, and cities of Punjab resonated with his pure melodies. His poetry became famous far and wide. The greatest characteristic of Bulleh Shah’s poetry is that it appeals not only to the educated class but also to the unlettered, who equally relish the beauty of his verses.
He was like an ocean of Divine love, the expression of which he repeatedly made in his poetry. For the readers, here are a few samples from his poetry:
Alif Allah Ratta Dil Mera
”الف اللہ رتاّ دل میرا “!
الف اللہ نال رتاّ دل میرا
مینوں ’’ب‘‘ دی خبر نہ کائی
Alif Allah ratta dil mera!
Alif Allah naal ratta dil mera
Meno “Bay” di khabar na kai
Explanation: The invocation and contemplation of Ism Allah Zaat has immersed me so deeply in Divine love that I know nothing about anything else.
ب پڑھیاں کجھ سمجھ نہ آوے
لذت الف دی آئی
Bay parhiyan kuch samajh na aawe
Lazzat alif di aayi
Explanation: It is only Ism Allah Zaat that blesses with every knowledge and enlightens the inward. Acquiring any other knowledge is simply futile.
’’ع‘‘ تے ’’غ‘‘ دا فرق نہ جاناں
ایہہ گل الف سمجھائی
'A' te 'G' da faraq na jaana
Ayeh gall alif samjhaayi
Explanation: I did not know the difference between the Divine Essence and others. It is Ism Allah Zaat that unveiled this secret upon me.
بلھیا‘ قول الف دے پورے
جیہڑے دل کی کرن صفائی
Bulleah qaul 'Alif' de poore
Jehre dil ki karan safai
Explanation: O Bulleh Shah! The invocation and contemplation of Ism Allah Zaat has fulfilled all those requisites that are required for attaining inward cleansing and sanctification
Ik Alif Parho
’’اِک الف پڑھو!‘‘
اک الف پڑھو چھٹکارا اے
اک الفوں دو تن چار ہوئے
پھر لکھ کروڑ ہزار ہوئے
پھر اوتھوں باہجھ شمار ہوئے
ہک الف دا نکتہ نیارا اے
اک الف پڑھو چھٹکارا اے
“Ik Alif Parho!”
Ik Alif Parho chhutkara ae
Ik alfon do tan char hoye
Phir lakh caror hazar hoye
Phir uthon bajh shumar hoye
Ek Alif da nukta nyara ae
Ik Alif Parho chhutkara ae
Explanation: The lesson of ‘Alif‘ alone is sufficient for your salvation. Mohammadan light manifested from ‘Alif’ i.e. light of Divine Essence. From Mohammadan light, all the beings of the universe were created. Meaning, initially there was one ‘Alif’, then it became two, then three, then four, and from it emerged countless creatures, in the millions, billions, and beyond. How precious is this ‘Alif’, which is not only a means of salvation but also the beginning of creation.
Kyun Parhna Ae Gud Kitaaban Di
کیوں پڑھنا ایں گڈ کتاباں دی
سرِ چاناں ایں پنڈ عذاباں دی
کیوں ہوئی اے شکل جلاداں دی
ایہہ پینڈا مشکل بھارا اے
اک الف پڑھو چھٹکارا اے
Kyun parhna ae gud kitaaban di
Sir-e chanaan ae pand azabaan di
Kyun hui ae shakl jalaadaan di
Ayeh peinda mushkil bhaara ae
Ik Alif parho chhutkara ae
Explanation: Why do you read so many books? Why do you bear the burden of sorrows on your head? Why have you taken on such a harsh, tyrannical appearance? The journey to the next world is very difficult. By studying the lesson of Ism-Allah-Zaat, you will find deliverance from every worry and sorrow.
Ban Hafiz Hifz Quran karein
بن حافظ حفظ قرآن کریں
پڑھ پڑھ کے صاف زبان کریں
پھر نعمت وچ دھیان کریں
من پھر دا جیوں ہلکارا اے
اک الف پڑھو چھٹکارا اے
Ban Hafiz Hifz Quran karein
Parh parh ke saaf zabaan karein
Phir naimat wich dhyaan karein
Man phir da jeewun halkara ae
Ek alif parho chhutkara ae
Explanation: You memorize Quran and cleanse your tongue by reading it. You strive hard to obtain worldly and hereafter blessings and wander around like a messenger. Whereas, by studying the lesson of Ism Allah Zaat, you will achieve deliverance.
Bullah Bee Boorh Da Booya Si
بلھا بی بوڑھ دا بویا سی
اوہ برچھ وڈا جا ہویا سی
جد برچھ اوہ فانی ہویا سی
پھر رہ گیا بی اکارا اے
Bullah bee boorh da booya si
Oh birch vadda ja hoya si
Jad birch oh faani hoya si
Phir reh gaya bee akara ae
Explanation: Bulleh Shah (r.a.) describes the reality of human existence that the reality of human existence is like the seed of the banyan tree. Just as a seed is sown for the banyan tree, in the same way, Allah Almighty has placed the seed of the soul in the human being. This seed, as time passes, when it grew into a tangible tree, it perished. Meaning, when a human being has experienced all the seasons of his life, he departs from this world, and only that seed which was present in him in the form of the soul remains; his physical body perishes.
Bulleh Shah’s Love for his Spiritual Guide
Bulleh Shah was born into a Syed family, but his Murshid (spiritual guide), Shah Inayat, belonged to the Arain community. Therefore, when Bulleh Shah became his disciple, the relatives began to criticise and oppose. They reproached and cut ties with him. They provoked him by saying he was from Syed lineage and began advising him to distance himself from his spiritual guide. This is mentioned in his poetry, and it also reinforces the belief that in Divine love, no caste or status matters. What matters most is the pleasure and happiness of the beloved.
بلھے نوں سمجھاون آئیاں ، بھیناں تے بھرجائیاں
من لے بلھیا ساڈا کہنا، چھڈ دے پلا رائیاں
آل نبیؐ اولاد علیؓ نوں توں کیوں لیکاں لائیاں
Bulleh noon samjhawan aaiyan, bheenan te bharjaiyan
Mann le Bullaya sadda kehna, chhad de pala raiyan
Aal Nabi (SAW) awlad Ali (r.a.) noon tu kyun likhan laaiyan
Explanation: Bulleh Shah’s close relatives and esteemed came to advise him and said: “Oh Bulleh Shah! Listen to what we say and sever ties with the Arains (his spiritual guide). Why are you tarnishing the name of the family of the Prophet (pbuh) and the descendants of Ali ibn Abi Talib (r.a.)?”
Jehra Sanu Syed Saadday
جیہڑا سانوں سیدّ سدے، دوزخ ملن سزائیاں
جو کوئی سانوں رائیں آکھے، بہشتیں پینگاں پائیاں
Jehra sanu syed saadday, dozakh milan sazaiyan
Jo koi saanu raiyan akhe, bahishtein peenga paiyan
Explanation: Whoever calls me ‘Syed’ will receive punishments in hell, and whoever calls me by the lineage of my spiritual guide will go straight to the paradise.
رائیں سائیں سبھناں تھائیں ، ربّ دیاں بے پروائیاں
سوہنیاں پرے ہٹائیاں نیں تے، کوجھیاں لیَ گل لائیاں
Raiyan saaiyan sabhnaan thayan, Rub diyaan be parwaiyaan
Sohniyan pre hataaiyaan nein te, kujiyaan lay gull laaiyaan
Explanation: For me, my Murshid is everything. In his love, I have become independent of everything else. My Murshid is so compassionate that he has embraced the lowly ones like me in presence of high-ranking individuals.
جے توں لوڑیں باغ بہاراں، چاکر ہو جا رائیاں
بلھے شاہ دی ذات کیہ پچھنیں، شاکر ہو رضائیاں
Je tu lorren baagh bahaaraan, chakkar ho ja raaiyaan
Bulleh Shah di zaat ki puchhnein, shakkar ho razaiyaan
Explanation: If you seek the paradise of blooming gardens, then become a servant of the spiritual guide. Bulleh Shah! Why inquire about the Divine Essence? Just express gratitude upon his pleasure
Ab Lagan Lagi Ki Kehriye
اب لگن لگی کیہہ کرئیے
اب لگن لگی کیہہ کرئیے
نہ جی سکیے نہ مرئیے
تم سنوں ہماری بیناں
موہے رات دنے نہیں چیناں
ہن پی بن پلک نہ سرئیے
اب لگن لگی کیہہ کرئیے
نہ جی سکیے نہ مریئے
Ab lagan lagi keh kariye
Ab lagan lagi keh kariye
Na ji sakiye na mariye
Tum suno hamari beena
Mohe raat dine nahin chaina
Hunn pi ban palak na sariye
Ab lagan lagi keh kariye
Na ji sakiye na mariye
Explanation: Now that I have fallen in love, what should I do? I cannot live, nor can I die. Listen to my sorrowful voice. I have no peace at night or tranquillity during the day. Now, I cannot live a single moment without the Beloved.
Tere Ishq Nachaya Kar Ke Thaya Thaya
Once Bulleh Shah’s spiritual guide became displeased with him. This matter deeply affected him. He began to suffer in separation and remorse like a fish out of water. In order to appease his spiritual guide, he wrote this poetry:
تیرے عشق نچایا کر کے تھیا تھیا
تیرے عشق نے ڈیرا، میرے اندر کیتا
بھر کے زہر پیالہ، میں تاں آپے پیتا
جبھدے بوہڑیں وے طبیبا، نہیں تے میں مر گئی آں
تیرے عشق نچایا کر کے تھیا تھیا
Tere ishq nachaya kar ke thaya thaya
Tere ishq ne dera, mere andar kieta
Bhar ke zahr piyala, main taan aape peeta
Jubhde bohre ve tabiba, nain te main mar gayi aan
Tere ishq nachaya kar ke thaya thaya
Explanation: O beloved! Your love has engulfed my inward. I have consumed the cup of poison myself. Now my condition is such that if you did not treat me, I will die. I am dancing in the madness of my Beloved’s love.
Chhup Gaya Ve Sooraj
چھپ گیا وے سورج، باہر رہ گئی آ لالی
وے میں صدقے ہوواں، دیویں مڑ جے وکھالی
پیرا ! میں بھل گئی آں، تیرے نال نہ گئی آ
تیرے عشق نچایا کر کے تھیا تھیا
Chhup gaya ve sooraj, bahar reh gayi alaali
Ve main sadqay hovaa, deewein murh je vakhaali
Pira! Main bhal gayi aan, tere naal na gayi aan
Tere ishq nachaya kar ke thaya thaya
Explanation: My beloved, who is like the sun, has turned away from me. Just as when the sun sets, only redness remains in the sky, similarly, my heart is wounded and reddened with the intensity of separation from my beloved. I am willing to sacrifice myself for you if you grant me a glimpse of your sacred countenance. O my spiritual guide! I have wronged that I did not obey you. In your love, I am dancing like a madman.
Ais Ishq De Kolon
ایس عشقے دے کولوں، مینوں ہٹک نہ مائے
لاہو جاندڑے بیڑے، کیہڑے موڑ لیائے
میری عقل جو بھلی، نال مہانیاں دے گئی آ
تیرے عشق نچایا کر کے تھیا تھیا
Aise ishq de kolon, mainu hatk na maaye
Lahoo jaandre beede, kehde mood laaye
Meri aqal jo bhali, naal mahaaniyan de gayi aan
Tere ishq nachaya kar ke thaya thaya
Explanation: My mother, do not stop me from this love, for I have already intended to drown in the sea of Divine love, and those who drown do not return. I have lost my mind in love, that’s why I have decided to go with the sailors. O beloved, I am dancing in your love like a madman.
ایس عشقے دی جُھنگی وِچ مور بولیندا
سانوں قبلہ تے کعبہ، سوہنا یار دسیندا
سانوں گھائل کر کے، پھیر خبر نہ لئی آ
تیرے عشق نچایا کر کے تھیا تھیا
Aise ishq de kolon, mainu hatk na maaye
Lahoo jaandre beede, kehde mood laaye
Meri aqal jo bhali, naal mahaaniyan de gayi aan
Tere ishq nachaya kar ke thaya thaya
Explanation: Peacocks speak in my inward (meaning there is much beauty and charm). To me, my Murshid is the Kaaba. He has captivated me with his love, but has not come back to inquire about me again. I am dancing in the love of my beloved like a madman
Bullha Shoh Ne Aanda
بلھا شوہ نے آندا، مینوں عنایتؒ دے بوہے
جس نے مینوں پوائے، چولے ساوے تے سو ہے
جاں میں ماری ہے اڈی، مل پیا ہے وہیا
تیرے عشق نچایا کر کے تھیا تھیا
Bullha Shoh ne aanda, mainu Inayat (r.a) de boohay
Jis ne mainu puwaiy, chhole saawe te sohay
Jaan main maari hai addi, mil piya hai wahiya
Tere ishq nachaya kar ke thaya thaya
Explanation: Bulleh Shah! This is the grace of Allah Almighty that He has led me to the door of my Murshid, Shah Inayat. He has adorned me in colourful attire. When I exerted myself to please the beloved, then he finally met me. I am dancing in the love of my beloved like a madman
Ranjha Ranjha Kardi
رانجھا رانجھا کردی نی میں آپے رانجھا ہوئی
سدو نی مینوں دھیدو رانجھا ہیر نہ آکھو کوئی
رانجھا میں وچ، میں رانجھے وچ، ہور خیال نہ کوئی
میں نہیں اوہ آپ ہے، اپنی آپ کرے دلجوئی
جو کوئی ساڈے اندر وَسے ذات اساڈی سوئی
ہتھ کھونڈی میرے اگے منگو، موڈھے بھورا لوئی
بلھا ہیر سلیٹی ویکھو، کتھے جا کھلوئی
جس دل نال میں نیو نہہ لگایا، اوہو جیہی ہوئی
تخت ہزارے لے چل بلھیا، سیالیں ملے نہ ڈھوئی
Ranjha Ranjha kardi ni main, aape Ranjha hoyi
Saddo ni mainu dheedo Ranjha, Heer na aakho koi
Ranjha mein vich, mein Ranjhe vich, hor khayal na koi
Main nahi, oh aap hai, apni aap kare diljoi
Jo koi saade andar wasse, zaat asadi sooi
Hath khondi mere agge mango, modhe bhora looi
Bullha Heer Slaeti vekho, kithe ja khloi
Jis dil naal main neyo lagaaya, oho jehi hoi
Takht hazaaray le chal Bullhiya, siyaali mille na dhoyi
Explanation: In the love of my beloved, I have become Ranjha (exact manifestation of my beloved myself). Now everyone calls me Ranjha, no one calls me Heer anymore. I have reached such a stage in love where Ranjha is within me and I am within Ranjha. Now, apart from his memory, no other thought occupies my mind. I have vanished, only he remains, he consoles himself. The beloved who resides in my inward is my existence. I have a stick in my hand, and ahead of me is a herd of buffaloes, and there is a load on my shoulder. Bulleh Shah! Look, Heer has become like Ranjha. With whom I fell in love, I have embraced his essence and attributes as my own. Bulleh Shah, take me to the throne of my beloved as this transitory world is not my abode.
Bullha! Ki Jaanaan Main Kaun
بلھاؒ! کی جاناں میں کون
نہ میں مومن وچ مسیت آں
نہ میں وچ کفر دی ریت آں
نہ میں پاکاں وچ پلیت آں
نہ میں موسیٰ نہ فرعون
بلھا کی جاناں میں کون
Bullha! Ki jaanaan main kaun
Na main momin vich maseet aan
Na main vich kufr di reet aan
Na main paakaan vich paleet aan
Na main Musa, na Phiraon
Bullha ki jaanaan main kaun
Explanation: Neither am I a believer in the mosque, nor do I possess any grains of disbelief. I am neither pure nor impure. I am neither as obedient as Moses, nor as disobedient as Pharaoh. Bulleh Shah, how would I know what my reality is?
Na Main Andar vaed Kitaabaan
نہ میں اندر وید کتاباں
نہ وچ بھنگاں نہ شراباں
نہ وچ رِنداں مست خراباں
نہ وچ جاگن نہ وچ سون
بلھا کی جاناں میں کون
Na main andar vaed kitaabaan
Na vich bhangaan na sharaabaan
Na vich rindaan mast kharabaan
Na vich jaagn na vich soon
Bullha ki jaanaan main kaun
Explanation: Neither am I a scholar of books, nor am I intoxicated, nor am I a drinker. I do not belong among those who indulge in intoxicants. I neither stay awake nor sleep. Bulleh Shah, how would I know what my reality is?
Awwal Aakhir Aap Nu Jaanaan
اوّل آخر آپ نوں جاناں
نہ کوئی دوجا ہور پچھاناں
میتھوں ہور نہ کوئی سیانا
بلھا اوہ کھڑا ہے کون؟
بلھا کی جاناں میں کون
Awwal aakhir aap nu jaanaan
Na koi dooja hor pachhaanaan
Meethon hor na koi siyaana
Bullha oh khara hai kaun?
Bullha ki jaanaan main kaun
Explanation: Since I have attained the gnosis of Allah through the kindness of my spiritual guide, I do not recognise anyone besides Him. He is the First and the Last. I have understood this reality, therefore, there is none wiser than me. Bulleh Shah, who stands before you (i.e. in what form is the Divine Essence manifest?) Bulleh Shah, how would you know what your reality is?
Passing Away of Baba Bulleh Shah
Baba Bulleh Shah passed away in 1757 AD (1181 Hijri). He was buried in Kasur, Pakistan. His sacred shrine is a centre of spirituality. Discrepancies are found in history books regarding his date of birth and death.
Dear readers! The conclusion drawn is that through the study of the lives of Bulleh Shah and other venerable Saints, it becomes evident that whatever status they achieved, it was solely through Divine love. It was this fervour of love that led them to the depths of the unseen and ultimately bestowed upon them the great blessing of attaining gnosis of the Divine Essence.
Remember, the medium to strengthen the bond between the man and Allah Almighty is the perfect spiritual guide who, through oath of allegiance, enlightens the inward of the seeker with the Divine light and guides him on the straight path. If you are also seeking such a perfect spiritual guide, then you are invited to come to Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Muhammad Najib-ur-Rehman who is the 31st Shaikh of Sarwari Qadri order and the Universal Divine Man of present era. Insha Allah, your inward will testify that this is indeed the truth and the right path.
Questions
Baba Bulleh Shah, a revered Punjabi Sufi poet, believed in the principles of Sufism, that emphasise seeking closeness to the Divine Essence through following a perfect spiritual guide. His poetry reflects his deep spiritual insights, advocating Divine love and love of Murshid. Through his poetry, Baba Bulleh Shah promoted Divine love and encouraged Divine seekers to embark on a journey of self-realisation and gnosis of Divine Essence.
Ranjha Ranjha kardi ni main, aape Ranjha hoyi
Saddo ni mainu dheedo Ranjha, Heer na aakho koi
Ranjha mein vich, mein Ranjhe vich, hor khayal na koi
Main nahi, oh aap hai, apni aap kare diljoi
Jo koi saade andar wasse, zaat asadi sooi
Hath khondi mere agge mango, modhe bhora looi
Bullha Heer Slaeti vekho, kithe ja khloi
Jis dil naal main neyo lagaaya, oho jehi hoi
Takht hazaaray le chal Bullhiya, siyaali mille na dhoyi
Explanation: In the love of my beloved, I have become Ranjha (exact manifestation of my beloved myself). Now everyone calls me Ranjha, no one calls me Heer anymore. I have reached such a stage in love where Ranjha is within me and I am within Ranjha. Now, apart from his memory, no other thought occupies my mind. I have vanished, only he remains, he consoles himself. The beloved who resides in my inward is my existence. I have a stick in my hand, and ahead of me is a herd of buffaloes, and there is a load on my shoulder. Bulleh Shah! Look, Heer has become like Ranjha. With whom I fell in love, I have embraced his essence and attributes as my own. Bulleh Shah, take me to the throne of my beloved as this transitory world is not my abode.
Comments (25)
SubhanAllah, very inspiring and heart touching blog👍🏻
Beautiful article! Keep up the good work.
Very Beautiful ❤️ and Informative Article on the Life of Hz Bullhe Shah
Great article
One of the best article on Divine Love
Beautiful
میں مومن وچ مسیت آں
نہ میں وچ کفر دی ریت آں
نہ میں پاکاں وچ پلیت آں
نہ میں موسیٰ نہ فرعون
بلھا کی جاناں میں کون
🌹🌹❤ عشق حقیقی سے بھرا مضمون ہے ماشاءاللہ
Nice article
💗💕💗💕
Best article ever
the medium to strengthen the bond between the man and Allah Almighty is the perfect spiritual guide who, through oath of allegiance, enlightens the inward of the seeker with the Divine light and guides him on the straight path.
Best Article
Kalam Baba Bulleh Shah ❤❤❤
Very beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
Great 👍
Baba Bulleh Shah’s Sufi poetry encompasses subjects such as reality of human, the true secrets of faith, love of the spiritual guide and Divine love.
Masha Allah nice article 👍👍👍👍🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
May Allah give us strong faith and divine love like bulleh shah Ameen
Great article
Amazing article
Great article
Very informative article
Behtareen
Nice Article 👍
Informative article ❤️💖