The Risalo of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai: Sufi Poetry in Translation

Description

Harvard University Press, paperback

Publication Date: October 14, 2025

Translated by Christopher Shackle

Publisher Marketing: 

A landmark English translation of Sindhi literature’s most famous classic.

Shah Abdul Latif’s Risalo, loosely translated as “the message,” is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Sindhi literature, cherished across South Asia and the diaspora. This collection of Sufi verses, originally crafted for musical performance in the eighteenth century, weaves a rich tapestry of mystical and divine love, drawing on both Islamic tradition and local Sindhi culture. Latif’s poetry also immortalizes timeless love stories, such as those of Sasui Punhun, Suhini Mehar (Sohni Mahiwal), and Lila Chanesar, which continue to captivate millions.

Latif (1689-1752) is a revered Sufi saint whose shrine is a beloved pilgrimage site in present-day Pakistan. His Risalo reflects a deep commitment to bringing together Islamic as well as Hindu devotional and ascetic traditions, and includes verses celebrating the spirituality of yogis.

This first authoritative translation into modern English introduces a new generation to one of the greatest treasures of Indo-Islamic literature.

Explore more from our collection.