Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9780674302822

Table of Contents

Reviews

Preserving the original’s poetic and philosophical richness, this is a stunning introduction to Sufi poetry from Sindh. I can think of no better translator than Christopher Shackle to bring Shah Abdul Latif to a global audience. -- Rana Safvi, author of <i>In Search of the Divine: Living Histories of Sufism in India</i> A classic of Sindhi literature, Shah Abdul Latif's Risalo contains the essence of Sufi thought in a distinctively South Asian context. Christopher Shackle's translation beautifully conveys the lyrical mysticism and musicality of the original text, leading the reader through a panoply of allegorical and folkloric stories. -- Sunil Sharma, author of <i>Amir Khusraw: Poet of Sultans and Sufis</i>

Preserving the original’s poetic and philosophical richness, this is a stunning introduction to Sufi poetry from Sindh. I can think of no better translator than Christopher Shackle to bring Shah Abdul Latif to a global audience. -- Rana Safvi, author of <i>In Search of the Divine: Living Histories of Sufism in India</i>

Author Information

Christopher Shackle is a Fellow of the British Academy and Emeritus Professor of the Modern Languages of South Asia at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. His awards include the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the highest award for the arts in Pakistan.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available