Hz Bulle Shah is in many ways quintessential sufi poet. He language is bold and he gets to the heart of the matter straight away. Moreover he has expressed the highest truths of sufism in the language and culture of hia native Punjab thus conveying the message in the tongue of his people. This is a function that sufis have performed wherever they have gone and still being performed but current authentic masters of the tradition.
A recent master advised a visitor to read the Quran then said: “if you can’t do that read the Masnavi and if you can’t do that then read the Saif ul Malook ( a masnavi in Panjabi). The message is the same”.
Hz Bulle Shah’s poetry is still popular amongst all types of people and he is revered by both Muslims and Sikhs as a saint. More information on Hz Bulle Shah is available here.
Stray Reflections 
Assalam O Allaikum Bhai,
I am a wanna be Sufi and read your blogs intently. Saw your blog on Baba Bulleh Shah [R.A]. Excellent Blog. Nonetheless, there is a small thing I would like to bring to your notice. I got this impression as if Saif Ul Malook was written by Baba Ji. Saif Ul Malook was written in the 19th century by a Sufi Poet Hazrat Mian Muhammad Baksh [R.A]. The style is full of love and there is sweetness in the tone as well which could be termed as a departure from Baba Bulleh Shah’s style which is direct and to the point. Both have there styles and impact, since the message is divine.
W’assalam
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali bhai, wa alaykum Salam.
Thank you for your comments. It is always encouraging to know that one’s words are well received. I didn’t intend to suggest that Saif ul-Malook was written by Bulle Shah sahib and of course you are quite right about Mian sahib being its author and the differences in their respective styles. Thanks for bringing it up though as it has drawn attention to the need for a post on Hz Mian sahib (RA).
Assalam O Allaikum,
Jazak Allah for responding so promptly to my comments and giving me more clarity. I have had the privilege of reading Saif Ul Malook and it is a masterpiece. As a matter of fact, to this day in rural Punjab and Kashmir you would find such values as hospitality, consideration and respect for others. These can be attributed to the folk lore of the sufi poets like Mian Sahib, Waris Shah, Khawaja Ghulam Farid, Baba Bulleh Shah et al. So even after their wisaal they still continue to be the light houses of humanity and spirituality. May Allah bless them all.
Wa alaykum Salam M.A. bhai,
wa iyyakum. Thank you for your valuable comments and I’ll forward to future visits from you insha’Allah. Sadly, those that appreciate the work of these spiritual lighthouses are fewer nowadays so it is always a joy to find recognizes this light 🙂
“dunya uthe thoray re gayay qadar shanas sukn de”.