Sufism in Sind was an indigenous movement which absorbed in itself the finest of Islam and Hinduism, thereby laying the foundation of what is termed the composite culture of India. Sindhi sufism like sufism in Kashmir stood for raising the quality of life through God, realisation and social service. It was largely influenced by the Vedanta. It embraced all Gods.

Sindhi sufi poetry is traceable to seven ‘‘baits’’ (slokas) of Memoi saints of the 14th century predicting the future of the unhappy valley. There are some ‘‘baits’’ of Qazi Kadan (died 1551) which talk of ‘‘tauhid’’ (unity of Being). The 16th century produced a great sufi poet, Shah Abdul Karim (1536-1622). His 92 baits proclaiming the brotherhood of man and the unity of God are recited by the devout.

Towards the middle of the 17th century, Sind produced another great mind Shah Inayat. His baits and bols enthralled the desert. He inspired the people not to accept an unjust feudal system.

By the end of the 17th century, there appeared the greatest sufi poet of Sind, Shah Abdul Latif (1689-1752), who infused new life into the desert and gave hope to the people suffering under unjust and corrupt rulers. He was well versed in Quranic traditions and Vedantic thought. Known as Sufi-e-Haft Zaban, the Shah knew seven languages including Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit.

Shah Abdul Latif’s greatest contribution to sufi thought are his spiritual utterances compiled by his disciples. They are called ‘‘Shah Jo Risalo’’ (The message of Shah). Risalo is neither a philosophical treatise nor an intellectual masterpiece but it transports the readers to new spiritual heights. It brings new fellowships into being.

Shah Abdul Latif was a sufi poet in the Vedantic tradition of sufi saints who possessed nothing and whom nothing possessed except the name of God and service of humanity. The Shah believed that while intellect is a bondage, faith is the liberator. Shah liked the company of Hindu yogis, he visited Hindu centres of pilgrimages where he danced reciting the name of Krishna.

Shah’s ‘‘swars’’ or ‘‘surs’’ are musical compositions set to the tunes of Indian classical moulds like the Sikh Gurbani. In Sur Khahori, Shah refers to the Kali temple whereas in Sur Ramkali he sings of Guru Gorakhnath.