GREAT SUFI POETS OF THE PUNJAB

As the Punjabi poetry was written by the Sufis in Persian script and, to maintain authenticity and originality, the verses of the Sufi poets in the book have been printed in Persian, as also in Devnagari and Roman scripts for easy comprehension and wider understanding. As regards the translations, or transliterations as some would prefer to call them, I would like to mention that it is not possible to preserve in any translation or transliteration the inherent depth, beauty and charm of the original, but for the benefit of those who are not so well-acquainted with the Punjabi language it was considered necessary that explanations in the form of translation should be given. So an attempt has been made to give a sense atleast.

Another object which has prompted me in writing this book is that after truncation of the Punjab. In the wake of partition of India into Bharat and Pakistan in 1947 A.D., the original sources of information, regrettably, are fast disappearing I felt that I must explore, exploit and, where still possible, preserve this information, before it is too late.

To me the study of poetry of the great Punjabi Sufi poets has been a source of tremendous strength, happiness and satisfaction. In the pious, full of Love Divine and rhythmic poetry of the Sufis of the Punjab, I have always found gems of wisdom, high intellect, profound spiritualism, hidden advices, solace and glory of the Divine Beloved, which brings peace and tranquility upon mind and spirit. I can only hope that this book will enable many others to derive the same benefits.

A comprehensive glossary deals with the Sufistic terms to be found in the book. I have prepared this glossary as a soft of Sufistic dictionary and attempted to give various meanings of the words which, I believe, will be found useful in allegorical interpretation of Sufistic terms.

I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to Dr. Syed Amir Hassan Abidi, Professor Emeritus, Department of Persian, University of Delhi, for favouring me greatly by writing a valuable ‘Foreword’ to this book.

I am grateful to Iran Society of Calcutta, a premier literary society in eastern India, for undertaking the onerous task of publication of this book which is expected to be especially useful for all those who cherish and seek Love Divine.