Sufi Saints: Pioneers of Urdu's Spiritual and Literary Renaissance

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 21 October 2024 The Contribution of Sufi Saints to the Development of the Urdu Language Main Points: 1. Sufi saints chose to communicate in the vernacular languages of the common people, facilitating deeper connections through simple and direct expressions of divine love and unity. 2. By adapting to local cultures and dialects, Sufis played a crucial role in evolving Urdu from a colloquial tongue into a more sophisticated language suitable for spiritual teachings. 3. Sufi saints challenged the prevailing elitism of Persian and Sanskrit as literary languages, promoting Urdu as a legitimate medium for spiritual and intellectual discourse. 4. Figures like Amir Khusrau, Baba Farid, and Khwaja Banda Nawaz contributed foundational works in Urdu poetry and prose, enriching the language and establishing its literary dignity. 5. The collective efforts of Sufi saints not only expanded the vocabulary and syntax of Urdu but also imbued it with a spiritual essence, ensuring its relevance and accessibility for generations to come. ------ The history of the Urdu language is intertwined with the contributions of various cultures and peoples. However, one of the most significant influences came from the Sufi saints, who played a pivotal role in the growth, promotion, and development of Urdu as a medium of communication and spiritual expression. The Sufis, selfless and deeply committed to delivering God's message to humanity, embraced the language of the common people. In doing so, they helped shape and refine what we now recognize as Urdu. The Motivation behind the Sufis' Use of Urdu The core mission of the Sufi saints was to spread the message of divine love, peace, and unity to the people. This spiritual mission required them to connect deeply with the masses, not just through actions but through words that would resonate with people's hearts. Unlike scholars and poets of the time, who often used Persian or Arabic, which were the elite literary languages, the Sufis chose the vernacular languages spoken by the common people. The Sufis’ goal was not to impress with flowery or complex language but to convey profound truths simply and directly, using words and expressions that people could understand. Wherever the Sufi saints travelled, they adapted to the local culture and language. In North India, where the Urdu language was beginning to take shape, Sufi saints learned the regional dialects and gradually began communicating their message in a form that would later evolve into Urdu. By incorporating local dialects, Hindi, and Sanskrit terms, the Sufis gave rise to a language that was accessible to the masses, making it an ideal tool for spiritual teachings. This linguistic adaptability allowed them to reach a wide audience, transforming Urdu into a language of inclusivity, spirituality, and shared human experience. The Expansion of Urdu through Sufi Poetry and Prose Before the Sufi saints began using Urdu, the language was largely dismissed as a colloquial tongue unworthy of scholarly or literary attention. Persian was the dominant language of the courts, literature, and administration, while Sanskrit was associated with religious and scholarly works. Urdu, then considered a “market language,” was not viewed as a vehicle for serious intellectual or spiritual discourse. The Sufi saints, however, broke these barriers. One of the key figures in this linguistic revolution was Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the founder of the Chishti order in India. He was instrumental in integrating local languages into his teachings. His message of love and devotion transcended linguistic barriers, and he often spoke in the local dialect to reach his followers. Similarly, the disciple of Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar (commonly known as Baba Farid), also made significant contributions to the Urdu language by using it in his poetry. Baba Farid’s poetry was simple, yet profound, and it resonated deeply with the common people. His verses, filled with metaphors and imagery drawn from daily life, brought spirituality closer to the people’s hearts. Amir Khusrau: The Father of Urdu Literature Among the most notable Sufi figures contributing to Urdu was Hazrat Amir Khusrau in the seventh century Hijri (thirteenth century CE). Hazrat Khusrau played a crucial role in bestowing literary dignity upon the Urdu language. He is credited with presenting an early form of Urdu by skilfully blending Persian and Hindi. His contributions are foundational, as he created poetry that not only expressed profound spiritual themes but also resonated with the vernacular spoken by the masses. Some of his famous couplets are: Romanized Urdu Text More Piya Ghar Aaye Ae Ri Sakhi More Piya Ghar Aaye Bhaag Lage Is Aangan Ko Bal Bal Jaaon Main Apne Piya Ke Charan Lagayo Nirdhan Ko Main To Khadi Thi Aas Lagaye Mehndi Kajra Maang Sajaaye Deekh Sooratya Apne Piya Ki Haar Gayi Main Tan Man Ko Jis Ka Piya Sang Biteit Saavan Us Dulhan Ki Rein Sahaagan Jis Saavan Mein Piya Ghar Naheen Aag Lage Is Saavan Ko Apne Piya Ko Main Kis Vidh Paoon Laaj Ki Maari Main To Doobi Doobi Jaaon Tum Hi Jatan Karo Ae Ri Sakhi Ri Main Man Bhaaoon Saajan Ko English Translation: My beloved has come home Oh, my friend, my beloved has come home Fortune has smiled upon this courtyard I would gladly give my life for my beloved I touched the feet of the Lord I was standing here, filled with hope With henna and kajal, I adorned my parting Looking at the beauty of my beloved I lost myself, body and soul The one whose beloved is with her in the monsoon That bride is fortunate in her wedding In the monsoon when the beloved is not home May this monsoon be set ablaze How can I meet my beloved? I, who am steeped in shame, can only drown You must take care, oh my friend I am enamoured with my beloved This poem beautifully expresses the emotions of love, longing, and the joy of reuniting with a beloved. The use of vivid imagery and the heartfelt pleas of Hazrat Amir Khusrau reflect the deep emotional connection often found in Urdu poetry. These couplets exemplify his mastery in weaving local idioms into poetry, thus elevating Urdu to a literary language. Other Notable Sufi Saints and Their Contributions In addition to Amir Khusrau, other Sufi saints also played significant roles in the development of Urdu: 1. Sheikh Sharafuddin Maneri: Sheikh Maneri was a poet in both the Purbi and Hindi languages. His incantations and verses were often composed in a form of Hindi that later evolved into Urdu, further bridging the linguistic gap between spiritual teachings and the common folk. Some of his couplets are: Romanized Text: Baat Bhali Par Saankari, Nagar Bhala Par Door. Nanh Bhala Par Paatla, Naari Kar Har Choor. Translation: The path is good but narrow, the city is good but far. The tiny one is good but fragile; a woman's heart is always broken. Romanized Text: Saankar Kuain Pataal Paani, Laakhan Boond Bikay. Bajar Paro Tanh Mathura Nagri, Kaanh Piyasa Jaay. Translation: In the well, the water is at the bottom, and countless drops are sold. In the market, the city of Mathura appears, where Krishna goes thirsty. These couplets beautifully capture the essence of life, relationships, and spiritual longing, showcasing the depth of thought and emotion that characterize Sheikh Sharafuddin Yahya Maneri's work. 2. Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gaisu Daraz: His major works, such as Miraj-ul-Aashiqeen, Hidayat Nama, and Shikar Nama, are significant contributions to Urdu literature. His prose reflects the rich tapestry of the Urdu language and its spiritual depth. One of his notable verses is: Romanized Text: Naqash Jab Tujh Dekhya Soorat Teri, Likhnā Sakiān Jasad Kar Jitan Jiya, Sab Janam Apna Khoye Kar. Translation: When I saw your form, oh artist, I could write nothing of the body; I lost all my lives in your beauty. This exemplifies the intricate use of Urdu in spiritual expression, reflecting the intense feelings of admiration and longing, emphasizing the impact of beauty on the observer. 3. Sadruddin Chishti: A disciple of Hazrat Badruddin Chishti, Sadruddin contributed to Sufi literature with his work Kasab Mahawarat, which gained popularity for its spiritual insight. His verses also showcase the musicality and expressiveness of early Urdu: Romanized Text: Naaon Le Allah Muhammad Ka, Olakasa Ka Sab Ko Kahun, Wahar Mahal, Sadr Al-Din Pal Pal Mein Yun Bekal Hua, Wasil Bhi Ik Pal Manhabi Mein Hal Hua. Translation I take the names of Allah and Muhammad (pbuh), I say this to everyone, In every moment, Sadr al-Din became restless, And even the union was resolved in a single moment. This couplet expresses deep devotion and the transformative experience of spiritual connection, highlighting the significance of divine names and their impact on the heart and soul. 4. Syed Muhammad Akbar Hussaini: The son of Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gaisu Daraz, Akbar Hussaini was a prominent scholar of his time. He left behind a legacy of poetry and prose, exemplified by his lines that reflect deep spiritual truths: Romanized Text: Dhoker Zaban Ko Apni, Pehle Peerson Bayan Par, Bolon Sifat Khuda Ki, Kar Shukr Mein Zaban Par. Translation: I cleanse my tongue, With the words of my first spiritual guides, I speak of the qualities of God, Expressing gratitude on my tongue. This couplet reflects the speaker's humility and gratitude towards God, emphasizing the importance of expressing divine attributes while honoring the teachings of spiritual mentors. 5. Mulla Jahi: After these revered figures, Mulla Jahi's name stands out. He made significant contributions to Urdu literature with his Qutub Mushtari, the famous narrative Sab Ras, and the important Sufi text Taj-ul-Haqa’iq. His works greatly expanded the literary domain of Urdu and illustrated its potential as a creative and expressive language. Beyond these individual contributions, the collective works of these Sufi saints indicate that the early form of Urdu, known as Rekhta and later Dakhni, had the full potential to achieve literary and creative status. This transformation was pivotal in establishing Urdu as a respected literary language. The Role of Sufi Saints in Challenging Linguistic Hierarchies One of the key reasons the Sufi saints were able to promote Urdu was their rejection of the rigid social and linguistic hierarchies of their time. Scholars and poets of the ruling elite viewed it as beneath them to write in the local language, preferring instead the prestige of Persian. Urdu, being a mixture of various local dialects and Persian, was seen as too common and unsophisticated for serious literary or intellectual pursuits. The Sufis, however, saw language as a vehicle for conveying divine truths, and they believed that everyone, regardless of class or education, had the right to understand and connect with these truths. For the Sufis, communication with the masses was paramount. By using the language spoken in the markets, streets, and homes, they broke down the elitism that had traditionally surrounded religious and scholarly discourse. They also incorporated religious terms derived from Sanskrit, further expanding the lexicon and reach of Urdu. This shift allowed Urdu to evolve from a “market language” to a sophisticated medium capable of expressing deep spiritual concepts, poetry, and prose. As Maulvi Abdul Haq, one of the leading proponents of Urdu, noted, “It was the courage of the Sufis that inspired others, who had previously hesitated, to begin using Urdu for poetry, religion, education, and wisdom.” Abdul Haq believed that without the contributions of the Sufi saints, Urdu might never have reached the literary and spiritual heights it later achieved. Conclusion: The Legacy of the Sufi Saints The contribution of Sufi saints to the development of the Urdu language cannot be overstated. Their efforts to communicate God’s message in a language that the common people understood helped break down the linguistic hierarchies that separated the elite from the masses. By embracing Urdu, the Sufi saints gave it the legitimacy and depth needed to evolve into a rich literary and spiritual language. Today, Urdu continues to carry the legacy of these saints, serving as a medium not only for poetry and literature but also for spiritual connection and cultural identity. The Sufi saints' profound influence on Urdu has not only shaped its vocabulary and syntax but has also imbued the language with a rich spiritual essence that continues to resonate with people today. Their commitment to using a common tongue for divine messages has ensured that Urdu remains a vibrant and accessible language, fostering a deep connection between spirituality and the everyday lives of its speakers. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. 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