MIAN MOHAMMAD BAKHSH

Mian Mohammad Bakhsh was the last sufipoet of the Arabic-Persian tradition in Punjab. He was born in 1824 at Khari Sharif in Mirpur district. He was educated at The Famous religious institution of Samar Sharif. After completing his education he travelled all over the province to quench his thirst for knowledge. Later he returned to his native land and became the disciple of Sain Ghulam Mohammad. His period was a period of turmoil for the sub-continent the British colonialists have coloured the land red with the native blood, besides the British the Sikhs had also put in their share.

Mian Mohammad Bakhsh?s thought fountains were blended in Semetic and Arayan tradition with the signficant texture of Islam. He believed in the unity of being. The rich tradition of Punjabi poetry mixed with the under currents of Maulana Raum and Ibn-e-Arabi makes his poetry eternal. His famous epic poem Safar-e-Ishaq popularly known as Saif-ul-Muluk is written in the same atmosphere. The poem Saif-ul-Muluk holds a distinct place, in this poem Mian Mohammad explained the spiritual secrets of the Real love through a worldly love story. Mian Mohammad Bukhsh had an ample grasp on the basics of music which makes his diction mellifluous. Mian Mohammad Bukhsh died in 1907.

Far away from the city of oneness , logic is wandering aimlessly,

Whosoever knows the secret, He cares for nothing

Devoid of logic and reason, he dances fanaticically,

Inquiring ?who Am I ?? and ?from where am I??