Shah Abdul Latif of Bhit. A Study of Literary, Social and Economic Conditions in 18th Century Sind.

Randl�r, leicht besto�n, ansonsten altergem�tadelloser Zustand / Edge wear, slightly bumped, otherwise in perfect condition for its age - Dr. H. T. Sorley�s volume dealing with the life, times and poetry of Shah Abdul Latif of Bhit ( 1689-1752 ) is a classic on the Sufi tradition of Islam. The author was a member of the Indian Civil Service and served in different capacities in Sindh which was then part of the Bombay Presidency in the Indian sub-continent. It reflects the author�s affection for Sindh and its people as is brought out so eloquently in his lyrical dedication. As he writes : �It remains for me only to add that writing this book has been a labour of love. I dedicate it gratefully to the people of Sindh from whom, during the years I lived amongst them, I have experienced nothing but kindness and consideration.� It is this spontaneous love and Identification which gives rare insight and spiritual serenity to the book. -- It is not a mere narration of the life of Shah Abdul Latif one of the most outstanding mystics whom the encounter of Islam with Indian thought has produced, in the context of the time in which he lived. Actually the volume consists of three separate and distinct sections which have an underlying unity of theme and exposition. Book-I provides an overview of the political, socio-economic and cultural developments from the sixteenth to the eighteenth Century. The subtle impact of the British rule on different scgments of society has been thoughtfully delineated. But it is not the story of only the rulers but also comprises �The simple annals of the poor�. It is against this background that Dr. Sorley traces the lineage, formative influences, the philosophical ideals and the lasting impact of Shah Abdul Latif on the minds and hearts of people. It is not the narration of external events that is important but the way the author, with his sympathy for the subject md characteristic scholarship, has tried to Jlumine the inner life of the mystic poet. Book-II is an exposition and analysis - both iterary and philosophical of the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif, which is �a web of many Strands� and the author has successfully tried to identify and interpret these elements so as to present full literary portrait. -- It is not only diction, metre, language and style but the poet�s mystic vision and meta-physical insight into the secrets of man�s heart and mysteries of the universe which constitute a unique and elevating influence in the mainstream of Islamic mysticism and Sufi liberalism. -- Book-III consists of translations of Shah�s inspired poetic utterances in the form of baits compiled by the devout followers as his Risalo or message. Shah Abdul Latif has given a new spiritual dimension and colour to some of the traditional legends of love, suffering and Separation. As usual, the legend and oral tradition are mixed as in any attempt to narrate the main events of the life of any seer or saint. The perceptive Interpretation of the Risalo helps in the biographical reconstruction of Shah Abdul Latlf besides throwing light on his sublime preachings and ecstatic utterances, which testify to his liberality of thinking, universality of outlook and catholicity of vision. But Dr. Sorley stresses clearly that �it would be a mistake, �however�, to assume that the religion of the poet is anything but that of Islam.� -- Shah�s ethical philosophy of humility, har-mony and love can be summed up in his own words. -- �Abandon all hypocritical talk; bury all sham ! -- Avoid those that talk in terms of T�and �We�.� -- This study has broken new grounds and provides the scholars possibilities of fresh directions and approaches for further literary, religious and philosophical explora-tion. It is a thoroughly documented work of rieh scholarship. All the three sections of the volume have a detailed bibliography. Thus while always providing a refreshing source of inspiration to the devout and the layman, Dr. Sorley�s work will remain unsurpassed for scholars of Islamic mysticism, Sufi traditons as well as the sights and sounds of Sindh, the social conditions and religious ethos of its people, apart from the life and thought of Sh�Abdul Latif of Bhit.