An analysis of the Sufi Poetry of Khawaja Ghulam Farid

Abstract

Khawaja Ghulam Farid is one of the most prominent poets of high stature in Seraiki language. His popularity among the masses and common folks witnesses the richness of his poetry. Khawja Ghulam Farid, son of a great Sufi saint Hazrat Farid-uddin Shakar Ganj, was born in Kot Mithan. In mysticism teaching and path, Khawja Farid followed in the Ibn-e-Arabi and made him the true master. He was influenced by the Ham-o-Ost mystic school of thought and deep feelings and expressions of sorrows and separation is reflected in his Kalam which is also present in the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif and Sachal Sarmast. In reality, all the Sufi poets reflect upon the same consciousness and objective of humanity in their poetry. Thus, the essence of their Kalam represents the same message and social consciousness. Khawaja Ghulam Farid’s poetry is a precious treasure of Seriaki language and literature. Though, he was the poet of modern era in comparison to other classical poets because it was the same era when British Raj overtook the Indian sub-continent. Khawaja Ghulam Farid was the poet of masses; he depicted the common masses in his poetry which made him very popular poet. This paper is an effort to highlight the richness in his Kalam; which is close to the hearts of common people and their social life.