ENGLISH-Reframing Resistance Through Sufi Poetry: Political and Islamic Discourses of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on Colonialism in South Asia

Abstract

This qualitative research seeks to address the political and Islamic discourses of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai – an esteemed poet and philosopher of Sindh – on the rise of European colonialism in the Subcontinent. European colonialism was a threat to an established Muslim rule and a separate identity of Muslims in South Asia. The study incorporated thematic analysis to interpret the metaphors, narratives, and symbols fused by Shah Latif in his poetry to comprehend his philosophy of early call for resistance against the upsurge of European companies in the region. Through intensive assessment of Latif’s literary work – particularly his indispensable work ‘Shah Jo Risalo’ – the study identified themes associated with the continuation of culture, national identity, and insolence of foreign intrusion. Integrating the thematic analysis approach, the research enterprise expounds on the ideologies, narratives, strategies, and objectives of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai to resist European imperialism in the region. The Sur Sarirag and Sur Raamkali have been reviewed and interpreted to address the main theme of this study. The findings of the study reveal that Bhittai’s early call for national resistance against the gradual growth of European imperialism is a beacon for national resistance and consciousness in the history of the South Asian region.

Keywords

• Sufi, Political and Islamic Discourses; Colonialism; National Resistance; Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai