Shaheed Never Dies

Scores of devotees thronged Jhok Sharif, the historical town of district Sujawal, to participate in the three-day annual urs of Sufi Shah Inayat Shaheed on Friday. Sufi Shah Inayat is known for his movement against feudalism during the 17th century. The eminent revolutionist raised the slogan “Jeko There So Khahe,'' which means the one who tills has the foremost right to have.

The shrine’s custodian Sufi Attaullah Sattari formally inaugurated the three-day urs celebrations by blowing “Sufi Sang” (a wind-blown musical instrument) and by laying down a floral wreath on the saint’s grave. The district administration of Sujawal also announced a holiday on the occasion.

During the 17th century when the rights of poor people were being suppressed by the influential feudal lords, Shah Inayat was among the first to have revolted against feudalism, infusing courage and valor among the downtrodden class of the subcontinent through a widespread movement against the well-entrenched feudalism.

Soon he gained the support of the subjugated class and his movement started gaining recognition across the region and those whose rights were being suppressed, supported Shah Inayat valiantly. Sufi Shah Inayat was probably the first land reformer of the subcontinent who was against the usurpation of the rights as well as the properties of people, who were groaning under the curse of slavery, says Dr. Mohammad Ali Manjhi, a renowned historian.

Shah Inayat was also a warrior who taught people to wage the war for their rights. On the other hand, however, he spread the message of peace and harmony throughout his life. When he started gaining influence in the subcontinent, Farrukh Siyyar, the Mughal ruler of 17 century, issued orders to the ruler of northern Sindh Mian Yar Mohammad Kalhoro to arrest Shah Inayat and his followers and produce them before him. Kalhoro along with his forces besieged the settlements where Sufi and his disciples were living. After a months-long siege when Sufi Shah Inayat had formed a strategy to attack the forces of Kalhoro, they managed to persuade him for bilateral talks by sending Shredded Khan Talpur, the advisor of Mian Yar Mohammad with Holy Quran.

When he was going to hold talks with Kalhoro the forces of Kalhoro arrested him and brought him to Thatta, the then capital city during Mughal rule and handed him to the Mughal emperor, who took no time in executing Shah Inayat. On the orders of the Mughal ruler, Sufi Shah Inayat was beheaded. Centuries have passed to his armed struggle against feudalism and oppression, but his school of thought is followed even today by a large number of people across the subcontinent. No doubt, a Shaheed never dies.