Waris Shah


Waris Shah was born in Jandiala Sher Khan, Punjab into a reputed Syed family who claimed descent from prophet Muhammad. His father's name was Gulshar Shah. Waris Shah acknowledged himself as a disciple of Pir Makhdum of Kasur. Waris Shah's parents are said to have died when he was young, and he probably received his education at the shrine of his preceptor. After completing his education in Kasur, he moved to Malka Hans, a village twelve kilometers north of Pakpattan. Here he resided in a small room, adjacent to a historic mosque, now called Mosque Waris Shah. His mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage today, especially for those in love.


Syed Waris Shah was a Punjabi poet, best-known for his seminal work Heer Ranjha, based on the traditional folk tale of Heer and her lover Ranjha. Heer is considered one of the quintessential works of classical Punjabi literature. The story of Heer was also put to paper by several other writers, including Damodar Daas, Mukbal, and Ahmed Gujjar, but Waris Shah's version is by far the most popular today. The following is one of his verse. 

"Waris Shah Man Na Kar Warsan Da, Rab Be-Waris Kar Mar Da Aey"

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