Sufi Rohal Faqir: The Notable Saint-Poet

Sufi Rohal Faqir was a notable saint-poet and mystic, and exponent of philosophy. Zangeja by caste, Muslim by the religion and a Sufi by practice, he was believed to be the great saint poet Kabir reborn in the province of Sindh. Rohal was the progenitor of the popular kandri sharif tribes of the poets and the man of piety. He acquired the heights of Sufism through the blessings of Sufi-sage Shah Inayat-the renowned martyr. In his poetry he reflects his message of giving up egoism and following the cult of sympathy and love. Sufi Rohal was the 1st person to fuse vedantic elements with Muslim Sufi ideas. Now his tomb at Kandri Sharif Taluka Rohri District Sukkur.

Birth of Sufi Rohal Faqir

Hazrat Sufi Rohal Faqir, son of Shahu Faqir Zangejo is considered to have born in the year of 1734 A.D. at “Padma Bhit” near the city of Umerkot, Sindh. In accordance to another tradition, he opened his eyes in the year 1124 (Hijri) at the village which was later termed as “Rohal Wai”. This village ceases to exist today.
Shahu Faqir, father of Rohal faqir, had 3 sons:
(1) Sultan (Eldest)
(2) Rohal Faqir
(3) Mayvo

Attachment with Court

Sufi Rohal’s father Shaho Faqir was attached with the court of Kalhora era ruler Miyan Din Muhammad. He was believed to be among the advisor of Miyan Din Muhammad. Identifying the services of his father, he was stepped into the official service. With the passage of time, he handled to reach close to royal court of Kalhora ruler, Miyan Ghulam Shah Kalhoro and he was made the minister of royal treasury in the year 1762 which sustained till the year 1782 Hijri.

Sufi Rohal Faqir rather than indulging himself into the pleasures of official service, he would ponder and wishes for the final reality that he was missing from his life. His service era was full of honesty and trust that might be the reason of winning the trust of court. He never left side of dedication to his genuine job. In the year 1772 A.D. when Miyan Ghulam Ali Shah Kalhoro breathed last and his son Miyan Sarfraz Kalhoro took up the office. Sufi Rohal, very soon, realized the truth of transitory world and resigned from his job. Though he was insisted by Miyan Sarfraz to stay in his service due to the unmatched and committed service, this period Sufi Rohal made up his mind to seek the reality and move in the journey towards the path of Beloved.

Spiritual Journey

From then on, he began searching for spiritual instructions. He quest took him to Jhok Sharif in the place of District Thatta at the moment, where he discovered his spiritual guru in form of Hazrat Sufi Izatullah Shah Sufi-ul-Qadri. He was stepped into the discipleship and he quenched his spiritual thirst. It is stated that during his stay at Jhok Sharif, he conducted secluded meditative worship. After his comeback, there was a sea change in his life. Now he had turned into a pure practicing Sufi.

Marriage

Sufi Rohal married twice throughout his life. From 1st marriage, he had 2 sons: (1) Shahu Faqir (2) Ghulam Ali Faqir. In 2ndmarriage, Sufi Murad Faqir, a close relative of Rohal Faqir provided him the hand of his sister. From this marriage, (1) Sufi Khuda Bux and (2) Sufi Darya Khan were born.

Death

Hazrat Sufi Rohal Faqir left this world at the age of 70 in 1804 A.D. He was buried with teary eyes and sadness in the availability of family and disciples in the area of Kandiri, District Khairpur

Urs (Annual Fair)

His yearly Urs (fair) is celebrated by thousands of disciples from the area of Thar, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and nearby areas. During the celebrations, people come to pay tribute and distribute their offer in the honor and respect of this great Sufi poet and saint. Furthermore, his poetry is sung by the followers with love and affection. Currently the Gadi Nasheen (Heir of Sufi throne) is Sufi Gulam Rasool Faqeer, 6th person from the progeny of the prominent personality Sufi Rohal Faqir.