Sachal Sarmast

Who was Sachal Sarmast?

Sachal Sarmast was a Sufi poet from Sindh, of what is today Pakistan, during the Talpur era. He was born in Daraza near Ranipur, Sindh. His real name was Abdul Wahab Farouqi and "Sachal" or "Sachoo" were his nicknames. He also used it in his own poetry. Sachu means truthful in Sindhi while Sarmast means mystic in Sindhi and Urdu. Sachal Sarmast literally means 'truthful mystic' or can be translated as Ecstatic Saint of Truth. His father died when he was a young child, and Abdul Wahab was raised by his uncle, who also became his spiritual master. He married, but the young woman died two years later. He never remarried. Sarmast lived a humble, ascetic life, preferring solitude, simple meals of daal and yogurt. It is said that he never left Daraza, the village of his birth.

He is regarded as 'Shair-e-Haft Zaban' due to his poetical works in Arabic, Sindhi, Saraiki, Punjabi, Urdu, Persian and Balochi to address the wider audience in these languages. He spread the message of love for humanity through poetry.

His poetical works are sung by local singers in Sindhi and Saraiki. His shrine is in the village of Daraza near ranipur, Khairpur District, Pakistan.