Biography of Sachal Sarmast

Sachal Sarmast (1739–1827), born Abdul Wahab Farooqui in Daraza, Sindh, was a renowned Sindhi Sufi poet, mystic, and philosopher. Revered as "Sacho" or "Sachal," meaning "truth-speaker," he mastered seven languages, including Sindhi, Siraiki, Persian, Urdu, Punjabi, Balochi, and Arabic, using his poetry to express divine love, unity, and Sufi philosophy.

Sachal's life was deeply influenced by his Murshid (spiritual guide), Khwaja Abdul Haq I, who taught him the principles of mysticism and the path of divine love. Despite experiencing personal loss early in life, including the death of his father and wife, Sachal chose a simple, spiritual lifestyle dedicated to his faith and poetic expression.

Sachal's poetry captures the essence of divine intoxication, emphasizing the unity of existence and love for the Divine. His verses resonate with themes of mysticism and humanism, earning him the title "Sachal Sarmast," meaning "truth-speaker intoxicated in Allah's love." His writings also reflect devotion to Islamic teachings, reverence for the Companions of the Prophet, and praise for notable Sufi figures like Abdul Qadir Jilani.

Sachal passed away on the 14th of Ramadan in 1827. His shrine in Daraza Sharif is a center of spiritual and literary celebration, hosting an annual urs to honor his legacy, featuring Sufi music, dhamal, and literary conferences.