Sharif Sabir
Sharif Sabir شریف صابر | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 18 May 1928 |
| Died | October 1, 2015 (aged 87) |
| Citizenship | Pakistan |
| Spouse(s) | Scholar, editor, author |
| Children | 6 |
Sharif Sabir (May 18, 1928 – October 1, 2015) was a Pakistani scholar, editor, and author known for his contributions to the study of Punjabi literature. He was born in Pakki Saraan, Sheikhupura District, Punjab, British India. Sabir is recognized for his critical edition of "Heer Waris Shah," a significant text in Punjabi folklore. His edition was based on research into rare manuscripts and regional dialects, and it has been utilized as a resource by scholars in the field. In acknowledgment of his contributions to literature, Sabir received the Pride of Performance award from the Government of Pakistan.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Sharif Sabir was born in Pakki Saraan, Sheikhupura District, near Lahore, Pakistan. During his teenage years, he worked to support his education. Sabir began his professional career as an English language teacher in a government school. While teaching, he earned a master's degree in Persian and subsequently taught both Persian and Urdu at Lahore's Central Model School. His expertise in language education led to his appointment as a language specialist at the Central Training College, where he trained teachers. Later, he was promoted to the position of headmaster. Sabir was subsequently appointed by the Punjab government and the Waris Shah Academy to conduct research and edit "Heer Ranjha." He officially retired in the 1980s but continued to engage in literary work.[2]
Research and editing of Heer Waris Shah
[edit]Sharif Sabir was appointed to the Waris Shah Memorial Committee (WSMC), which was established by the Punjab Cultural Department. During his two-year tenure, he oversaw the construction of Waris Shah's shrine in Jandiala Sher Khan and the publication of an authentic version of "Heer Waris Shah." Prior to joining the committee, Sabir dedicated 12 years to researching the text.
As part of his research, he accessed a rare manuscript from 1821 located in Patiala, Punjab, and consulted with traders, craftsmen, and experts to understand the language and context used by Waris Shah. He also traveled throughout Punjab to study regional dialects and local traditions. Sabir's edited version of "Heer Waris Shah" was first published by the WSMC in 1985. In 2006, he released a revised edition through Progressive Books in Lahore, which included glossaries that explained difficult words and provided contextual details about individuals and locations mentioned in the text.[3][4]
Literary Contributions
[edit]Sharif Sabir contributed to texts relating to Punjabi Literature, including Heer Waris Shah, as well as complete poetries by Bulleh Shah, Sultan Bahu, Saiful Malook, and Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. His works include glossaries explaining difficult terms, a feature not commonly found in Punjabi literary texts; however, the Guru Granth Sahib contains a comprehensive glossary similar to those found in Sabir's works. Below is a list of books he authored, edited, or translated:
| Book | Original Author | Sabir's Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Kalaam | Baba Farid | Edited (Due Publication) |
| Saiful Malook | Mian Muhammad Bakhsh | Edited |
| Heer Waris Shah | Waris Shah | Edited |
| Abyat-e-Bahoo | Sultan Bahu | Edited |
| Bulleh Shah | Bulleh Shah | Edited |
| Farsi Kalam | Sufi Muhammad Afzal Faqeer | Translated |
| Puran Bhagat | Qadir Yar | Translated |
| Kashf ul Mahjoob | Ali Hujwiri | Translated |
| Gulistan and Bustan | Saadi Shirazi | Translated |
| Hatkoray | Sharif Sabir | Authored |
| Baghawat | Sharif Sabir | Authored |
| Punjabi Drama | Sharif Sabir | Authored |
| Autobiography | Sharif Sabir | Authored |
Honors and recognition
[edit]Sharif Sabir was honored with the Pride of Performance award by the Government of Pakistan for his work on Heer Waris Shah. In addition, he was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 70,000 in recognition of his contributions to Punjabi literature.[5]
Personal life
[edit]Sharif Sabir was married to Zubaidah Akhter and had four sons and two daughters. One of his sons died in a childhood accident. His remaining children emigrated to the United States in 2008, and Sabir visited them in 2013, staying for two years before returning to his village in Pakistan.[1]
Death
[edit]Sharif Sabir died on October 1, 2015 in his village after developing a chest infection.[6] He was buried near a local saint's tomb in Narang Mandi.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Ali, Nadir (25 October 2015). "Portrait of a son of soil". TNS - The News on Sunday. Archived from the original on 25 October 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
- ^ Report, Dawn (3 October 2015). "Punjabi poet, researcher Sharif Sabir laid to rest". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
- ^ "250 years of Heer Waris Shah". apnaorg.com. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
- ^ Awan, Mahmood (28 August 2016). "250 Years of Heer Waris Shah (Part 1)". Mahmood Awan. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
- ^ "Victim of ignorance". apnaorg.com. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
- ^ Report, Dawn (3 October 2015). "Punjabi poet, researcher Sharif Sabir laid to rest". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 21 February 2025.