Persian literatureTasawufTranslationHazrat Sultan Bahu (RA)
Since 1958, he has devoted his scholarship to Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA), studying his life and writings and bringing his works to Urdu readers through translation and commentary.
FeaturedRisala Roohi SharifHazrat Sultan Bahu’s Persian treatise, presented in Urdu by Prof. Dr. Sultan Altaf Ali. This translation forms part of his longstanding work on Sultan Bahu’s writings, helping Urdu readers approach the original text and understand its meaning more closely.
In 1987, the University of the Punjab awarded Prof. Dr. Sultan Altaf Ali a Ph.D. in Persian Literature for his study of Hazrat Sultan Bahu’s life, Persian works and thought. It grew from research begun in 1958 and became the basis for further publications in Persian and Urdu.
Explore Urdu translations of the Persian treatises, the abyat with commentary, and research into Hazrat Sultan Bahu’s life and thought, gathered in one collection.
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Born into the family of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA), Prof. Dr. Sultan Altaf Ali made Bahu scholarship his life’s work. His research examines Sultan Bahu’s biography, manuscripts and teachings, alongside Urdu translations of his writings.
Upon every path of Divine-Truth, knowledge is paramount.
His sustained study began in 1958. The Urdu translation and commentary of Abyat-e-Bahu appeared in 1975, followed by his doctorate in 1987. Alongside this research, he served in Balochistan’s education service for thirty-two years.
Research into Sultan Bahu’s life and writings, alongside studies in Persian literature, Sufism and Islamic thought.
Research on Sultan Bahu’s life, manuscripts and teachings, with translations and commentary on his Persian works and Saraiki abyat.
Persian literature in Pakistan and the subcontinent, and the literary and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran.
ExploreStudies of Sufi thought, Hussain bin Mansoor Hallaj, and the history of Sufism in Balochistan.
ExplorePersian works and Saraiki abyat explained in clear Urdu.
Writing on the Prophet’s life and example, education, and the concerns of society.
Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi and its relationship with Sufi thought.
Passages in which Prof. Dr. Sultan Altaf Ali describes his own work — what translation opens for a reader, and how his research on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) began.
There is a clear distinction between original writing, criticism and commentary, and translation… Through translation, we have become acquainted with the thoughts and ideas of thinkers, scholars, poets, writers and scientists from around the world.
My sustained attention to the life and works of Hazrat Sultan Bahu began in 1958, when I was studying at F.C. College, Lahore. From 1960, my articles and papers began appearing in journals and newspapers.
Research, translations and commentaries on Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA), alongside books on Persian literature, Sufism, history, Seerat and Iqbal’s thought.
حضرت سلطان باھو رحمتہ اللہ علیہ
Persian treatises in Urdu translation, the abyat with commentary, and research into Sultan Bahu’s life and teachings: the central work of a scholarly lifetime.
الف اللہ چنبے دی بوٹی، میرے من وچ مرشد لائی ہو
“Alif — Allah is a jasmine sapling, planted in my heart by my guide. Hu.”
Research begun in 1958 grew into a lifetime of translations, publications and teaching. These milestones trace that continuing scholarly journey.
Most recent milestones firstThe professional résumé records this recognition on 23 March 2021.
A study of Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi, with attention to Asrar-e-Khudi and Rumuz-e-Bekhudi, is published.
The résumé records a service recognition dated 18 September 2015. His retirement from the education service had taken place in 2000.
His Urdu translation of the Persian treatise by Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) is published.
A four-part work addressing Seerat, Rumi, Iqbal and Pakistan is published.
The first volume brings together research concerned with Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA).
A later edition of his Urdu translation of Saif Harvi’s Persian history of Herat is published. The résumé records an earlier edition in 1988.
Presents a paper on the Persian of Hazrat Sultan Bahu (RA) in the age of Alamgir at Aligarh Muslim University.
At his desk, among books, and with family and fellow scholars: glimpses of the life behind the work.
Ask about a publication, write with a research enquiry, or share information about photographs and letters relevant to the archive.
