Tracing Sufi influence in the works of contemporary Siraiki Poet, Riffat Abbas

TLDR: In this article, the authors examine the work of nineteenth century Siraiki mystic poet Khawaja Ghulam Farid and traces his influence on a contemporary poet Riffat Abbas.

Abstract: This paper examines the work of nineteenth century Siraiki mystic poet Khawaja Ghulam Farid and traces his influence on a contemporary poet Riffat Abbas. I aim to shed light on the changing disposition of Siraiki poetry through content and textual analysis of selected Kafis written by both these poets. Kafi writing is observed as a discourse moulded to convey some political implications as it can be associated with the ‘risky political times’ as it challenges the theorocratic and religious institutions. I argue that while Riffat Abbas is inspired by Farid and claims to be his disciple, he does not aim to replicate his master work; his poems are resiliently abstracted because he compliments Siraiki nationalism more candidly as compared to Farid. Thus, his Kafis transform into critical manifestations of Abbas's own historical moment. I indicate how Abbas's work is important in the current historical context of this region and why the comparison between the two is important for a close understanding of Sirai...