PESHAWAR: Famous folk singer Sain Zahoor’s soulful performance of Sufi music for the first time in Peshawar proved Sufism knows no language barriers.

Sain Zahoor, whose music journey started from singing at shrines as a boy to more known forums like Coke Studio at about age 50 now, was also nominated for best BBC voice of the year 2006. The soulful voice and verses mesmerised the audience at Nishtar Hall on Sunday evening.

His introduction of a Darwesh (Sufi) and message of Sufism to a Pakhtun audience was simple and impressive. Sain Zahoor explained in Saraiki the verses of Sufi Saint Bulleh Shah but apt response to his explanation showed the audience was absorbing meaning of verses he sang.

Clad in a black velvet dress with silver embroidery, holding Ektara (tumbi) with colourful embellishments, Sain Zahoor started with “Rabba Ho”, explained the context of the verses from the life of Bulleh Shah and moved on to Nachna Painda Hai and Allah Hoo. He also sang ‘Duniya Chalo Chali Da Mela’. As he sang “Ya Qurban” in his earthy voice, the entire Nishtar Hall echoed with applause as Sain Zahoor tried to please his Pakhtun fans.

Sain Zahoor conveys his message of love and peace to Pakhtun audience

Khawar Abbas, a band singer, who was more like a sidekick when audience demanded that Sain sing some Pashto verses, tried singing some Pashto Sufi lyrics and songs.

Sain Zahoor with his son Sain Sharafat Ali and sidekick Khawar Abbas enthralled the audience with ‘Laal Meri”. He sang and danced for about three hours, kept the audience engaged and in-between kept explaining Sufi verses, showering the audience with blessing, praying for the well-being.

“Nafs (self) denial will give space to humanity. Feed the hungry, make the sad ones smile, help stand up the fallen on their feet, unite the separate ones. If you have not helped repair a broken, counting beads would not get you forgiveness,” Sain Zahoor explained some verses of Bulleh Shah.

He said that Sufis were not bound by borders as they were voice of peace and love. They encouraged human beings to analyse their own self first and remove impurities from their own heart to spread good and love around.

It is this spirituality about Sain Zahoor and his selection of verses which impressed a Japanese couple so much that they came to visit him for three years, learnt the Sufi verses and music and finally converted to Islam.

“I was just a connection,” said Sain Zahoor while talking about this instance. In a very humble manner, he prayed for the people of the province. His performance left a feeling of peace, love and harmony.

Tariq Khan, the secretary of culture department, said that so far people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were familiar with Pakhtun Sufi poets but Sain Zahoor was a connection between the two provinces.

“We wanted to bring in someone out of the province so that people would have a new experience. We also send out a message that this is a land of peaceful and loving people too,” he added.

Published in Dawn January 17th, 2017