17/08/2025
Mian Shah Muhammad Dedar (Shah Muhammad Faqeer Dedar)
Shah Muhammad Faqeer Dedar, son of Bahadur Khan Dedar, lived in the village of Dedar (Taluka Qambar) Sindh. He was the grandson of Sindh’s renowned poet, Hussain Faqeer Dedar. He was born in 1249 AH (1830 AD). From childhood, he was well-mannered, virtuous, and a serious student, which is why he won the heart of his grandfather. It is said that when he was born, his worthy grandfather placed his staff on his lips. He loved his grandson so much that he would rock his cradle and sing lullabies, of which the first six verses are as follows:
Praise the Lord (Allah) who granted us breath.
Ahmad (the Prophet) is exalted, before whom no one else matters.
The Companions honor increases through him, like blooming roses.
His four companions are noble, a comfort to the eyes.
Look upon the pure Panjtan (the holy five), through whom forgiveness is granted.
The guide is Hassan and Hussain, all Syeds are lights of the eyes.
"Hussain Faqeer Dedar"
From childhood, Shah Muhammad was intelligent and sharp, as shown in the following account:
Mian Azizullah Khan Ganhwas narrated:
"Hamal Faqeer Laghari once came to meet Hussain Faqeer Dedar. At that time, Hussain Faqeer was about 45 years old, Hamal Faqeer was around 30, and Shah Muhammad Dedar was about 15. Hamal Faqeer was also an eloquent poet of Sindh, but upon hearing of Hussain Faqeer’s fame, he came to compete. Hussain Faqeer composed some verses, to which Hamal Faqeer responded with couplets."
He further narrated:
"All three were sitting in the mosque, and whatever they spoke was in poetry!
Hussain Faqeer Dedar told his grandson Shah Muhammad: "Shahn, bring the ink." Shah Muhammad delayed a little, upon which Hussain Faqeer remarked: "The ink has been brought late." At that, Hamal Faqeer saw Shah Muhammad taking down the inkpot from the corner shelf and said: "Mas bhi laahi his mas" (Ink too has its worth).
Shah Muhammad replied quickly: "Nana, matthe aahi, niha meda was." (It was placed high above, it wasn’t within my reach).
Hussain then said: "Son, Hamal is sitting here, you go and sit down."
This conversation shows that Shah Muhammad Dedar was tall enough to reach the inkpot hanging from the shelf. Moreover, his witty response to Hamal Faqeer demonstrated his intelligence and quick presence of mind.
Faqeer Shah Muhammad Dedar was deeply influenced by the company of his Sufi grandfather. He received education in the Holy Qur’an, Persian, and some Arabic from him. His grandfather’s mystical teachings ignited the flame of divine love in his heart. For this reason, he confined his life between the mosque and his home. Later, he became a disciple of the Makhdums of Drabbhro, as his grandfather was also their disciple. Upon returning, he assisted his grandfather in teaching. Students from far and wide came to learn literature from him. Even regions such as Kech, Makran, and Lasbela now in Blochistan were influenced by his fame. The words of Shah Muhammad Dedar were like strings of pearls, which drew students with deep devotion. He would write copies of the Qur’an and gift them without accepting any sweets or payment in return.
Within Shah Muhammad Dedar’s simple body was hidden a Platonic mind, which astonished the great poets of his time. Faqeer Sahib often visited the shrine of Mian Shahl Muhammad Kalhoro (Taluka Qambar) and would spend the entire nights awake there. According to the late Fateh Khan, a fair was held at the shrine of Mian Shahl Muhammad, and Faqeer Sahib would also attend it. Perhaps this is the reason why the "Dedar family" was given the title "Mian." Even today, the people of the region remember him as "Mian Shah Muhammad Dedar."
Faqeer Shah Muhammad Dedar passed away on the blessed night of Thursday, 16th Dhu al-Hijjah 1309 AH.
"Alas, alas! That Shah Muhammad Faqeer—
He was the king of poets of his time."
— Muhammad Hassan Dedar
The above verse was inscribed on the mosque wall by his student Muhammad Hassan Dedar. According to some accounts, Muhammad Hassan Dedar was the grandson of Hussain Faqeer Dedar, the son of his eldest son, Ismail Khan Dedar.
Shah Muhammad Faqeer Dedar passed away on Thursday night, the 16th of Ramadan 1309 AH (1892 AD). His final resting place is near his Jamia Mosque in Dedar.
