Sharif Sabir

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.

Research and editing of Heer Waris Shah 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.

Literary Contributions 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: BookOriginal AuthorSabir's ContributionKalaamBaba FaridEdited (Due Publication)Saiful MalookMian Muhammad BakhshEditedHeer Waris ShahWaris ShahEditedAbyat-e-BahooSultan BahuEditedBulleh ShahBulleh ShahEditedFarsi KalamSufi Muhammad Afzal FaqeerTranslatedPuran BhagatQadir YarTranslatedKashf ul MahjoobAli HujwiriTranslatedGulistan and BustanSaadi ShiraziTranslatedHatkoraySharif SabirAuthoredBaghawatSharif SabirAuthoredPunjabi DramaSharif SabirAuthoredAutobiographySharif SabirAuthored

Honors and recognition 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.

Personal life 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.

Death Sharif Sabir died on October 1, 2015, in his village after developing a chest infection. He was buried near a local saint's tomb in Narang Mandi.