Sheikh Ayaz

Shaikh Ayaz was born Mubarak Ali Shaikh ( مبارک علی شیخ‎‎ March 1923 – 28 December 1997) was one of the prominent Sindhi poets of Pakistan in general and Sindh in particular. He wrote several books on poetry, biographies, plays and short-stories in both Sindhi and Urdu languages. His translations of Shah jo Risalo, which was written by the 18th century Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, from Sindhi to Urdu language established him as an authority in his domain.

He received Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his literary works and is regarded as a "revolutionary and romantic poet"

Early life

Shaikh Ayaz was born as Mubarak Ali on 2 March 1923 in Shikarpur, sINDH. He was Sindhi speaking of Arabs origin his ancestors setteled Sindh permanently centuries ago. He was a lawyer but he also served as the vice-chancellor of Sindh University.Ayaz married Iqbal Begum, who was also a Sindhi poet. He died on 28th, December, 1997 in Karachi, Sindh after suffering from cardiac-arrest - leaving behind two sons and a daughter.

Literary career

Ayaz is one of the major voices in twentieth century poetry. His literary career spanned almost six decades and covered a wide range of poetry and prose forms, ranging from the traditional bait, wa'i,nazm,"azad nazm" and ghazal to plays in verse. He wrote short stories, Operas, essays, poetry, travelogues, diaries, an autobiography and the translation of Shah jo Risalo in Urdu. He also wrote poetry in Urdu which is spread to two books, Booye Gul, Nala-i-dil" and Neel Kanth Aur Neem Ke Pate. His first book of poetry was in Urdu named Boi gul, Nalai dil and his first book of poetry in Sindhi was, " Bhounr Bhire Akas"