# Sharif Sabir

Sharif Sabir (18 May 1928 – 1 October 2015) was a Pakistani scholar, editor, and author who contributed to Punjabi literature. Born in Pakki Saraan, Sheikhupura District, Pakistan, he dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of classical Punjabi poetry, particularly the works of Waris Shah, Bulleh Shah, Sultan Bahu, and Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. Sabir is best known for his edited and annotated version of Heer Waris Shah, a critical text of Punjabi folklore, which he worked on for several years, including researching rare manuscripts and regional dialects. Sabir was awarded the Pride of Performance award by the Government of Pakistan for his contributions to literature.

## Early life and education

Sharif Sabir was born in Pakki Saraan, Sheikhupura District, near Lahore, Pakistan. He worked during his teenage years to fund his education. Sabir began his career as an English language teacher in a government school. While teaching, he completed a master's degree in Persian and later taught Persian and Urdu at Lahore’s Central Model School. His expertise led him to become a language specialist at the Central Training College, where he trained teachers. Eventually, Sabir was promoted to headmaster and later deputed by the Punjab government and Waris Shah Academy to research and edit Heer Waris Shah. He officially retired in the 1980s but continued his literary pursuits.

## Research and editing of Heer Waris Shah

Sharif Sabir was appointed to the Waris Shah Memorial Committee (WSMC), 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. Sabir had spent 12 years researching the text before joining the committee.
During his research, Sabir accessed a rare 1821 manuscript found in Patiala, Punjab, and consulted with traders, craftsmen, and experts to decode the language and context used by Waris Shah. He also traveled across Punjab to study regional dialects and local traditions. Sabir's edited version of Heer Waris Shah was first published by WSMC in 1985. In 2006, he released a revised edition through Progressive Books, Lahore, which included glossaries that explained difficult words and providing contextual details about people and places mentioned in the text.

## Literary Contributions

Sharif Sabir has contributed to a number of texts relating to Punjabi Literature. Among them are Heer Waris Shah, as well as complete poetries by Bulleh Shah, Sultan Bahu, Saiful Malook, and Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. His works contain glossaries composed of difficult language—a trait not usually found in Punjabi literature; however, the Guru Granth Sahib contains a comprehensive glossary similar to those found in Sabir's works. Below is a list of books he has authored, edited, or translated:
| Book | Original Author | Sabir's Contribution |
| Kalaam | Baba Farid | Edited (Due Publication) |
| Saiful Malook | Mian Muhammad Bakhsh | Edited |
| Heer Waris Shah | Waris Shah | Edited |
| Abyat-e-Bahoo | Sultan Bahu | Edited |
| Bulleh Shah | Bulleh Shah | Edited |
| Farsi Kalam | Sufi Muhammad Afzal Faqeer | Translated |
| Puran Bhagat | Qadir Yar | Translated |
| Kashf ul Mahjoob | Ali Hujwiri | Translated |
| Gulistan and Bustan | Saadi Shirazi | Translated |
| Hatkoray | Sharif Sabir | Authored |
| Baghawat | Sharif Sabir | Authored |
| Punjabi Drama | Sharif Sabir | Authored |
| Autobiography | Sharif Sabir | Authored |

## Honors and recognition

Sharif Sabir was honored the Pride of Performance award by the Government of Pakistan for his work on Heer Waris Shah. He also received a cash prize of Rs. 70,000 for 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 1, October, 2015 in his village after developing a chest infection. He was buried near a local saint's tomb in Narang Mandi.