Sharif Sabir
Sharif Sabir 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.
Early life and education
Sharif Sabir was born in Pakki Saraan, Sheikhupura District, near Lahore, Pakistan. During his teenage years, he worked to support his education. Sabir began his professional career as an English language teacher in a government school. While teaching, he earned a master's degree in Persian and subsequently taught both Persian and Urdu at Lahore's Central Model School. His expertise in language education led to his appointment as a language specialist at the Central Training College, where he trained teachers. Later, he was promoted to the position of headmaster. Sabir was subsequently appointed by the Punjab government and the Waris Shah Academy to conduct research and edit "Heer Ranjha." He officially retired in the 1980s but continued to engage in literary work.Research and editing of ''Heer Waris Shah''
Sharif Sabir was appointed to the Waris Shah Memorial Committee, 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:| Book | Original Author | Sabir's Contribution |
| Kalaam | Baba Farid | Edited |
| Saiful Malook | Mian Muhammad Bakhsh | |
| Heer Waris Shah | Waris Shah | |
| Sultan Bahu | ||
| Bulleh Shah | Bulleh Shah | |
| Farsi Kalam | ||
| Puran Bhagat | Qadir Yar | |
| Kashf ul Mahjoob | Ali Hujwiri | |
| Gulistan and Bustan | Saadi Shirazi | |
| Hatkoray | Sharif Sabir | |
| Baghawat | Sharif Sabir | |
| Punjabi Drama | Sharif Sabir | |
| Autobiography | Sharif Sabir |