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His Punjabi abyat, each line ending with the sound 'Hu'
Sultan Bahu was born in Shorkot during the reign of Shah Jahan, the son of a Mughal military officer. His mother, Bibi Rasti, is remembered as his first spiritual guide, and she named him 'Bahu' (from 'ba Hu', 'with Him').
He belonged to the Qadiri Sufi order and spent much of his life travelling and teaching. He wrote many treatises on Sufism in Persian, the scholarly language of his time.
He chose to write his most loved poetry in the everyday Punjabi of his region, so that common people could understand it. His shrine was moved inland after the Chenab river changed course and threatened it.
His central theme is 'ishq' (divine love), which he places above outward learning and ritual. He teaches remembrance of God's name, sincerity, and the guidance of a true spiritual master (murshid).
Sultan Bahu's abyat are sung across Pakistan by qawwals and folk singers, and his shrine in Jhang draws large crowds at his annual urs. He is one of the main pillars of Punjabi Sufi poetry, between Shah Hussain and Bulleh Shah.