Punjabi Sufi poet of Chishti order.

The story of romantic love is a poetic expression of the mystical love of the human soul towards God – the quintessential subject in Sufism and a recurring theme in both Muslim and Hindu mysticism.

Waris Shah was born in Jandiala Sher Khan (district Shekhupura) in 1719 or 1730. After completing his education in Kasur (district Lahore), he shifted his residence to Malka Hans. Here, he resided in a small room adjacent to a historic mosque that was constructed in 1340. The room where the poet lived is still there, though devoid of any furniture or things that could be related to Waris Shah to bring back the memory of the poet. The only sign showing that Waris Shah had been living here is a crudely written plaque with sketchy details about the poet. Waris Shah was a consummate artiste, deeply learned in Islamic and Indian lore. His verse is a treasure-trove of Punjabi phrases, idioms and sayings. His minute and realistic depiction of each detail of Punjabi life remains unique. Of all his works, his version of the legendary romance of Heer is the most outstanding. Heer Waris Shah (or The Romance of Heer Ranjha) is believed to be based on the true account of two star-crossed lovers, who lived during the times of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The classic work of Waris Shah echoes in the countryside as people sing about it with joy. One can find a number of folk vocalists singing Heer Waris Shah in other parts of the subcontinent where Punjabi language is used. 

Waris lived through the invasions of Nadir Shah (1739) and Ahmed Shah (1761). There are references in his Heer about these invasions and the devastation they wrought in Punjab.

Warris Shah died in 1790. 

Note: At the time Waris Shah lived all of Punjab was in India, in 1947 it was divided between India and Pakistan after the creation of Pakistan. Waris Shah though belonged to Punjab. His poetry was full of the land, the people, the traditions of Punjab and hence he is celebrated both in India and Pakistan and his Heer is sung everywhere where the Punjabi language is spoken.