Hadrat Sultan Bahu (RA) is known as Sultan al-Faqr, i.e. the King of Faqr and Sultan-ul-‘Arifin, i.e. the King of Gnostics. Faqr is the highest attainable point in Islamic mysticism and spiritualism, the only thing that the Holy Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has taken pride in. He (SAW) also said that Faqr is from him (SAW). This Faqr is the distinctive quality and hallmark of Hadrat Sultan Bahu (RA)’s Sufi Order.
Besides being a mystic who founded the mystic tradition of Sarwari Qadiri Order, Hadrat Sultan Bahu (RA) composed verses both in Punjabi and Persian. More than one hundred and forty books are attributed to him. Written in Persian mixed with Arabic, a style peculiar to him, these books largely deal with Faqr and Islamic mysticism. However, it was his Punjabi poetry which had popular appeal and earned him lasting fame.Now as his Persian work stands translated in Urdu, he is known as a great Sufi writer who stands out in the community of saints.