19/11/2025
Our Hero's Ep - 01
Padri Imam-ud-Din Shahbaz
The person known for creating the Punjabi Zaboor (Psalms) is Padri Imam-ud-Din Shahbaz (1845–1921), also widely known as I.D. Shahbaz.
A convert from Islam and a gifted poet, he was commissioned to translate the Book of Psalms into lyrical Punjabi verse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work was composed in traditional Punjabi musical modes (ragas like kafi, pahari, and bhairavi), making the psalms resonate deeply within the local culture and musical landscape.
His translation, which spanned from 1888 to 1905, was highly regarded for its poetic quality and its ability to connect with Punjabi speakers, including Muslims and Sikhs of that era. The complete work, known as Punjabi Zaboor Desi Ragan Vich, was originally published around 1908. His work continues to be a cornerstone of Punjabi Christian literature and worship today.
