Shah Muhammad is regarded as the national poet of Punjabi literature. Not much information is available about his birth. Based on what is known so far, it can be estimated that he was born around 1780 AD in the town of Wadala Viram in the Majha region, in a Qureshi Muslim family. He received his early education from a traditional pathshala. He was well-versed in Arabic, Persian, and Punjabi languages, and was influenced by Sufi poets.
Shah Muhammad’s most important composition is ‘Jangnama Singhan Te Firangian’. It was written around 1846 AD and was later translated into English by M.L. Pusey in 1964 AD. This poetic composition narrates the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–46) in verse, which took place after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This work is significant not only from a literary point of view but also from a historical perspective, as Shah Muhammad recounts the contemporary events in an impartial and emotional manner. Apart from this, the Qissa Sassi Punnu is also found written in baints (metrical verses), although it cannot be confirmed whether this composition is indeed by Shah Muhammad, but it is commonly associated with his name.
Shah Muhammad was a poet who immortalized the history, culture, and social consciousness of Punjab through his writings. His sensitivity, foresight, and literary artistry have earned him a unique place in the history of Punjabi literature. Therefore, he holds the honor of being the national poet in Punjabi literature. This distinguished poet of Punjabi passed away in 1862 AD in Amritsar.