Tolerance, harmony: Documentaries highlight messages of Sufi poets

Documentaries follow historical lives of poets and capture their devoted followers.

ISLAMABAD: Bulleh Shah, Mian Mohammad and Shah Hussain are legendary names in Sufi poetry. As a tribute to these poetic giants of Sufi mysticism, Farrukh Zaman, a graduate of University of Carleton, Canada, showcased three documentaries at the PNCA on the history and following of each of the poets.

“The peace and tranquility found in Mian Mohammad’s poetry is equivalent to that of lying in ones mother’s lap,” describes Shauqat Ali a renowned Sufi mystic singer. “Each word is so powerful that it takes one in a trance.”

Zaman seeks to make more documentaries highlighting the history of the region and enlightening the people of Pakistan regarding the rich culture of their country.

Baba Bulleh Shah’s work has been an inspiration to musicians of all sorts. From Abida Parveen to Junoon, ‘Tere Ishq Nachaya’ has been used by classical and contemporary musicians.

Zaman in his documentary follows the historical lives of poets and more so captures their devoted followers. Showing traditional death anniversary and folk dances that the dervishes perform, the documentaries do a great job of taking the audience on a great journey through history.

“If we light the lamps at the tombs of these poets, God will reignite the light within our hearts,” comments a devoted follower of Bulleh Shah.

“The light of tolerance, peace and love is needed in our societies. We strongly believe that the teachings of these scholars are much needed.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st,  2011.