Guest lecturer: Delhi University professor urges soft image of Sufism
"Sufis helped resolve conflicts in the medieval ages and alleviated a sense of justice among people"
KARACHI:
Sufism portrays a positive image of Islam, while the Sufis give a soft image of the religion through their pacifist attitude, said University of Delhi History Professor Dr Fatima Hussain.
She gave a lecture at the Karachi Gymkhana on Wednesday evening. According to her, Sufism provided a way out, at least in the South Asian context, where Sufis and mystic divines have devoted themselves to loving humanity. “Sufis helped resolve conflicts in the medieval ages and alleviated a sense of justice among people because they were different from the Sultans back then,” she said.
Neo-imperialism and consumer culture, propelled by unbridled capitalism, have led to conflict around the world, forcing people to adopt violent means to react to injustice, she added.
The literary and linguistic scenario of South Asia, throughout history, flourished in a complex interplay with the language of the ruling elite but Sufis played an important role because they preached to the people in a common language.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2011.
Sufism portrays a positive image of Islam, while the Sufis give a soft image of the religion through their pacifist attitude, said University of Delhi History Professor Dr Fatima Hussain.
She gave a lecture at the Karachi Gymkhana on Wednesday evening. According to her, Sufism provided a way out, at least in the South Asian context, where Sufis and mystic divines have devoted themselves to loving humanity. “Sufis helped resolve conflicts in the medieval ages and alleviated a sense of justice among people because they were different from the Sultans back then,” she said.
Neo-imperialism and consumer culture, propelled by unbridled capitalism, have led to conflict around the world, forcing people to adopt violent means to react to injustice, she added.
The literary and linguistic scenario of South Asia, throughout history, flourished in a complex interplay with the language of the ruling elite but Sufis played an important role because they preached to the people in a common language.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2011.