Sufi literature promotes harmony

Current turmoil, prevailing sense of hatred and extremism is the result of our rebuttal from the teachings of Sufis. Sufi teachings infuse us with the spirit of love, sympathy and tolerance while negating hatred, ignorance and racism. These were the views expressed by speakers at a book launch organised by Muslim Institute.

The ceremony was organised for the launch of the English translation of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo’s Persian book Nur-Ul-Huda.

The speakers added that the usage of terminology like 'spiritual excellence' for faqr makes it much closer to the true spirit of Sufism. Science and technology have transformed the world into a global village in the wake of globalization. This smart world is unable to satisfy our soul but spiritual poetry and teachings can be more effective in this manner.

Speakers of the occasion were renowned scholar, author and cultural expert Uxi Mufti, Air University Vice Chancellor Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Faiz Aamir, translator of the book M. A. Khan, Prof  Ehsan Akbar, Dr Qaisra Alvi, Dr Aalia Sohail Khan, Dr Mujeeb Ahmad, Dr Muhammad Safeer and MUSLIM Institute Chairman Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali.

Speakers said that Sultan Bahoo’s teachings have deep meanings and are philosophical in essence but easy to understand. One of the key elements related to M. A. Khan’s translation is the focus on basic content with an easily understandable explanation. It influences as well as provides guidance for an illiterate and a scholar. Sufism has been the most effective tool against sectarianism.

Words are not enough to pay tribute to the services rendered by Sultan Bahoo, a personality known for great conviction and thought among distinguished Muslim scholars. He is considered the epicenter of devotion and transformation of societies. Speakers appreciated services rendered by MUSLIM Institute with a special focus to promote pacifist teachings to curb darkness of hatred, racism and xenophobia through values of love, kindness and compassion, which are ardently promoted and practiced by Sufi mystics.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2019.