Baba Farid wrote for the downtrodden

Farid kindled the light of love, peace, tolerance, humanitarianism, equality and respect

ISLAMABAD:

The poetry of Baba Farid Ganj Shakar (1173-1236) is more relevant today than ever prompting people to desist hate in the name of religion and ethnicity, forego greed and indulgence and put faith in humanity, speakers said at an event held at the National Institute of Cultural and Heritage (Lok Virsa) to highlight the works of the legendary Punjabi Sufi saint and poet.

“Farid’s vision inspired by an intense existential urge, led him to a way of life that integrated him with the downtrodden in such a manner that he could be posed as the voice of the voiceless and the cry of the oppressed,” said author of Great Sufi Wisdom Prof Saeed Ahmad.

Speaking at Sufi Sangat held on Thursday at Lok Virsa on the poetic vision of Farid, Ahmed said that Farid laid the basis for Punjabi literature and his most important contributions was development of the language.

He read Urdu translations of Farid’s famous poetry. The medieval era Punjabi used by Farid is understood only by people through in the knowledge of the language which is fast diminishing.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Talha Ali Khan Kushvaha said that Baba Farid possessed great poetic skills. He added the main teaching of Farid was love for humanity and salvation through self-purification.

Farid has kindled the light of love, peace, tolerance, humanitarianism, equality and respect.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2020.