Book launch: ‘Sufi teachings could be antidote to intolerance’

Sufis had always highlighted the softer side of Islam in the subcontinent through the message of tolerance and peace.

RAWALPINDI:

The sufis of the subcontinent spread the message of peace and tolerant coexistence and the need to preach this message in Pakistan is felt more than every today, said speakers at the book launch of “Qiam-i-Pakistan Mein Ulema Aur Mashaikh Ki Khidmat” (Contribution of Scholars and Sufis in Establishment of Pakistan) at Rawalpindi Arts Council on Sunday.

Sufis had always highlighted the softer side of Islam in the subcontinent which could be very helpful in challenging the prevalent wave of extremis through the message of tolerance and a peaceful coexistence, speakers said.

Chief guest MNA Malik Shakeel Awan said by following the guidelines of the great sufis, Pakistani society can become very progressive and attain maintain peace as the spiritual men always propagated tolerance in a pluralistic society. “As Sufis played a pivotal role in preaching Islam in the subcontinent, their ideas are helpful and practicable in our society today”, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2011.