Singing contest: People urged to adopt Sufi teachings

12 singers perform in front of a selected audience.

Twelve singers performed at a Sufi singing competition, trying to prove their mettle to a select group of audience and jury. The competition was held at Shakarparian by Lok Virsa and Mehergarh, a non-governmental organisation, on Sunday.

The three best singers were given cash prizes. National Heritage and Integration Secretary Asaf Ghafoor was the chief guest on the occasion.

“Sufi saints in the sub continent have contributed a lot towards spreading love, peace and harmony. They played an important role in spreading and preserving the inner spirit of Islam. They were indeed the men of high moral characters,” said the secretary while talking to the audience.

“The concept of equality and brotherhood preached by Sufis attracted a large number of people to the teachings of Islam and adopting their values is the need of the hour,” he added.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Khalid Javaid explained that the event, besides the contest, had two other components — launching of online resource centre and a documentary screening.

The resource centre, titled “Tareeqat: seven elements of living Sufism in Pakistan”, will focus on everyday spirituality and will provide access to spiritual
teachings, music, imagery and folklore.

The documentary, “The Hidden Faces of Pakistan: 100 years of Spiritual Heritage”, will familiarise the youth with rich spiritual heritage that once thrived in the region and is fast receding.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2012.