Conference: ‘Drum beating, dancing against teachings of sufi saints’

Several speakers at the Data Ganj Bakhsh Conference say the practices were not allowed in Islam.

LAHORE:

Several speakers at the Data Ganj Bakhsh Conference on Tuesday said drum beating and dancing at shrines were not allowed in Islam and went against the teachings of sufi saints.

The conference was organised by the International Bazm-i-Qadria Jilania at the Astana Shah Gardez, Mughalpura.

Pir Syed Shahid Hussain Gardezi said Hazrat Ali Havery had taught that sufism was not independent of Shariat laws.

He said drum beating and dancing at shrines was forbidden in the Sharia. He said it was improper to associate such customs with Islam.

He said it was the duty of the Auqaf Department to ensure discontinuation of such practices at shrines.

Pir Syed Mukhtar Ashraf Rizvi said anti-state elements were trying to ruin peace in the country by spreading sectarianism. He said the government should launch a crackdown against seminaries housing terrorists.  He said the chief minister should convert his Club Road office into Data Ali Hajvery University.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2013.