Speakers call for embracing Sufi teachings to heal society

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at an international conference on Sufi wisdom emphasized that the teachings of saints and Sufis – which offer lessons of love, tolerance, and peace – are urgently needed to combat social discord and intolerance in the modern world.

They were speaking at the opening session of the three-day international conference titled, “Maulana Rumi and Hazrat Sultan Bahoo – Preachers of Humanity, Peace, Love, and Tolerance”.

The conference was arranged jointly by MUSLIM Institute, Yunus Emre Institute, and the National Language Promotion Department.

The session formally began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a documentary presentation on the lives and teachings of Mevlana Rumi and Hadhrat Sultan Bahoo (R.A).

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Addressing the opening session, speakers stressed that even if we are unable to fully embrace the spiritual dimensions of Sufi teachings, we must at least adopt their social messages to improve our language, behavior, and interpersonal conduct.

Speakers reiterated that only those societies prosper that reconnect with their roots, heritage, and intellectual legacy.

They noted that Pakistan is a land of Sufis, and by embracing the teachings of Sufism, not only can we promote tolerance, harmony, and brotherhood within the country, but also project a positive image of Pakistan globally.

They also asserted that national development and stability can be achieved when all sectors — politics, religion, judiciary, academia, and culture — work in harmony.

The conference includes participants from Afghanistan, Iran, Türkiye, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Canada, and other countries who will share insights on the teachings of Mevlana Rumi and Hadhrat Sultan Bahoo.

Prominent figures who addressed the session included Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, MUSLIM Institute Chairman Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali, Azad Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan Irfan Naziroglu, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, and Director General of the National Language Promotion Department Prof Dr Saleem Mazhar.

Academic representatives from universities across Pakistan and diplomats from various countries also participated in the session.

The program features over 30 sessions, Sufi poetry recitals, cultural and spiritual music, and scholarly discussions. At the end of the opening session, honorary shields were presented to all distinguished guests, and translation services were provided for international participants. The three-day conference will continue until April 24.