Akram Zaki (Former Secy. Gen. Foreign Affairs)

Former Secy. Gen. Foreign Affairs Akram Zaki, discussing the Western and Eastern philosophies, said that without Islam we cannot establish a peaceful society in the future. In the Sub-continent, the spread of Islam was due to Sufis and today we need to spread the Sufis’ message of peace. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s message is actually a message of peace for the entire world. He offered his congratulations to Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali and Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali and appreciated the initiative taken by them for spreading the message of our thinkers, philosophers and saints. He further said that nowadays not only Pakistan but all of the Muslim Ummah is in a multidimensional crisis in the shape of political, spiritual and economic crisis. It is necessary for us to apply our mind to move forward and rediscover our destiny in the light of Islam.

Gohar Ayub Khan (Former Foreign Minister)

Former Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub Khan said that lack of education is our biggest problem. Pakistan beared most sanctions in the world but we progressed well althought we started with small industry and sanctions. These sanctions became blessing for us because we started depending on our ownself.

Prof. Jalil Aali (Renowned Scholar)

Renowned scholar Prof. Jalil Aali speaking on the occasion said that Hadrat Sultan Bahoo criticized the acquisition of knowledge just for the sake of pride and material benefit. We need to understand the deepr meaning of Abyat-e-Bahoo instead of looking at its literal meaning. He further said that a Sufi works to implement Islam practically in all fields of life. Iqbal also rejected the philosophy that promotes asceticism. He said steps should be taken for the reconstruction and preservation of Sufi tombs.

Syed Haroon Ali Gilani (Chairman Khidmat-e-ilm Foundation)

Syed Haroon Ali Gilani, Chairman, Khidmat-e-ilm Foundation said that Hadrat Sultan Bahoo was a great saint of his time. Today we have ignored the teachings of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo and as a result our society faces instability. The solution to the problems of the Muslim Ummah lies in the unification of the Ummah with sectarianism its greatest impediment. The movement promotes the same notion under the leadership of Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali.

Dr. Farid Ud Deen Khan (Director UITS Research Centre, Bangladesh)

Dr. Farid Ud Deen Khan Director UITS Research Centre, Bangladesh said that the world is going through a critical juncture. To get rid of this tragic world order, spiritual training is very necessary. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo has led society and taught the true spirit of Islam. If Sultan Bahoo’s books are regularly read, they can play a role of a spiritual guide.

Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi (Former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Pakistan)

Former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Pakistan, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi said that Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s concept of a spiritual mentor is very different from the image prevalent today. According to him, the duty of a spiritual mentor is spiritual purification. The Concept of a pir today limits it to the benefit of this material world only. We find shortcuts instead of a struggle and hard work for success in the material as well as spiritual worlds. Today we need to distinguish real spiritual mentors from fake peers. Sufism teaches peace and brotherhood and we need to implement and adopt Islam completely.

Prof. Hamayun Ehsan (Principal Pakistan Law College Lahore)

Principal Pakistan Law College Lahore Prof. Hamayun Ehsan said that today need of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s teachings is not less than any period before. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo makes a link between individual and universe. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo accepted person everlasting due to his abilities. He further said today individual feels vanishing individuality due to capitalist system. It is necessary to provide individual the authority of growth to maintain his individuality. But today world is stuck in uni-direction of capitalist system.

Dr. Gerhard H. Bowering (Yale University, New Haven, USA)

Dr. Gerhard H. Bowering from Yale University, New Haven, USA said that Sultan Bahoo’s abyat occupy the very center of the development of Panjabi poetry. Sultan Bahoo had created the original pattern and world-view on the foundation of which others could build. Marked by the “Hu” at the end of each stanza, Sultan Bahoo’s poetry gained a power in the hearts of people that was as omnipresent as the word of Allah, the Muslim name for God. Based on the two pillars of ‘ishq, and faqr, his Panjabi verses reflected the ideal of fanao- baqa, annihilation of self and union with the divine. It was the Panjabi Abyat that captured the soul of the Panjab three and a half centuries ago and still reverberates in it today.

Senator Raja Zafar Ul Haq (Chairman PML (N) & Secy. Gen. Motamar al Aalam e Islami)

Chairman PML (N) & Secy. Gen. Motamar al Aalam e Islami, Senator Raja Zafar Ul Haq said that that uniqueness of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s poetry is that a scholar as well as an illiterate is affected by it. His poetry is not limited to any school of thought but it is a human heritage. Today we see unrest in our whole society. If the poetic works of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo and Iqbal are recited at our daily gatherings, they would surely have a positive impact on all of society. The youth should especially be introduced to such constructive poetry for their character building.

Dr. Elbayi Magsudov (Nakhchivan State University, Azerbijan)

Dr. Elbayi Magsudov from Nakhchivan State University, Azerbijan throw light on Sufism and mysticism of Sultan Bahoo and Azeri poets over self, passion, greed, love of God, virtue, and so on. He said that today, Sufism is a strong political and philosophical-religious movement and its very well-known representative Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s light have made us gather here. His lasting works and ideas are living with us and illuminate our hearts. While humanity is facing natural disasters, as well as humanitarian problems such as hatred, national and religious discrimination, wars etc, we really need to explore the activity of great thinkers like Hadrat Sultan Bahu more carefully for getting nourished by their philosophy of love, solidarity and justice.

M. Afsar Rahbeen (Renowned Scholar from Afghanistan)

M. Afsar Rahbeen, renowned scholar from Afghanistan said that Hadrat Sultan Bahoo is among the Sufis without whom Asian literature would be incomplete. His poetic works are for listeners who listen with their Hearts. The expression “Hoo” which permeates his poetry has spiritual effects on the human soul.

Prof. Dr. Ehsan Akbar (Renowned Intellectual, Poet and Critic)

Renowned intellectual, poet and critic Prof. Dr. Ehsan Akbar presented a comparative paper on the concept of Faqr in the writings of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo and Allama Iqbal. He said that the Messengers of God and the Holy Prophet PBUH exemplified Faqr. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo and Allama Iqbal have identified Faqr as the key to success in both worlds because sincerity of purpose is a basic formulation of Islamic teachings.

Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Rana (Meritorious Professor, Tamgha e Imtiaz, Africultural University Faisalabad)

Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Rana speaking on the occasion distinguished between the nature of knowledge as one pertains to the material and the other is knowledge of the spiritual world. He argued that the dichotomy between religion and science will end one day and science will become an extension of the spiritual quest for truth. He said that Man is a drop from the ocean of spirituality that yearns to rain back down into its source.

Dr. Tanvir Anjum (Assistan Prof. Quaid-i-Azam University)

Assistan Prof. Quaid-i-Azam University, Dr. Tanvir Anjum presented her paper on “Bridal Metaphor in Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s poetry” and said that Hadrat Sultan Bahoo used the symbol of a bride for the human soul in permanent love of Allah Allmighty. In Sufi tradition, this imagery is used to describe the spiritual experience of saints existing in submission to the love of Allah, through a parable that is one of the most intimate of experiences in common human life.

Prof. Khawar Saeed Bhutta (University of the Punjab)

Prof. Khawar Saeed Bhutta from University of the Punjab said that the Sufi soul craves for true love of God. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo focused on the purification of the Heart for realizing the reality of human existence.

Dr. Dildar A. Alvi (Head of Chemistry Dept. FCU Lahore)

Dr. Dildar A. Alvi, Head of Chemistry Dept. FCU Lahore said that the spiritual mentor’s world view is different from the scientific and philosophical perspective. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo had taught to recognize one’s own self and to recognize God through that. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo described the world as a representation and manifestation of Allah Almighty’s Self. His lesson to humanity would dissolve barriers of nationality and sectarianism.

Senator Akram Zaki (Former Secy. Gen. Foreign Affairs)

Former Secy. Gen. Foreign Affairs Akram Zaki said that the way Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali and Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali are highlighting teachings of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo would surely lead to a positive impact for eradicating social evils from society. Allah Allmighty said that He created Universe in six days which tells us that the real concept of time is different from our material understanding and Hadrat Sultan Bahoo described real concept of time.

Dr. Maria Isabel Maldonado (Incharge Institute of Languages, University of the Punjab Lahore)

Incharge Institute of Languages, University of the Punjab Lahore Dr. Maria Isabel Maldonado (Spain) said that Hadrat Sultan Bahoo himself feels the effect of love. The ultimate purpose described by Hadrat Sultan Bahoo is to submit to the love of Allah entirely. According to Him, in order to be actualize the true human potential, one needs a spiritual guide to give direction to the quest.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir (Chairman Urdu Dept. AIOU)

Chairman Urdu Dept. AIOU Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir said that by following the teachings of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo the heart is purified. His Punjabi poetry is the reason of his popularity in world which represents the most elaborate explanation of mystic philosophy.

Dr. Gholam Reza Aavani (Renowned Philosopher of Iran)

Renowned Philosopher of Iran Dr. Gholam Reza Aavani said that there are two types of threats confronting the contemporary Muslim world. He laid a great stress on intellectual threats rather than military ones. He stressed the need to take a holistic view of religion without depriving it of its spiritual dimensions which would otherwise make religion a ritualistic formality. He said that it is the dire need of the day that the work of our religious scholars should be to awaken humanity spiritually. He further elaborated that saints are performing a necessary function of calling creation towards God on earth and their ultimate goal is the guidance for humanity towards the eternal peace found with God.

Sardar Attique Ahmad Khan (Former Prime Minister AJK)

Former Prime Minister AJK Sardar Attique Ahmad Khan said that the international conference is a big step forward based on passion for knowedlge. He said that Sufism is independent of sectarianism and the solution of today’s sectarian violence is present in Sufi teachings because Sufism focuses on the practical dimensions of harmony and universal fraternity. He further said that there is thirst and frustration in modern western societies which is due to lack of spirituality.

Waleed Iqbal Advocate (Leader PTI)

Leader PTI Waleed Iqbal Advocate said that Hadrat Sultan Bahoo is the first poet who reconstructed Islamic spirituality by his poetry. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo gave preference to spirituality in all matters of life and the same is the message of Iqbal.

Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman (Chairman Ruyat-e-Halal Committee)

Chairman Ruyat-e-Halal Committee Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman said that the west wants to promote its own form of lifeless Sufism but what is required of us for the revival of spirituality is a Sufism of energy and effort. Sufism is the solution of Muslim Ummah’s issues. Today’s conference will be an important step forward.

Faisal Karim Khan Kundi (Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan)

Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Faisal Karim Khan Kundi said that we must improve Pakistan’s image in the community of nations and this is only possible if we promote the Sufi teachings of peace and harmony. This conference will send a very positive image of Pakistan all over the world. MUSLIM Institute has achieved a great deal in a short period which cannot be appreciated enough.

Hadrat Sultan Muhammad Ali (Founding father MUSLIM institute)

Founding father MUSLIM institute Hadrat Sultan Muhammad Ali in his Presidential address said that denial of religion is the primary cause of restlessness prevalent in society. The academic discourse on religion that has become an issue of much consideration in international literary circles will ultimately rest on the religion of the Holy Messenger PBUH. Man’s separation from his spiritual dimension and religion has caused him to treat humanity as cannon fodder. All philosophers and Sufis in the history of Islam founded themselves upon their spirituality because religious inspiration remains inadequate without the experiential dimensions of spirituality. In no way do the teachings of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo allow for stagnation and suspension in any part of human life.

Prof. Dr. Sultan Altaf Ali (Research and Publications, Hadrat Sultan Bahoo Council)

Prof. Dr. Sultan Altaf Ali, President Research and Publications, Hadrat Sultan Bahoo Council appreciated the efforts of ‘MUSLIM Institute’ in promoting the teachings of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo. He said that Pakistan was founded on the ideology of the kalima and the same is its purpose. He further said that Hadrat Sultan Bahoo rejected all philosophies including Aristotle and Plato that were contradictory to the Islamic Sharia and promoted implementation of Islam completely. Two important aspects of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s teachings are humanity and wajdaan. We have to follow the way of the Holy Prophet PBUH to solve our problems and issues such as sectarianism and other differences as propounded in the message of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo.

Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali (Chairman MUSLIM Institute)

Chairman MUSLIM Institute, Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali, making an introductory presentation about MUSLIM Institute, said that the Institute is working on different dimensions to provide solutions to problems and challenges faced by us in the modern world through independent and unbiased research and discussion. He said that today mankind has created problems for itself and space weapons point out how much danger humanity faces from itself. The conference aims to find solutions to our spiritual, social, moral, economic and other problems faced in our daily life in the light of teachings of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo. Answering the questions of youngsters, he said that we should use social media to present our real identity and promote a positive image instead of using it only for entertainment purposes.

Senator S. M. Zafar

Senator S. M. Zafar said that the United Nations is the remnant of the failed attempt to unite the peoples of the world. The complete anecdote of tolerance, respect and love for humanity is found in the message of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo. He gained fame because there is no distinction between his practices and teachings. Quaid-e-Azam also did not have a difference between his actions and words, which is why his sayings had such effect even when people couldn’t understand the language. The message of Islam began with “Read” and the solution to our problems lies in creating an education friendly society. Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s teachings are very expansive and if we are to get something out of it, we must promote education.

Hadrat Sultan Muhammad Ali (Founding Father of MUSLIM Institute)

Founding Father of MUSLIM Institute, Hadrat Sultan Muhammad Ali, in his Presidential address said that most of the work on Hadrat Sultan Bahoo is limited to analysis of his poetry while very little work has been carried out on over 140 of his works of prose. Just as Iqbal’s philosophy cannot be fully understood without his Persian poetry and only from his Urdu works, Hadrat Sultan Bahoo’s Persian writings are also essential to understanding his philosophy. His message for humanity makes him stand out in the world of religion. The word Hu is not just a rhyme but a complete system that takes those following it to success.