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Brief Remarks of the speakers in Inaugural Session of the conference are as follow:
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Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar
Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Welcoming Remarks
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I welcome you all in this 3rd Two Days International Conference on Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ). I am thankful to all the speakers and especially indebted to foreign delegates and dignitaries for participating in this conference. Sufis propagated the notion of pragmatism and practicality in our daily affairs. Nothing can be achieved without effort. One has to put effort in order to gain something. Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ), by dint of their spiritual insight, played key role in the renaissance of Muslim society. This is third international conference under collaboration between MUSLIM Institute and University of the Punjab, Lahore and it will have a very positive impact on our societies.
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Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali
Chairman MUSLIM Institute
Opening Remarks
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Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) played a very constructive role with respect to their religious, social and especially spiritual contributions in order to the uplift our societies. The most significant thing is that their teachings had a deep impact on our culture as well. When Persian language vanished from our curriculum and culture, we became victim of moral degradation. This collaboration of Punjab University and Muslim Institute is striving to revive the teachings of Sufis especially Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) through such Conferences, which will have positive impact on academia and masses.
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Prof. Dr. Sultan Shah
Dean, Faculty of Languages, Islamic & Oriental Learning, Government College University, Lahore
Guest of Honour
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Role of Sufis have always been instrumental in the social as well as moral reconstruction of societies. Eminent Sufis like Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) rendered innumerable services to the cause of Islam. Their literary as well as spiritual role influenced societies in a very positive manner. It is the need of the hour that we should make use of their teachings in our daily lives. Sufi teachings should be made part of our curriculum and taught regularly. Our literature is rich in morality and ethics. The education of characters preached by our Sufis can help in resolving social and moral decay in the world.
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Mr. Muhammad Hanif Pitafi
Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab for Health
Guest of Honour
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There is no denying the fact that Sufis played a key role in the creation of Pakistan. Sufis like Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) are the torchbearers of Islamic culture and civilization. Their poetic and literary contribution had a deep influence over Islamic society. They propagated the attainment of truth and reality. They minutely observed the social structure of their respective societies and guided general masses accordingly. Sufis are such towering personalities as manifest Islam in letter and spirit while keeping in view the diversity of their respective societies. They address social problems in a highly wise and prudent manner. Their moral advices are still relevant to our current social problems.
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H.E. Mr. Mohammad Reza Nazeri
Counsel General of Islamic Republic of Iran, Lahore
Guest of Honour
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Persian language and literature rendered innumerable services in this region during various reigns which deserve appreciation. Contributions of some contemporary scholars and poets who have a very profound knowledge of the Persian language and literature during previous decades is also worthy to mention. It is for the first time that two people from Pakistan, who rendered crucial services in the field of Persian language and literature, have been awarded lifetime membership by the Academy of letters, Tehran.
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Prof. Dr. Humayun Ihsan
Dean Pakistan College of Law, Lahore
Guest of Honour
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No one can better explain humanity the way Sufis express the same through their works and actions. Since the dawn of the civilizations, philosophers have been in pursuit of basic philosophical questions; like who am I, what is my relation with this universe? Sufis have prudently solved these riddles by unveiling these realities about man and Universe in the light of the Holy Qurʾān. Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) emphasized over the oneness of Allah Almighty (ﷻ). They completely negated notion of division among societies based on caste, colour and creed. They negated all types of hatred.
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Raja Yasir Humayun Sarfraz
Provincial Minister of Punjab for Higher Education
Chief Guest Remarks
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The topic of today’s conference is very near to my heart. Sufis played a pivotal role in spreading the light of Islam not only in the Sub-continent but also in the whole region. Society of South Asia was badly divided into caste system which had shattered the social fabric of society. Sufis negated this caste system while spreading the notion of equality and justice. We need to develop our research institutions on the pattern adopted by our Sufis. The trend of naming universities in Punjab after the names of great Sufi saints is very encouraging. It will sow the seed of love for mystic knowledge among our youth.
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Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar
Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Chair of the Session
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Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) were the true followers of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Allah (ﷻ) has decreed “Say, [O beloved Muhammad], If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you” (Holy Qurʾān 3:31). Islam reached our ancestors in the Subcontinent through the Sufi mystics. Allah (ﷻ) says in the Holy Qurʾān that how beautifully He has created the human. If we look at the Prophets and the mystics, they were the beautiful and perfect creations of Almighty. Message of the mystics is coexistence. This world comprises of six billion people. They can only live together under certain principles. However, essence of these principles is mutual respect and harmony.
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Individual's Transformation in the Teachings of Mevlana Rumi and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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Prof. Dr. Khawaja Muhammad Zakariya, Former Dean & Principal Oriental Learning College, University of Punjab, Lahore was the Chair of the Session. Mr. Usama Bin Ashraf (Research Associate, MUSLIM Institute) Moderated the proceedings of the session. Brief Remarks of the speakers are as follow:
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Mr. Syed Aziz Ullah Shah
Research Associate, MUSLIM Institute, Islamabad
Unfolding Salient Features of the Literary Style of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo's Poetry
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Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) secures an eminent position in the comity of prominent Sufis. His Persian poetry is also the embodiment of different mystic thoughts which are yet to be researched. Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo’s poetry is the perpetuation of such ideas as embraces a reader with his deep spiritual knowledge and insight. Oneness of Allah (ﷻ), contemplation of the name of Allah, philosophy of ardent love with Almighty Allah (ﷻ), reality of heart, purification of one’s self, concept of spiritual mentor and place of spiritual mentor in one’s life are most relevant topics that come under discussion in his poetic work. Punjabi poetry of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) encompass peculiar style which are called Abyat. The word Hoo at the end of each Bayat (verse) depicts his peculiar poetic style.
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Dr. Faisal Jummah
Deputy Registrar, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine
Sciences, Balochistan
Inner Perfection: Overview of Teachings of Sultan Bahoo and Mevlana Rumi
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Inner perfection, above all, is a requirement of our faith. In the Holy Qurʾān one can find the following four steps or pathways to inner perfection i.e. intention, effort, belief and spiritual guide (murshid). Eventually, it is the guide who shows the path of inner perfection. After meeting Shams Tabriz, Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) realized that merely reading books is not enough to understand the path of spiritual perfection. Instead, a guide is mandatory to lead the seeker towards inner perfection. When Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) obtained inner perfection under the guidance of Shams Tabrez (رحمۃاللہ علیہ), he said
“Maulvi could never be Maula-e-Rum; Had he not devoted himself to Shams-e-Tabrizi”
Similarly, Haḍrat Sutan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) advises us that guide is of utmost importance for the achievement of inner perfection.
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Dr. Shagufta Yasin
Assistant Professor, Department of Persian, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
Concept of “Murshid-e-Kamil” in the light of the Teachings of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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Literal meaning of “murshid” is guide. In-depth study of the books of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) unveils the reality that “Murshid-e-Kamil” (perfect guide) purges the heart of seeker from the worldly desires and wilful intentions. He enriches the soul of disciple with new life and introduces him to the unimaginable heights of spiritualism. This is the condition which he expresses in his Abyat.
Spiritual mentor planted the “Jasmeen” sapling of Allah’s name in my heart - Hoo,
Irrigated with water of negation and affirmation in whole body - Hoo,
It has blossomed and emit sweet fragrance all within - Hoo,
According to Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) , it is “Murshid-e-Kamil” who planted the sapling of real love in his heart and nurtured it with modesty, piety and acceptance.
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Dr. Rasida Qazi
Dean, Faculty of Arts, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan
Concept of ‘Raqs’ in the teachings of Mevlana Rumi
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Rumi's poetry bristles with the Divine love. This trend of his thought registers itself on every dimension of his aesthetics and literary output. He imbibed the divine love in his soul. The love of the divine shows through the cadence of his music and turns it into a divine anthem. Music and Raqs (dance) of a mystic are wordless. This Raqs occurs beyond the bounds of time and space. It lies in going round and round in the circles and touching the acme of bliss. The right hand goes in circles and traversing the valleys of bliss basks in the light of divine blessings. Bathed in the similar downpour, the left hand keeps pointing to the earth.
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Dr. Umair Mehmood Siddiqui
Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Learning, University of Karachi, Karachi
Sufi Teachings of Mevlana Rumi and Sultan Bahoo for global civilization in the light of the Holy Qurʾān
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We need to understand that what are the real and genuine basis of the global civilization in accordance with the teachings of the glorious Qurʾān? These two great Awliya (Mystics) define the Divine love and tolerance as a medium through which the culturally diverse societies can learn to live together on this planet with peace. Therefore, these two great Sufis say that all human beings are from the same origin. All the conflicts and polarization among the human beings are because of focusing only the physical aspects of the human life, instead we have spiritual and intellectual aspects of life, and we have lost spiritual dimensions in our life. Sultan Bahoo says that human is from Adam, and human is not the result of the Darwinism.
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Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Shahid
Chairman, Department of Persian, GC University, Lahore
Spiritual Edification in the Teachings of Mevlana Rumi and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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When Allah Almighty (ﷻ) bestows someone, He grants him the company of his loved ones. In fact, such conferences are the part of our spiritual, social as well as moral training. Iqbal narrates his dream in his book Israr e Khudi regarding the importance of spiritual mentor that once at night my heart was overwhelmed in the remembrance of Allah Almighty (ﷻ), and it started Zikr of Allah Almighty (ﷻ). It is all by dint of the guidance of a spiritual mentor. In such cases one can’t even breathe by his own will. Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) narrates that love and respect of a spiritual mentor can better guide individuals in right direction and ultimately bring peace and prosperity in a society.
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Prof. Dr. Karim Najafi
Payam-e-Noor University, Iran
Importance of Sufi Teachings for the World Peace
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Many years ago, when I was a student in India, a group of people there were used to organize events about Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo’s teachings. Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) does not belong to one area or nation but to all nations of the world. The message of Mevlana Jalal ud Din Balkhi is also of universal nature. The name of Sultan “Baa Hoo” means “with Hoo (Almighty Allah)”. Holy Prophet (ﷺ) is Rehmat-ul-lil-Alamin (mercy for all Universes) not Rehmat-ul-lil-Muslamin (mercy for Muslims). Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) quotes an incident in his book Amir-ul-Kaunain about Amir-ul-Momineen (AS), that there were two groups of people, Muslims and non-Muslims. Amir-ul-Momineen (AS) told the governor to treat both the groups equally. This is the message of Sufis that needs to be followed today.
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Dr. Khawaja Muhammad Zakariya
Former Dean & Principal Oriental Learning College, University of Punjab, Lahore
Remarks by the Chair
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It has been the peculiarity of Sufis to promote pragmatism and the notion of practicality among individuals of a society. In this respect, they propagate truth, love and faith in a society. They have always been of the view that one must have balance between his spiritual and physical life. Imbalance between the both creates chaos in one’s life. Furthermore, they essentially negate the excess of materialism in one’s life. They are of the view that the most important thing for a man is the peace and calm of heart and soul. And this can only be achieved through the service of humanity. As Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) narrates
“Half curse upon the material world and the whole curse upon the materialist people – Hoo”
Similar are the views of Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ). Mevlana narrates that only contentment can grant one with the peace of heart and soul.
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Mystic Literature of Mevlana Rumi and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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Engr. Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, Vice Chancellor, University of Jhang, Jhang. was the Chair of the Session. Dr. Muhammad Sabir (Assistant Professor Persian Department, University of the Punjab) moderated the proceedings of the session. Brief Remarks of the speakers are as follow:
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Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasir
Chairman, Department of Persian, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Persian Literature as a Heritage of Sufism: An overview
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All of Rumi’s work is admirable but his famous ‘Masnavi’ has received supreme attention even after the passage of several centuries. Today, societies are facing challenges in terms of polarized divergence. Rumi’s powerful poetry is relevant today to respond the challenges of violence and polarization. Firstly, Rumi provides bounding threads for human relations based on love. Secondly, he encourages interfaith harmony. Thirdly, he provides sense of dignity to humanity by considering all humans to be from same origin. In order to promote thoughts of Rumi in our society, sincere efforts are required. For instance, media and social institutions need to develop such programs to promote diverse literature by eminent scholars who encourage harmony and peace.
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Dr. Muhammad Safeer
HOD, Department of Persian Language, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
Contemporary application of Philosophy of Rumi and Sultan Bahoo
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Haḍrat Jalaluddin Muhammad Bulkhi possesses a very unique stature when quality, effectiveness and eloquence of his writings are considered. His poetry reflects the teachings of almost all previous Muslim scholars and Mystics. Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is also an ocean of spiritualism quenching the desires of seekers. Main goal of Tasawuf is the creation of ethical attributes in the human personality. Both the mystics taught moral values, love, justice, tolerance, harmony and humility to the humanity. To observe peace in the society, Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) advised the propagation of respect, morality, polite conversation, ending cruelty and oppression, avoidance of vanity and arrogance, attainment of knowledge and its practical application on the human body and soul.
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Dr. Anjum Hameed
Director, National Language Promotion Department, Islamabad
Concept of Islamic Mysticism in the Persian Literature of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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There is glorious history of the Persian literature in the Indo-Pak Sub-continent. Various mystics wrote their literary work in the Persian language. Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is a notable mystic who expressed his views eloquently in the Persian language. He wrote 140 books including a ‘Dewan’ in Persian language. This ‘Dewan’ comprises of 51 Ghazliat and 1286 Abyat. Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) stayed devoted to his spiritual Guide. He didn’t keep his accomplishments to himself only, rather he enlightened the heart and souls of seekers with his literary contributions.
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Prof. Dr. Zahid Munir Amir
Chairman, Department of Urdu, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Transformation of Mystic Experiences in Literature: A Study of Mevlana Rumi & Sultan Bahoo
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While narrating the importance of dhikr, Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) narrates that spiritual master cultivates the flower of love in one’s body. With the dhikr of la ilaha ilallah, la ilaha means the negation of worldly desires and the ilallah is the affirmation of the love of God. When the mysteries of the spiritual knowledge reveal, one’s heart is filled with the love of Allah. As this flower spreads its fragrance, it will give the soothing influence to the environment. Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) further highlights that when contemplation of Ism Allah Zaat penetrates in one’s body, it grants one with the power of observation. Dhikr of Ism Allah Zaat enables one in attaining the love of Allah Almighty (ﷻ).
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Prof. Dr. Nabila Rehman
Chairperson Punjabi Department, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Influence of Mevlana’s Masnavi & Sultan Bahoo’s Punjabi Abyat on Subcontinent
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Sufis emphasized the adoption of restraint from the excess of worldly desires while promoting the vitality of the education of characters and sanctity of vision and thought. Influence of Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) teachings starts from a single individual and spans to the whole society and region. Sufism provides a complete guide regarding one’s socio-economic affairs. For example, all the Sufis emphasized the earning of bread and butter through fair means. However, the perpetual need of Sufi practice speaks clear of the reality of the universality of their message.
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Mr. M. A Khan
Writer & Translator, Luton, UK
Qurʾānic influence upon the literature of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo’s knowledge is dominated by Qur’anic citations. Qur’anic references are quoted frequently in his books; sometimes a paragraph would contain multiple quotes from Holy Qurʾān. For example, “Asrar-ul-Qādiri” having 80 pages of Persian text; contains 70 verses of Qurʾān “Ameer-ul-Konain” 226 pages of Persian has 92 verses from Qurʾān. Similarly, his remaining works encompass even more references from the Holy Qurʾān. Just as a desirous can harmonize himself with divine attributes by the dhikr, in the similar way, there is reflection of Qurʾānic attributes bestowed on the books of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ).
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Engr. Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir
Vice Chancellor, University of Jhang, Jhang
Remarks by the Chair
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Message imparted by Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is not only universal but also divine. Firstly, both the saints propagated the purification of self. Secondly, the adoption of restraint from the excess of worldly desires. Thirdly, their special concern regarding the promotion of love for humanity. Fourthly, they emphasized the negation of self. Fifthly, they preferred spiritual development to material development. Both sufi saints interpreted Faqr as Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) in book Ain ul Faqr and Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) in his Masnavi provided a very comprehensive interpretation of Faqr. Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said that Faqr is from me and I am proud of Faqr. Similarly, Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) narrates in his Punjabi Abyat. False is the rule of the world and Faqr is true kingship.
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Engr. Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali and Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar presenting conference souvenir to Dr. Muhammad Safeer.
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In the evening, a Sufi Musical session was also organized in which the Sufi Kalam of Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) was sung by Raja Hamid Ali and his Team. Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar (Pro Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab) delivered the vote of thanks.
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