MKRMS Seminar: ‘Data Ganj Bakhsh guided people towards right path’

LAHORE: The role of revered saints (Auliya-e-Uzam) and Sufis in social history has always been profoundly historic, constructive, reformative and exemplary. Through their teachings, these spiritual guides have played a pivotal role in steering society towards spirituality, moral reformation, welfare and progress.

Their influence in the socio-religious history of the subcontinent - Pakistan and India - is especially significant. Undoubtedly, Hazrat Ali bin Usman Hajweri (RA), widely known as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), is among these eminent saints whose teachings have guided countless lost souls towards the right path. The impact of his wisdom continues to benefit people to this day. Among both the masses and the elite, he is known as ‘Data Ganj Bakhsh’.

In this regard, a special seminar and Mushaira were organised under the auspices of Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Memorial Society, Department of Auqaf and Religious Affairs, and Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS). This event was part of the millennium celebrations marking one thousand years of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh’s seminal work, Kashf-ul-Mahjub.

The seminar was chaired by Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs (Punjab). Guests included Bilal Yasin, Provincial Minister for Housing, and Aziz Ahmad Awan, Chief Organiser and Media Coordinator, PESS; Convenor, Khushhal Pakistan), under the patronage of Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari, Secretary and Chief Administrator of the Auqaf Department. The keynote address was delivered by renowned poet and scholar Iftikhar Arif.

Among the speakers were Nabeel Javaid, Senior Member, Board of Revenue, Mujeeb- ur-Rehman Shami, senior journalist, Dr Uzma Zaree, Khawaja Ghulam Qutbuddin Faridi, Chairman, National Council of Mystics, Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi. Chairman Islamic Ideological Council of Pakistan, Baba Muhammad Yahya Khan, Abbas Tabish, Director, Majlis-e-Taraqqi-e-Adab, Dr Abdul Majid Nadeem, Chairman, Hajweri Chair, Punjab University, Lahore.

The event was hosted by Wasif Nagi, Chairman Mir Khalil- ur-Rehman Memorial Society.

Chaudhry Shaffay Hussain emphasised promoting teachings of Syed Hajweri is a key objective of the department. He announced efforts are underway to modernise and digitalise the Auqaf Department, including putting various excerpts and translations of Kashf-ul-Mahjub online for easier access. He noted this millennium celebration series is being executed successfully and that the teachings of saints help promote peace and tolerance. “Our elders taught us to create space for one another”, he added.

Bilal Yasin expressed pride in participating in any event related to Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. He praised Auqaf Department and Secretary Dr Tahir Bukhari for their diligent work in organising this meaningful celebration.

Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari, Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf, explained the department is organising comprehensive celebrations for the completion of 1,000 years of Kashf-ul-Mahjub, lasting four months both domestically and internationally. He emphasised Punjab and Lahore are lands of saints, and that Kashf-ul-Mahjub offers a complete guide to creating a tolerant society. “In line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, our department is actively promoting the message of love, peace, and tolerance”, he added.

Iftikhar Arif highlighted the enduring relevance of Kashf-ul-Mahjub, calling it a masterpiece of spiritual and mystical literature. He pointed out translations of the book exist in multiple languages and that the text remains unaltered even after 1,000 years. “Sufism existed even before it had a name”, he remarked.

Aziz Ahmad Awan, said throughout history, Allah has sent His chosen servants to guide humanity. Among such figures today is Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who has demonstrated strategic brilliance and foiled the enemy’s plans, showing continued dedication to the nation’s welfare.

Nabeel Javaid, expressed a personal connection to the spiritual darbar of Data Ganj Bakhsh. He called Kashf-ul-Mahjub a foundational text of Sufism and praised the ongoing expansion of Data Darbar Complex as a commendable effort. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami highlighted the wide-scale translations and teachings of Kashf-ul-Mahjub, calling it an extraordinary book.

Khawaja Ghulam Qutbuddin Faridi, said Data Ganj Bakhsh’s life and teachings are a source of love, hope and mercy. “Detaching the reverence for Data Sahib from Punjab’s religious culture is, if not impossible, then certainly difficult”, he said.

Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi discussed the enduring blend of Sufism and knowledge in Kashf-ul-Mahjub, stating: “A mystic (Arif) is always a scholar (Aalim), but not every scholar is a mystic”.

He said Hazrat Hajweri did not appoint a spiritual successor, yet his shrine continues to be a source of spiritual inspiration. Dr Abdul Majid Nadeem, expressed gratitude for being part of this blessed gathering. Dr Uzma Zaree said Hazrat Data Ali Hajweri eliminated the darkness of disbelief through his teachings. “His life remains a guiding light, and Kashf-ul-Mahjub, written in Lahore, continues to lead humanity on the right path”.

Wasif Nagi remarked Lahore is the city of saints. He said Kashf-ul-Mahjub was written here and continues to offer moral and religious guidance even today. — Report by Eisha Asif