One-day conference highlights role of saints

SUKKUR: A one-day national conference on the role of saints in promotion of human dignity and religious harmony was held at the Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. It was organised by the Institute of Islamic Studies.

Faculty of Arts & Languages Dean Prof Dr Muhammad Yousuf Khuhsk presided over the conference. Speaking on this occasion, he said, “Tasawwuf reflects the religion. By the promotion of Sufism, peace and tranquillity will prevail in our society. Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Parveen Shah, we are committed to promoting the Islamic values and ethics and to promotion of research culture on our campus. It is high time that the teachings and philosophy of saints may be promoted at large in order to establish tolerant, egalitarian and enlightened society.”

Khawaja Moeenud Din Mehboob Koreja, Custodian of the shrine of Khuwaja Ghulam Farid, Kot Mithan, said, “Our Sufis have veneration with humankind. In the Sub-continent, with the teachings of Khawaja Moeenud Din Chishti Ajmeri, approximately 90 lac Hindus embraced Islam. This is the glaring example of the soft image of a Sufi saint. Sufis have never given Fatwas against any religion. The shrines of Sufi saints are binding force in Pakistan for the promotion of peace, tranquillity, harmony and brotherhood. The shrines are being targeted by the militants to disturb the peace of Sufis.”

Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, University of Sindh, Prof Dr Muhammad Anwar Pathan, said, “It is the duty of the state to protect the lives, properties and belongings of the citizens and provide conducive and congenial environment for minorities and provide opportunities to citizens without any discrimination.”

Prof Dr Abdul Wahid Indhar, Zainul Aabideen Arejo, Qamarun Nisa Larik, Dr Allah Wasayo Soomro and others spoke on this occasion.

Dr Sajjad Ali Raeesi  highlighted the objectives of the conference. “This conference will have far reaching impact on the society for creating interfaith harmony and religious dialogue.”