SAHIWAL – Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Pir Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, underscored the timeless relevance of Sufi teachings, describing them as the essential remedy for a world currently starved of spiritual peace and social harmony.
Speaking at the International Khidmat (Service) Conference, organized by Muslim Hands International, the Minister joined global scholars to celebrate a century of Islamic services by Dar-ul-Uloom Muhammadia Ghousia Bhera Sharif.
The Khanqah: A Hub of Equality and Welfare
Minister Shah highlighted the historical role of Sufi lodges, or Khanqahs, noting that they were far more than just centers for meditation. He described them as the original pillars of public welfare where the “lamp of love” was lit for everyone, regardless of status.
“These were places where both the rich and the poor, scholars and laypeople, were given equal respect,” the Minister stated. “The Sufis laid the foundations for public reform through their character, spreading communal meals and providing healthcare, education, and moral leadership.”
He further emphasized that Sufism represents a complete way of life rooted in justice, humility, and service, rather than just spiritual rituals.
Global Message and the New Generation
The Minister called for the message of peace and love—which he termed the “true identity of Pakistan”—to be promoted on the global stage. A key theme of his address was the urgent need to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and the modern youth.
Objective: To flourish values of patience and brotherhood in society.
Method: Integrating Sufi teachings into the education and social upbringing of the new generation.
Goal: To use the Sufi path to unite hearts and eliminate hatred.
Literary Milestone: “The Enlightened Path of Sufism”
A highlight of the conference was the introduction of the Urdu translation of a seminal work by renowned Turkish Sufi scholar Sheikh Al-Sayyid Abdul Baqi Al-Husseini.
The book, titled “The Enlightened Path of Sufism in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah,” was translated by Dr. Naeemuddin Al-Azhari. It provides a scholarly defense of Sufi practices, including:
The Shariah basis of Sufism.
The concept of spiritual allegiance (bay‘ah).
The etiquette of a perfect spiritual guide.
The practice of remembrance (dhikr).
A Gathering of Global Leaders
The event saw a high-profile turnout of religious and academic figures, including:
Pir Syed Lakht-e-Hasnain (Chairman, Muslim Hands International)
Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari (Secretary of Religious Affairs)
Raghib Hussain Naeemi (Chairman, Islamic Ideology Council)
Galib Al-Husseini (Turkey)
Pir Muhammad Amin-ul-Hasanat Shah (Bhera Sharif)
The conference concluded with a collective pledge to revitalize Pakistan’s national identity through the Sufi message of peace, ensuring that the legacy of service remains a guiding light for future generations.