Need for research work on Sufism urged
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Salim Saifullah Khan has said that research work on 'Sufism' in the country should be paid due heed as it is the realessence of our society.
Speaking at the book launching ceremony (Hayat-i-Qalandar Shahbaz) at Quaid e Azam University here on Thursday, the minister said, our younger generations should have a peep into the lives and services rendered by great saints of our historic land.
"It is observed that enough research is not carried out on the works and services of great Sufi and the book writing trend has been on the wane which must be a serious concern," the minister observed.
The minister said, President Pervez Musharraf sets anemulating trend for the rest of the writers by writing a book.
He said that a thorough research work on these personalities and their mission, aimed at propagating the real message of Islam as a religion of peace, tolerance and respect for other religions, would help to tackle the present day challenges.
He said, Sufi Council set up PML is a step towards this direction which will help gain maximum benefit from the works left by sufi.
He congratulated Professor Dr Hyder Sindhi for writing avaluable book on a rare subject and said government is ready to encourage these healthy trends.
PML General Secretary Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed in his speech said, Islam in the sub-continent spread out not under the use of any force but by the preaching of saints.
It must be promoted as it is a vital part of our heritage and rooted deeply in our society, he added.
He said, importance of Sufism can be realized from the fact that in the two main lines namely 'Sikandari and Qalandari' running steeply in our society, the latter always survived while the former succumbed to changes.
Mushahid also underlined the need for disseminating the messages of saints wrapped in moral values.
He said, these personalities who served as beacons of light for the whole humanity also enjoyed leadership qualities, which is an essential ingredient for every field of life.
Professor Dr Hyder Sindhi in his speech elaborated the efforts involved in the completion of his work and various factors which encouraged him to undertake such a venture.
Vice Chancellor QAU, Qasim Jan, Director National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research Professor Dr Riaz Ahmed, Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi and others also delivered speeches while Pir Naqeeb ud Din Shah also attended the function.