The three-day international conference titled “Mevlana Rumi and Hazrat Sultan Bahoo: Preachers of Human Friendship, Peace, Love, and Harmony” was held in Islamabad from 22–24 April 2025. It brought together over 150 national and international scholars to explore the spiritual philosophies and global relevance of these two Sufi saints.
The conference featured multiple academic sessions covering religious, philosophical, historical, literary, and cultural perspectives. A central theme was that the teachings of Rumi and Sultan Bahoo transcend boundaries of race, language, and geography, promoting universal values of love, unity, compassion, and inner purification. Their message emphasizes that true spirituality lies in self-awareness, discipline of the ego (nafs), and connection with the Divine.
Tasawwuf (Sufism) was described as a path of turning inward, detaching from worldly distractions while remaining active in society. The importance of Ma‘rifat (self and divine recognition) was highlighted as the key to becoming a complete human being. Both saints stressed the role of a perfect spiritual guide (Murshid) in achieving this spiritual elevation.
The conference also explored the influence of Sufism on literature, particularly Urdu and Pashto. Classical poets such as Amir Khusro, Mir, Ghalib, and Iqbal were discussed as carriers of Sufi thought, while Sultan Bahoo’s Punjabi poetry and Rumi’s works like Masnavi were recognized as powerful mediums of spiritual expression.
Philosophically, discussions addressed the concept of existence (wujud), emphasizing that Allah is the absolute reality, while all creation is dependent on Him. Sufis approach this understanding through spiritual experience rather than purely rational arguments.
In conclusion, the conference highlighted the urgent need to revive moral values, character building, and spiritual awareness, especially among youth. The teachings of Rumi and Sultan Bahoo were presented as timeless guidance for addressing modern challenges and building a peaceful, ethical, and spiritually enriched society.
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