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Ms. Rabia Kayani
PHD Scholar
Sultan-al- Ārifeen (Sultan Bahoo) in the light of “Shams-ul- Ārifeen”
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The highly distinguished and eminent mystic of the Indo-Pak Subcontinent Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) has been the fountain of blessedness and benediction since centuries. His book “Shams-ul- Ārifeen” is not a separate book but a compilation of selected essays from his eight books i.e. Kaleed-ut-Toheed, Qurb-e-Deedar, Majmu Alfazal, Aql-e-Baidar, Jamia-ul-Asrar, Noor-ul-Huda, Ain-e-Numa and Fazal-ul-Liqaa. In short, this book contains the crux of the writings of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) which enlightens the soul of a seeker. Devoted study of this book creates unique effects and sincere love for Allah (ﷻ) appears in the reader. The devotee progresses on the path of spiritualism until he is bestowed upon Divine revelation.
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Prof. Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi
Chairperson Persian Department, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore
Role of Mevlana Rumi & Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo's Teachings to Eradicate Religious Intolerance
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Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) are the real manifestation of humanitarian attributes, tolerance and love to mankind. Teachings of both Mystics impart the same message of affection to the people. It is imperative for human soul to establish strong relation with the Allah (ﷻ) and His believers. To accomplish the essence of love with the Almighty, one must try to be kind and affectionate to His creatures. Educational institutions and various universities can play a vital role in this regard. Teachings of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) are torchlights for us to achieve this goal of an exemplary society.
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Prof. Dr. Khaliq Dad Malik
Chairman, Department of Arabic, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Human as a Superior Creation: Teachings of Mevlana Rumi & Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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The teachings of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) guide a human being to become the best creature among all. In this respect, they assembled all skills together that are required through which a man can reach such high positions. From the biography of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ), it is known that both strived for the revival of Islam. They have provided the spiritual and rational reasoning of the purification of an individual through Holy Qurʾān and Sunnah. They both successfully invited Individuals towards Allah with their unique style.
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Dr. Osman Ali Saad Eldin
President, Sudanese Community in Pakistan
Teaching of Mevlana Rumi and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo in Curbing Social Evils
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In Africa, like South Asia, Sufis spread the universal message of Islam. In Sudan, majority of Sudan’s population follow the teachings of Haḍrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (رحمۃاللہ علیہ). Undoubtedly, like all other Sufis, Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) preached the message of humanity, tolerance, peace, love, harmony and co-existence in the world. Humbleness is suitable for human being. Hostility begins when someone gets misguided because of the arrogance of his education, power, wealth or beauty etc. The desire erupts in him to subordinate others based on his knowledge, power and wealth. Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) says:
In the darkness of night, ardent love kindles light Hoo
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Prof. Dr. Muhammad Reza Nasiri
Secretary, Academy of Letters Tehran, Iran
Distinguish Guest Remarks
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It is pertinent to mention the editing of modern Masnavi by Professor Muhammad Ali Mohid. He spent 40 years of his life in compiling the manuscript. He used ancient manuscripts that were used in the early days of Mevlana. The significance of Nicholson’s manuscript has not diminished in any way. Ali Mohid studied Nicholson’s and other editing of manuscripts such as he mentioned Abdul Taif Abbasi’s 80 corrected copies of Masnavi, he concluded that, work of Nicholson regarding the manuscript is best among all he read. After 40 years of struggle, Ali Mohid edited the manuscript in modern English style.
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H.E. Abdelrahman Mahmoud
Charge d' Affairs, Embassy of Sudan, Islamabad
Chief Guest Remarks
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The message of Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is based upon humanity and leads human beings towards self-actualization and dignity which is bestowed upon by God. The scholarly works of both Sufis are still relevant and purposeful even after the considerable lapse of time. According to Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ), as long as we pursue our wants, we will be chasing shadows forever rather than the essence of happiness. If we begin to focus on our needs, we realize quickly that those are few and not too difficult to fulfil. We have time then to contemplate on the purpose of our earthly existence and to reflect what is really important to us.
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Dr. Nowshad Ali Khan
Vice Chancellor, Islamia College University, Peshawar
Remarks by the Chair
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The decision is more precious than life, which determines whether we like to live risk full life or peaceful life. A human being is the embodiment of two things which are body and soul, common people look after only body but special people look after their soul as well. These shining stars, Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) guided us to pay attention to our soul. This is our duty to learn the lessons of the 20th century and also prepare ourselves for the 21st century challenges. There should be an institution of Ijtehad entrusted upon whole Muslim Ummah. The teachings of Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) should be a part of our syllabus.
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Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali presenting conference souvenir to Dr. Nowshad Ali Khan.
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Significance of Poetic Works of Mevlana Rumi and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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Prof. Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Vice Chancellor, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan was the Chair of the Session. Mr. Rafaqat H. Malik (Research Associate MUSLIM Institute) moderated the proceedings of the session. Brief Remarks of the speakers are as follow:
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Dr. Muhammad Masood Abbasi
Faculty of Arts, Department of Urdu, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad
Significance of Soul in the Poetry of Mevlana Rumi & Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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Though cast-system was prevalent in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent, when Islam arrived, lower cast people were not entitled to hear anything worth-listening from the nobles. Sufis developed a system of ‘Khanqas’ which became centre of equality among humans. The preachers of Islam, conveyed the message of Allah (ﷻ) and His Prophet (ﷺ) to them as well without any discrimination. Sermons of these preachers were for everyone and anyone could either join to listen or leave. Rumi’s couplets, in essence, are precious pearls of intellect and gnostic science. In literary circles, there is a huge number of admirers for his various masterpieces. His wisdom and works are highly acknowledged in entire subcontinent. His message is torchbearer for Muslims.
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Dr. Saeed Ahmad Saeedi
Department of Islamic Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Intellectual Dimensions of Mevlana Rumi & Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo’s Poetry
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Mysticism is the call from a far essentially for the soul to which it naturally gravitates. If we need to restore the organic link between knowledge and religion, we will have to imbue it with the mystic teachings of the great saints and purge it with inner purification. Otherwise, its usefulness will continue to decrease gradually. Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) has said in this regard,
" علم را بر تن زنی مارے بود
علم را بر دل زنی یارے بود‘‘
If knowledge is made to cultivate body and the desires are the attendant upon it, it turns into a poisonous snake. But if knowledge is devoted to the cultivation of soul, it becomes one's guide and friend.
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Mr. Nadeem Bhabha
Poet, Writer & Critic
Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo as a Quintessential 'Murshid' (spiritual mentor)
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I would like to repeat after Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) when he defines the word "murshid". Murshid is the one who is unreservedly devoted to Allah (ﷻ) and is alive with His presence. He resurrects a dead heart and dispenses death to the corporeal desires. Murshid is ‘the philosopher's stone, which can turn base metals into gold. His gaze is full of blessings like that of the sun. He purifies the seeker of all of his/her bad habits. Murshid is the most ethical being and his ethics are in accordance with the pattern set by the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). His kindness exceeds that of parents. His bounties are like an ocean of pearls.
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Prof. Dr. Fakhar ul Haq Noori
Former Dean & Principal, Oriental College, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Message of Love and Co-Existence in the Poetry of Mevlana Rumi and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo
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We are facing multiple challenges today and in order to deal with these challenges, we have to take full advantage of the teachings of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ). In fact, we have to implement their teachings in our daily lives. Divine message is not confined to one particular place or region. Tasawwuf is actually the code of life adopted by Sufi saints which is present in front of us in the shape of Sufi poetry, Abyat and Masnavi etc. Sufi poetry gained such status only by dint of such Sufis. Such poetry talks about the oneness of Allah (ﷻ), purification of one’s self and the enlightenment of one’s heart and soul.
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Prof. Dr. Piotr Kłodkowski
Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilisations, Jagiellonian University, Poland
Sufi Teachings for Global Peace and Interfaith Harmony
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Perfect harmony and balance are visible in the lives of Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ). Today, we are living in the world of over consumption. Not only just the material over consumption, ideological over consumption, psychological over consumption and political over consumption. We want to control as many people as possible. We want to control as many countries as possible. That's the lack of this balance. The Sufi message to the world of 21th century is very important. It is the message on the perfect balance and harmony which should help us refrain from material and ideological over consumption. And that's the message of peace and tolerance which will be understood by the people of different cultures and religions.
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Prof. Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi
Vice Chancellor, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
Remarks by the Chair
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Mevlana's poetry is very simple Persian which a person with rudimentary knowledge of Persian can read. Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) Says:
‘You are with me, and you are with no one, you are with everyone, and not with me, you are with none’.
Once a person inquired from a visitor of Haḍrat Khawaja Ghareeb Nawaz (رحمۃاللہ علیہ), that, what you learnt from his shrine, he replied that, whosoever visited him, he gave him equal treatment regardless of his religion; he has a big dining and everyone was offered meal on it and he used to eat very little by himself; and his humbleness. Major lessons of Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Sufis like him are truthfulness, tolerance, love for all. The book " Mevlana Rumi and Sultan Bahoo" published by Muslim Institute is very important.
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Chief Guest of the Session was Pir Noor Ul Haq Qadri (Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony) and Distinguished Guest was Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan (Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions). Mr. Usman Hasan (Research Associate MUSLIM Institute) moderated the proceedings of this session.
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Brief Remarks of the speakers in Concluding Session of the conference are as follow:
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Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar
Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Welcoming Remarks
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I welcome you all from the core of my heart in this spiritually blessed gathering. Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali and his hospitality is the soul of this conference. Once Rabia Basri (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) asked a great Sufi of his time. If she seeks forgiveness from Allah, will He forgive her? That Sufi replied that Allah sow the seed of repentance and forgiveness only in those hearts whom He had already forgiven. University of the Punjab is privileged to host third conference which is aimed to promote the message of Sufis among youth. In the beginning, it was a one day conference and soon it extended up to two days. And the diversity of the subject requires that there are chances of its extension up to three days.
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Prof. Dr. Zia ul Qayyum
Vice Chancellor, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad
Guest of Honour
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Sufis like Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) propagated the message of love, harmony and following principles guided by Deen and the only channel they adopted was practicing the same by themselves. Their method of guiding the general public and providing solutions to the social problems was so universal that it seems relevant even today. Such Sufis did not receive any formal education but their knowledge and wisdom left one mesmerizing. It was only due to their untiring efforts and their ardent love with and firm faith over Allah (ﷻ). They presented solutions to the prevailing socio-economic issues through their writings and Kalam.
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Prof. Dr. Qamar Ali Zaidi
Principal, Oriental College, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Guest of Honour
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The Sufi, by his very existence, words, and actions, bare the mercy, the custodian of which is the beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Additionally, Sufi provides intellectual guidance for the thinkers, practical guidance for the practitioners and facilitates the path to unity with Allah (ﷻ). As, Haḍrat Syed Abdul Qādir Gīlānī (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) states that the door of ultimate reality can never open to the person who does not strengthen his Imaan (believe) with Kalima Tayyiba through verbal profession and heart-felt conviction. This is the path of Tasawwuf, this is Tariqat, Haqiqat and Shariah. So, humanity and universalism need a solid foundation. Foundation without principles does not benefit humanity. Civilization without foundation principles does not unite humanity and does not unite hearts.
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Charanjit Kaur
Former Education Inspector, Ealing District, UK
Guest of Honour
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Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is admired in the west because of excellent translations of his writings. Whereas, Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) has been immortalized through his Kalam that is popular all over the world. Spirituality is the inner core made up of the entire experiences of one’s life, out of which come the motivations, inspirations and commitments that make one live and decide in a particular way. The Sufi teachings infused the common people with Divine spirituality, love and harmony. Sufi culture which is in simple terms defined as the consciousness of the divine, intensify piety and inculcate humanistic attitude. Although, Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is not with us but he continues to live within us spiritually. Similarly, Kalam of Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) deals with human existence and he also exists with us.
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Gurmit Singh Hanzara
President Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Hounslow, UK
Guest of Honour
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All the wars of the world are the outcomes of hatred. If we set aside our hatred, what we are left with is love. Our creator is One. Our Lord wants us His confluence. O man! this world was meant to be an abode of worship but you fell victim to lingual, regional, religious and state divisions. We need to unite and have to realise its reflection in everybody. Thus, we have to have a balanced love for every creature. Only then we can achieve His happiness. We can learn from flower as how to smile ourselves and make others smile. As Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) says:
“If moving beads of rosary does not move heart, what is the use of it – Hoo"
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Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali
Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
Guest of Honour
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There is a museum adjacent to the shrine of Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ). There is also a begging bowl there. The students who used to come to Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) for learning were handed over that begging bowl in order to shun their ego. Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) emphasized that man is sent to help others. The philosophy of Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) was not aimed to humiliate humans rather to make them humble. Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is one of the greatest poets of the world. In his poetry, he does not negate worldly knowledge rather he repeatedly taught us the lesson to gain such knowledge which sow the seed of love for humanity.
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Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan
Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions
Distinguish Guest Remarks
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Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan wishes to work on Tasawwuf. In this respect, establishment of Al-Qadir University has been materialized. One, who is associated with the teachings of Sufis can never be the embodiment of hate, prejudice, sectarianism, extremism and can never be the part of any terrorist activity. However, such a man will not support any particular sect or ideology, rather he will care and think about the benefit of humanity. Such people not only talk about love for humanity but also for the whole of His creatures. For example, points derived by Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) from nature are extremely meaningful. He derives lesson from the working of various natural objects like river, sea, followers and even birds like eagle.
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Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony
Chief Guest Remarks
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Whenever Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) talks about his Murshid, they mean the soul of Haḍrat Syed Abdul Qādir Gīlānī (رحمۃاللہ علیہ). And when Haḍrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jelani talks about his Murshid, he means beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) named Tasawwuf as message of love and abstinence from hate. Tasawwuf talks about acting upon morals. And one who is ahead in morality, he is ahead in Tasawwuf. Once Imam Shafi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) was walking through the streets of Cairo along with his students. A dog came across them suddenly, his student threw a stone at dog. Upon this, Imam Shafi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) got annoyed and said he will be questioned upon this on the day of judgement. A dog has also the right of passage as humans have.
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Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad
Vice Chancellor, Uiversity of the Punjab, Lahore
Vote of Thanks
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I would like to congratulate Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali and Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar for organizing this conference. I am thankful to Pir Noor ul Haq Qādri and Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan who came a long way to attend this conference. It is our duty to organize such conferences where we can train our youth. I hope this effort will continue. The guiding inspiration behind the message of both Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is Holy Prophet (ﷺ). The justice system devised by the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) earned such universal respect that when an issue erupted between a Muslim and a Non-Muslim, it was brought before the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) for adjudication.
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Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali
Chairman, MUSLIM Institute
Closing Remarks
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We are honoured to host guests from Iran, Poland, Sudan, U.K. and from every nook and corner of Pakistan i.e. Sindh, Punjab, K.P.K, Baluchistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. From these conferences, we are getting an in-depth sense of the ideology of Pakistan and rediscovering our culture that has been labelled as a terrorist culture since last 40 years. Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is known as a great Sufi saint. Similarly, Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) is a great Sufi saint by birth as it is evident from his childhood that as soon as one looks at his face, he embraces Islam by reciting Kalma. We would like to extend the cooperation of this conference. I am glad that the initiative started with a small conference. Now, it has become a brand of conferences conducted on Mevlana Rumi (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) and Haḍrat Sultan Bahoo (رحمۃاللہ علیہ) in Pakistan.
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