This is in response to the article written by Imran Khan and published by this newspaper on November 23. The writer has validly pointed out some of the positive points of Sufi shrines and the how the Sufis have helped the people of this area. Their work is commendable; I am saying this without any religious affinity. What they did is historic and heroic as they had to face hardships, persecutions and sometimes even punishments at the hands of government and other hard liners.
What the writer tried to avoid is their role in the lives of the people in contemporary period of time. Though they had been working brilliantly and they outshone many in the worldly achievements, they present influence seem only limited to the scourged sections of the society. Their true message is lost long ago and their shrines have become den of all sorts of illegal, immoral and criminal activities.
Of course, their message is still valid for us. It is in us the fault is. How else we can explain the hatred and intolerance rampant in the society. A bomb here, a bomb there was not the case centuries ago when these saints were alive. Their teachings, their thought and their actions were the source of attraction and had magnetic abilities to bring the people on the right path. They always promoted brotherhood, tolerance, forgiveness and piety in actions.
One thing I would really like to see in our country is that various sects and religions (as explained by the writer) come to senses and make a united front to promote the virtues that these Sufis were famous for.
ZAHEER AKHLAQ
Multan
