ISLAMABAD: Research think-tank MUSLIM Institute organised a roundtable discussion on the topic of “Sufism and Peace: Case study of Indonesia and Pakistan” in Islamabad.
Indonesia Embassy in Islamabad DHM Musurifun Lajawa, Indonesia Nahdlatual Ulema Researcher Sofiuddin, Indonesian Police Superintendent Fathonia Riaz, former ambassador Fouzia Nasreen, NUST CIPS Associated Dean Dr Tughral Yamin, IIUI History Department Chairman Dr Mujeeb Ahmad, MUSLIM Institute Coordinator Tahir Mehmood and Research Associate Ahmad Al Qadri were the speakers of the roundtable discussion
Speakers said that Sufis played a vital role for the humanity, and their hallmark was devotion to Almighty and service to humanity, and they had become a powerful moral force in the society.
In Indonesia, speakers said, Islam was spread neither by political power nor by Muslim jurists and added that it was done by Sufis, who were very tolerant of local culture. Sufis are the promoters of harmony, respect for humanity, selflessness, love and peace, they added.
“This harmony and peace is the real face of Islam and we need to show this real face of Islam to the world by our character,” the speakers stressed. Sufism has the power to attract people of different faiths, and treats humanity equally, they added.
Speaker argued that the Sufi teachings were deliberately excluded from the national curriculum which increased extremist ideologies in the society. In order to promote peace and tolerance in society, Sufi teachings must be inculcated in the national curriculum, they demanded.
International and national policymakers should understand the role of Sufism and utilise it accordingly for the betterment of society, they suggested.
