Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Pir Syed Imran Ahmed Shah has said that the Sufi saints taught humanity the values of love, tolerance, and patience. In today’s world, where spiritual peace and social harmony are deeply needed, promoting the teachings of Sufism has become the need of the hour.
He was addressing the International Khidmat Conference, organized by Muslim Hands International to commemorate 100 years of Islamic services of Darul Uloom Muhammadiyah Ghousia Bhera Sharif.
The conference was attended by Chairman Muslim Hands International Pir Syed Lakht-e-Hasnain, Secretary Auqaf Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Galib Al-Husseini from Türkiye, Pir Muhammad Aminul Hasnat Shah of Bhira Sharif, Jameel-ur-Rehman Chishti, Mufti Ramzan Sialvi, Mehr Kashif Younis, and many other local and international spiritual leaders and religious scholars.
Speaking about the Khanqah system, the Federal Minister said that Sufi lodges were not just centers for spiritual reflection but also hubs of social welfare and public service. These were places where the rich and the poor, scholars and commoners, were all treated with equal respect.
He said that Sufi saints rendered remarkable services in the fields of education, health, peace, compassion for the poor, and moral leadership. They also played a pivotal role—both ideological and practical—in the Pakistan Movement.
The Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s true identity is rooted in the peaceful and loving message of the Sufis, and this message must be projected globally. He said it is essential to connect the younger generation with the teachings of Sufism to promote a culture of service, tolerance, and brotherhood in society.
"Let us pledge today to follow the path of the Sufis — a path that unites hearts, eradicates hatred, and uplifts humanity," he urged.
Calling the conference a historic moment, he said it was a tribute to the diverse social contributions of Sufi saints. "Sufism is not just about spiritual meditation but a complete way of life — based on service, love, humility, and justice," he remarked.
He further said that the Sufis laid the foundation for societal reform and public welfare through their personal conduct. "They made no distinction among people. They spread their message by laying out communal meals at every doorstep and lighting the candle of love in every heart."
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During the conference, the Urdu translation of the renowned Turkish Sufi scholar Sheikh Al-Sayyid Abdul Baqi Al-Husseini’s book “The Enlightened Path of Sufism: In Light of the Quran and Sunnah” was formally introduced. The translation was undertaken by Dr. Naeemuddin Al-Azhari.
The book explores concepts such as the definition of Sufism, its Shariah foundations, the etiquette of spiritual discipleship, the importance of remembrance (Zikr), the role of a perfect spiritual guide (Murshid Kamil), and the system of Khanqahs — all explained in light of the Quran and Sunnah.
Other speakers at the conference included Pir Syed Lakht-e-Hasnain, Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari, Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Pir Muhammad Aminul Hasnat Shah, Galib Al-Husseini, and Professor Dr. Buland.
At the conclusion of the conference, a collective resolve was expressed to associate Pakistan’s identity with the peaceful and loving message of the Sufis and to introduce this message to the younger generation.
