Lecture on Sufism

The English Department conducted a lecture by eminent scholar and Sufi writer of international acclaim, Ms Amatullah Armstrong Chishti on 25th January, 2007 in the University Auditorium. Mr Mian Imran Masood, the then Minister for Education was the guest of honour on the occasion. The programme was an intellectual treat as literati from various educational institutes attended the programme. Dr Shahid Siddiqui, Ms Angella Williams and Mr Faizan Peerzada were among the noted guests.

Having authored five erudite works on Sufism, Ms Amatullah’s lecture elucidated the historical as well as contemporary issues pertaining to the Sufi thought. The proceedings were initiated by Ms Sarah Kazmi, Lecturer in English. She elaborated how Sufism assumes ‘global’ proportions by referring to poets like Derek Walcott and Seamus Heaney; Caribbean and Irish poets respectively, all focusing on the ‘essence’ of existence, the ‘Omaros’ and the ‘Omphalos’. These poets relate to the ‘seeker’ of the Path in their concept of the ‘Shaman’. Interestingly the seeker’s journey is inclined backwards, as it pursues the ‘roots’ of existence.

Mr Faizan Peerzada’s well-made documentary on Sufism was a valuable accompaniment to the in depth discourse made by Ms Armstrong. The documentary offered an insight into the Sufi thought amalgamating it with the ethos of the age, the cultural and regional dimensions which have come to shape the Sufi experience. The documentary received great applause from the audience.

Ms Amatullah’s lecture was very well-received by the students and the faculty members who thronged the auditorium in huge numbers. Ms Amatullah shed light on the multi-faceted concept of Sufism with great finesse. She dwelled on the history of Sufism and drew parallels between the various epochs of time. She stressed the need to inculcate the Sufi spirit of tolerance, peace, and fraternity against the backdrop of current geo-political scenario fraught with terrorism. The most touching note was her description of entering the folds of Islam and renunciation of Christian faith, her family back home and venturing to settle in Pakistan, a conscious choice, followed by testing times.

At the end of the proceedings she presented her five books to the VC, Dr Mrs Bushra Mateen for LCWU’s library. Dr Mateen while offering her vote of thanks highlighted the role of Sufism in propagating peace and harmony, the dire need of the hour.