700th Year Celebrations, Hazrat Abul Fateh Shah Rukn-e-Alam (ra)

Preston University Joins Hands with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan to Commemorate “700th Anniversary of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam”

 

The mega International Conference was held at the auditorium of Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House) on March 10, 2015. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Mamoon Hussain presides over the event as Chief Guest. Says, Sufism can help in eradicating extremism, sectarianism and terrorism. Profoundly lauds the endeavors of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (IFH), Preston University and the Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan for organizing the conference.         

 

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (IFH), Preston University and the Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan jointly organized an international conference to commemorate the “700th Anniversary of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam”. The mega event was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr (President House) Islamabad on March 10, 2015. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Ministers, Members of the Parliament, Ambassadors, Eminent Religious Figures, Intellectuals and Educationists were conspicuous by their presence at the conference.     

 

In his keynote address on the occasion, President Mamnoon Hussain said that the teachings of Sufi saints, based on peace, tolerance and love should be propagated to rid the society of extremism and sectarianism. Addressing the distinguished guests present at the international conference organized to mark the “700th Birth Anniversary of Sub-continent’s great Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam,” the President said seeking inspiration through Sufism could bring peace and harmony among mankind. President Mamnoon said Shah Rukn-e-Alam not only based his teachings on spiritualism but also advanced the cause of education, which was exclusive with Suharwardia ‘Silsila’ (succession) only. The president mentioned that the world was bearing the brunt of conflicts between different countries in the shape of wars and bloodshed. Promotion of Sufism, based on affinity and love, could prove to be helpful in mitigating the sufferings of humanity, he added.

 

Dr Abdul Basit, Chancellor Preston University in his welcome address highlighted the objectives of the conference. He appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and the Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan in successfully organizing the mega conference in collaboration with Preston University. He said Preston University has been dedicatedly serving the cause of higher education in the country since 1984. It has always gone out of the way to support every endeavour that is directed towards nation building. The international conference on “700th Birth Anniversary of Hazrat Shah Alam” is one of them, he maintained.   

 

Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said peace was becoming scarce in the world and stressed the need for promotion of Sufism as it encourages tolerant views for others. He said holding of the conference was important in view of the current situation of the country and added that the sole message of Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s teachings was love for mankind. The Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Amin Ul Hasanat mentioned that the mesmerism of Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s teachings attracted the people of sub-continent to embrace Islam in large numbers.

Chairman of Archaeological and Historical Association of Pakistan, Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi said his association would hold events to mark the 700th anniversary of Shah Rukn-e-Alam at the tomb of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia and in London. Dr Mehdi announced to set up the country’s first Sufi institute soon. 

Eminent among the other speakers who spoke on the occasion were: Afghan Ambassador Janan Mosazai, Ambassador of Tajikistan, Sher Ali S. Jononov, Cultural Consular of the Embassy of Iran, Shahabudin and Australian High Commissioner, Peter Heyward. They emphasized that seeking inspiration from the great Sufi saints to resolve the issues of humanity. They further said that the Muslims at this hour of discord and trouble should draw inspiration from the teachings of the great Sufi saints of the subcontinent. 

President of Pakistan, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain gave away mementos to some selected dignitaries and scholars working in the field of Sufism. 

 

 

 

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