Punjab University's Pakistan Study Centre (PSC) organised a seminar on 'Chisti Sufis' and the culture of books at its seminar hall. Professor Dr Sajida Alvi, eminent scholar and Professor of Islamic Studies at McGill University, Canada was the keynote speakers while PSC Director Professor Dr Mussarrat Abid, Dr Professor Dr Sabir Alvi of Toronto University, Canada, former chairman of PU History Department, Professor Ali Abbas, faculty members and students from various institutions were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sajida Alvi said that knowledge is not a monopoly of the privileged one. She said the Sufi wore simple clothes, possessed no worldly wealth, but promoted the culture of books. She said that they authored books, bought books, even if they had to borrow money to purchase the books and they usually had a huge collection of the books.

The speaker highlighted the emphasis of the character building of the followers. She also spoke on revitalisation of the Chishti order in the eighteenth century in Punjab, with special reference to the influence of Mawalana Fakhr al-Din (one of the most popular of the Chishtia saints) on Nur Muhammad Maharawi, saint of Chishtiya order in 18th century.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012