‘Sufi teachings of Hazrat Shah Hussain remain essential for fostering harmony’

LAHORE: Secretary Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta has said that the timeless Sufi teachings of Hazrat Shah Hussain (RA), popularly known as Madho Lal Hussain (RA), continue to illuminate hearts with the message of love, tolerance, and unity, offering a powerful antidote to the challenges of the modern world. He noted that these teachings remain essential for fostering harmony, compassion, and peaceful coexistence in society.

He expressed these views while addressing the Tasawwuf Conference held on the second day of the 438th three-day annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Shah Hussain (RA). The conference highlighted that Urs festivities serve not only as a source of spiritual rejuvenation but also as a vibrant platform for promoting social cohesion and interfaith harmony.

Dr. Ehsan Bhutta emphasized that the Tasawwuf Conference aims to reconnect the youth with the true essence of Sufism, guiding them towards a path of moderation, spirituality, and service to humanity. He added that the message of Hazrat Shah Hussain (RA) is deeply rooted in divine love and human compassion, which continues to inspire generations across the world. He reaffirmed that the Auqaf Department is making dedicated efforts to ensure the provision of best possible facilities to devotees during the Urs.

The enduring message of Hazrat Shah Hussain (RA) continues to inspire hearts with love, tolerance, and spiritual unity, transcending time, culture, and geography. His poetry teaches that true love—whether for God or humanity—is a path to inner peace and universal harmony. Dr Ehsan Bhutta said that this Sufi vision finds echoes in the works of Western poets who also explore love as a bridge between the human and the divine. John Donne, in “The Canonization,” presents romantic love as a sacred force, where the bond between two hearts mirrors the devotion of the soul to God. William Blake’s “The Sick Rose” reflects the delicate and vulnerable nature of love, resonating with Sufi themes of the soul’s struggles and transformation. William Wordsworth, in “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey,” sees nature as a lover, elevating the soul and offering spiritual insight, while Emily Dickinson frames love as eternal and transcendent, akin to the Sufi journey beyond the mortal plane.

Dr. Ehsan Bhutta highlighted that the works of Hazrat Shah Hussain (RA) and other Sufi saints convey a universal truth: love is not merely an emotion but a sacred energy that binds humanity, bridges differences, and guides the seeker toward the Divine. This timeless wisdom demonstrates that across cultures and centuries, love remains the most powerful instrument for spiritual awakening and unity.

Highlighting the broader vision of the Government of Punjab, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta stated that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a comprehensive plan is being implemented to revamp and uplift shrines across the province. He said special emphasis is being placed on improving infrastructure, enhancing facilities for devotees, and preserving the spiritual and historical significance of these sacred sites. He further noted that Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman is fully committed and closely overseeing these initiatives to ensure their timely and effective execution.

The conference was attended by eminent scholars Dr. Masood Mujahid from Minhaj ul Quran, Dr Ranjeet Singh, prominent ulema of the Auqaf Department Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem, Imran Hanfi, Mufti Masood ur Rehman, mashaikh, intellectuals, and a large number of devotees from different walks of life. Speakers unanimously stressed that Sufi teachings hold the key to addressing contemporary societal challenges by promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and mutual respect. They underscored that the enduring message of Hazrat Shah Hussain (RA) will continue to guide humanity towards peace and unity for generations to come.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026