Rumi zenith of Islamic mysticism: Chohan

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Fayaz-ul-Hassan Chohan has said that Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Rumi is zenith of Islamic mysticism.

Addressing a ceremony to mark the death anniversary of Sufi-poet Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Rumi at the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), here on Monday, the minister said, he was a great personality and his discourse of Sufism had enthralled the poet of the East Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

The Information Minister said, "Sufism is not such a discourse which eggs on a person to go to desert or jungle for leading an isolated life.

The concept of Sufism is rather different that teaches us to recognize ourselves by diving into the ocean of mysticism." He said that Maulana Rumi was a great personality of Persian literature and his poetry in Sufism for lapse of eight hundred years was remembered amongst-Sufi poet and lovers of mysticism. "If we act upon the teachings and discourse of Maulana Rumi in Sufism, we may create such a world which ensures peace and tranquility," he added.

"The discourse of Maulana Rumi teaches us that noble personalities do not die," added the Minister.

Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University Dr. Farkhanda Manzoor, Iranian Consul-General Reza Naziri, DG Iranian Consul-General Rezai Fard, Head of Persian Department Dr. Faleha Zehra and large number of girl students were present.

A documentary on the teachings and thoughts of Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Rumi was also screened on the occasion.

Later, well-known film artist Mira called on the Information and Culture Minister in his chamber and sought financial cooperation from the Culture Department for making a film for the revival of film industry.

The Minister assured her all-out cooperation from his department in this regard.