Aligarh: The Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), organised a two-day National Seminar on “Sufis of India and Their Contribution to the Promotion of Learning and Communal Harmony (12th to 19th Century),” with its inaugural function held on February 27, 2025.
Prof. Hassan Imam, Chairperson, Department of History, and Coordinator, Centre of Advanced Study, welcomed the guests and provided an insightful overview of the seminar’s theme, emphasising the role of Sufism in fostering communal harmony. He recited a couplet to illustrate its spiritual essence and highlighted the teachings of unity, humility, and devotion in Sufism.
Chief Guest Prof. Liaqat Moini, a retired professor from the Department of History, emphasised that serving humanity is equivalent to serving God. He portrayed Sufism as a universal message of love and compassion, quoting Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti to illustrate the selfless service of Sufi masters.
Guest of Honour Prof. I.A. Zilli provided a historical perspective on AMU’s Department of History, underscoring its scholarly contributions. He highlighted the significance of primary sources in historical research and acknowledged the contributions of renowned historians such as Prof. Mohammad Habib, Prof. K.A. Nizami, and Prof. Irfan Habib.
Prof. Nasir Raza Khan, another Guest of Honour and Director of the India Arab Culture Centre, discussed the role of Sufi shrines in fostering communal harmony. He cited the Dargah of Shah-i-Zinda in Bukhara as an example of the deep faith associated with Sufi sites and emphasised their cultural and economic significance.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. S.M. Azizuddin from Jamia Millia Islamia highlighted poetry as a medium for conveying Sufi teachings. He dispelled misconceptions about Sufism, stressing its focus on inner devotion rather than external appearances. Drawing from Nizamuddin Auliya’s teachings, he elaborated on the spiritual bond between master and disciple.
Convener of the seminar, Prof. Parvez Nazir, reflected on the significance of Sufism in promoting peace and harmony. He acknowledged the influence of his mentor, Prof. Rifaqat Ali Khan, in shaping his interest in the study of Sufism.
The event was moderated by Dr. Lubna Irfan, while Dr. Sana Aziz proposed a vote of thanks.
