‘Muslims in India bear the brunt when the two countries fight’ – Muzzafer Ali
By Anil Datta
By Anil Datta
The two-day Sufi conference that concluded in Karachi on Sunday provided more than a glimmer of hope, focusing on the shared culture and sublime teachings of Sufism. Embedded in the conference lay the vision of a loving, closely-knit, inclusive community for all, despite the prevalent violence, bigotry, hate, and extremism that plague our society and the world at large today.
A packed hall reflected in the on-stage screen
A galaxy of luminaries from various fields talked about the virtues of Sufism and the all-pervasive, infinite presence of an infinitely omnipotent God rather than just lip service to His name and using It for convenience and expediency.
Besides names like Raza Rabbani, Hameed Haroon, and Uxi Mufti from Pakistan, several speakers from countries like the US, UK, France, Germany, just to mention a few, participated in the conference.
It was heartening to see a delegate from a country like the UK, where secularism has translated into unabashed atheism, talk about the omnipresence of God. “God is there everywhere”, said Rosemary James from the UK.
Well-known intellectual, journalist, and filmmaker Muzzafar Ali from India talked about the role of the dance in Sufiism. Dance, he said, is a state of mind and that is what the Fakirs do. Dance, he said, was never without a reason. It was an outlet to divine ecstasy.
MA-Sharmila-Junaid Ahmed.jpg – Sindh culture minister presents a momento to Indian luminary Muzzafer Ali. Photos: Junaid Ahmed
Speaking to The News later, he said that the conference was most relevant today given the hate, frenzy, terrorism, bigotry and international animosity. “This is most relevant in the South Asian context, given the way the two countries (India and Pakistan) are frittering their energies away on issues that can be settled through love, peace, and understanding,” he said.
“I stress the South Asian context because, we, the large number of Muslims in India have to bear the brunt of the situation when the two countries fight.”
Despite the general difficulties of Indians and Pakistani obtaining visas to each other’s countries, Muzhaffar Ali and his wife were granted visas to visit Pakistan without any problems whatsoever.
“The Pakistan Embassy staff were highly helpful and polite. Getting the visa for myself and my wife was no hassle,” he said.
Asked if he had sensed any hostility as an Indian in Pakistan he said, “None” and added that by and large, their visit has been really pleasant.
Anil Datta is a senior reporter at The News International covering cultural and diplomatic activities.
Email: [email protected]
