Sufism plays role in developing Islamic thoughts and culture: Dipu Moni

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni today said Sufism has been playing profound impacts in developing of Islamic thoughts and cultures and is continuously playing role as a source of inspiration for people all over the world.

“Sufism is a mystical tradition of Islam that makes a path to self-realization. The purpose of human existence is to create a world of harmony that can be achieved through empathy and understanding,” said Dr Dipu Moni.

The minister was addressing the opening ceremony of the 4th International Conference on Sufism titled “Sociology of Sufism, Full-Humanity and Divine Quest for Social Harmony” at Dhaka University’s Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate auditorium on DU campus.

DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman gave the welcome remarks in the programme while Calcutta University history department professor Dr Amit Dey presented the keynote speech.

“Sufism has a long and rich history in the context of Bangladesh. It has played an important role in the culture and society of the country and has remained as a source of inspiration for thinkers and writers,” said Dr Akhtaruzzaman.

The two-day long conference was organized by Darul Irfan Research Institute (DIRI) in collaboration with Dhaka University’s Department of World Religions and Culture.

Chattogram BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology Prof. Dr. Mohammed Obaidul Karim, Sajjadanshin of Gauchia Ahmadiyya Manjil and founder of Hazrat Maulana Shah Sufi Syed Emdadul Haque Maizbhandari addressed as special guests.

DU Arts faculty dean Dr Abdul Bashir, Dhaka University’s WRC department Chairman and ICSSPHDQSH 2023 convener Professor Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam and Darul Irfan Research Institute (Diri) Managing Trustee Syed Irfanul Haque also addressed on the occasion.

A total of 102 research articles by researchers of 66 universities from 16 countries including – Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Brazil, Sweden, Algeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States are being presented in the conference.

Besides, a photo exhibition on Sufism was also arranged on the premises of Senate building. (BSS)