Contemporary Poetics Forum

“Literature and Sufism” by Prof. Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir

(On 31st October 2018)

Contemporary Poetics Forum, Department of English, Faculty of Languages and Literature, IIUI organised a lecture on “Literature and Sufism” on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. The Speaker was Prof. Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir, a renowned scholar, critic and researcher in Urdu literature and Sufi tradition. He did his Ph.D. from the University of Punjab, Lahore. Currently, he is serving as chairman of the Department of Urdu, Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad.

The session began with the introductory speech of Prof. Dr. Munawar Iqbal Ahmad Gondal, Dean, Faculty of Languages and Literature, who appreciated Dr. Sahir’s efforts for Urdu Literature. Dr. Sahir’s discussion began with his personal experiences with literature and Sufism and also shared his story of getting fond of reading. He said that he did not read much in his life but whatever he read, it was done with love and passion. Relating life, literature and Sufism with each other, he focused on expression of literature through the practices of life. Discussing Mirza AsadUllah Khan Ghalib’s work as the true expression of the subcontinental civilization and traditions, he stated that most of it was written in praise for the prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Ghalib is one of the motivating personalities in this modern age because his poetry does not belong to a specific period rather is a representation of a whole civilization. He added that a number concepts under discussion in contemporary literary theory and linguistics can also be found present in the works of HazratNizam Uddin Oliya’smalfoozaat, and there is a negligence on our part in this regard that we haven’t so far properly studied them. Highlighting the need to explore our languages and local traditions, he suggested three books to read and understand, Fawaid-ul-Fuad, Khair-ul-MajaalisandJawame-ul-Kalim.

Concluding the discussion, he said, “Language is the symbol of love and we have to love our language, tradition and civilization”. At the end, he suggested that we should not confine ourselves to linguistics and literature rather we need to get in touch with every field of knowledge. 

The lecture was attended by the faculty members and students. Dr. Muhammad Sheeraz,Chair, Department of English, presented his concluding remarks. He thanked Dr. Sahir for his presence and appreciated his lecture. At the end, Dr. Sheeraz along with Mr. Mahmood ul Hassan, Coordinator CPF and the other faculty members presented a souvenir to Dr. Sahir as a token of gratitude on the behalf of the Contemporary Poetics Forum, and the Department of English.