Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman made it clear that Sufism is not separate sect of Muslims but its practice encapsulates the very essence of our faith
Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman has called for promoting the Sufi message of tolerance and love to fight the tendencies of hatred and prejudice.
She was speaking at the Smithsomian Institute in Washington.
She said Sufism embraces the spirit of tolerance and inclusion in both its discourse and practice. This is one of the reasons why Sufi saints and mendicants played a central role in the spread of Islam‚ especially in South Asia‚ making it the second biggest and the most practiced religion in the world.
She said Islam found its root and mass appeal in our sub continent through the twin instrument of practice and preaching. She said the humility of the Sufi preacher and the egalitarianism of his message was what converted hundreds of thousands to Islam in a society stratified by class and caste.
Quoting the peace and tolerance messages of great Sufi Saints‚ the Ambassador said the Sufi saints are the faith healers‚ the guides to inner peace‚ and the authors of much wisdom.
She clarified that Sufism is not a sect of Islam. Its practice encapsulates the very essence of our faith.
She said in this age of competing ideologies‚ the universality of the Sufi message is increasingly relevant both within and outside to cool down fires of intolerance and religious division.
She said it is the most appropriate and opportune time to think and reflect about the message of unity‚ peace‚ togetherness and patience exemplified by the life and teachings of Sufi saints and their philosophy of life.
She however regretted that those who dominate international media discourse have strayed far from the teachings of Sufi masters. She said the essence of Islam advocates peace above all else.
Referring to the Sufi music‚ she said the Sufi literature and poetry in Pakistan has helped promote the messages of love and peace. She said the female voice is playing a more central role in purist Sufi-ritual‚ especially in the singing of devotional poetry.
Full text of speech of the Ambassador
http://www.embassyofpakistanusa.org/news544_09222012.php
