LAHORE, Dec 17 Maulana Rumi was the most read Muslim poet in the Western countries because he emphasized upon the need to love creations (human being) for the sake of the Creator (God). His poetry was the message of love, affection, peace and brotherhood.

This was stated by speakers at a seminar organised on the eve of 736th death anniversary of Muslim Sufi poet Jalaluddin Rumi by Punjab University's Centre for South Asian Studies in collaboration with the Rumi Forum Pakistan here on Thursday.

Roman Scholar and Rumi Forum chairman Haroon Kokem said the Rumi Forum would enhance collaboration with the Punjab University and an exhibition of Prophet's relics preserved by Turkey would be organized in the PU.

He said Rumi believed that great people's graves were not built in ground but in the minds of intellectuals.

Mr Swat Argwan of the Rumi Forum said the Maulana Rumi's teachings could help resolve the problems being faced by Pakistan today.

PU acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Jamil Anwar said Rumi was a great Sufi poet but unfortunately our students knew a little about him due to the language barrier. He urged the students to learn Turkish, Persian, Arabic and other languages.—Staff Reporter