HYDERABAD, Jan 9: Prominent writers and poets of Sindh and Punjab have stressed the need for promoting Sufism to curb growth of extremism and fundamentalism.

They said that Sufism should be made a compulsory subject in the school to university curricula and urged political parties to base their manifestos on the principles of Sufism.

Speaking at an international Sufi conference organised by the International Sufi Foundation and Bazm-i-Baahoo at the Sindh Museum auditorium on Saturday, they called upon the government to publish selected works of Sufi poets in Urdu and English. The conference was held to pay homage to great Sufi saint-poet Sultan Bahoo.

Sufism is above the barriers of language, religion, colour and race and promotes peace, love and harmony among humans.

Renowned scholar and historian Dr. Nabi Bux Khan Baloch said that Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in Sindh and Sultan Baahoo in Punjab were great exponents of Sufism.

Secretary of Sindhi Language Authority and noted writer Taj Joyo said that Sultan Baahoo, Bullhay Shah and Shah Latif were eminent Sufis and poets of subcontinent who preached peace, love, harmony and unity.

Dr. Anwar Figar Hakro said that Baahoo devoted his life to preaching Sufism. Right from his childhood, Baahoo lived the simple life of a Faqir.

Poetess Ms Aasia Aslam form Lahore said that Baahoo and all other Sufis preached love, peace and human values.

Prof. Tehmina Mufti of Sindh University said that Sufi poets of the subcontinent preached love for humanity and their teachings could curb extremism and fundamentalism.

Dr Sultan Altaf Ali, Prof. Qalandar Shah Lakhyari, Dr. Mohammad Ali Manjhi and Dr. Sagar said that Baahoo was a Sufi poet and also a great philosopher. He was strongly opposed to fundamentalism, religious extremism and racism.

RESOLUTIONS: The conference adopted a number of resolutions, calling for dissemination of Sufi teachings in the country and abroad.

One resolution said that Sufism alone prevents wars. It urged the electronic media to devote at least one hour a day to programmes based on teachings of Sufi saints and poets.

Another resolution said that Sufism should not be restricted to shrines but should be spread to every nook and corner of the country.