ISLAMABAD, Nov 16: Scholars and writers paid rich tributes to the revered saint of Sindh, Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, whose 739th death anniversary was observed here under the aegis of the ECO Cultural Association and literary Organisation, Daira, on Friday.

Federal Culture Minister Col (Retd) S K Tressler presided over the programme, which was also addressed by Information Secretary Syed Anwar Mahmood; Dr Mehdi Raza; Chairman Federal Secondary and Intermediate Board, Prof Allah Wasayo; Director Institute of Cultural and Historical Research Prof Dr Reyaz Ahmad; Institute of Policy Studies research associate Prof Dr Haidar, freelance writer Col (Retd) Ghulam Sarwar, Daira, Secretary General Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi and Ihsan Kibria.

This was the first time that death anniversary of saint, poet, and scholar Lal Shahbaz was observed in the Capital, to promote national integration and create awareness of spiritual links among the different areas of the country.

Participants urged provincial auqaf departments, that collected crores of rupees from the charity boxes placed at these shrines, to sponsor research projects on the life and works of these illustrious saints, who spread the message of tolerance, love and fellow feeling among the people.

Mr Tressler said the message of love spread by the saints, and particularly Hazrat Lal Shahbaz was all encompassing and included adherents of all religions who visited the mausoleum for solace and comfort.

These noble people spread teachings of Islam with emphasis on love and compassion. Their way of life inspired others to accept Islam, observed the minister.

The information secretary, Syed Anwar Mahmood underlined the need to demonstrate tolerance and respect for opposing views.

Prof Dr Haidar said people visit the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz for mental peace and emotional tranquillity. He said pilgrims read the Quran hundreds of times at his shrine and devotees deposit funds as much as Rs500,000 in the charity boxes.

Prof Allah Wasayo suggested that centres for higher studies on works of mystics should be established in the universities of Pakistan.

He said people had misinterpreted the traditional red dress and dhamal dances which were symbolic representation for union with the transcendental. Hazrat Shahbaz was a profound thinker and spoke about unbounded love for mankind notwithstanding the person’s origin and religion.

Col Ghulam Sarwar said teachings of this great saint showed an insight into ways of achieving good breeding and inter-personal conduct in dealing with people.

In his comments Prof Dr Reyaz Ahmad said Hazrat Lal Shahbaz and other mystics made great impact on the people of the subcontinent in the 13th century and made gains for Islam.

The keeper of the house of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Dr Mehdi Raza, who came from Sehwan Sharif said the saint was born in Merwan, part of Turkemenistan in the 11th century, and came to Sehwan Sharif, travelling through Mashad, Najaf, Makkah, Makran, and Multan.

He was a profound scholar and four books, written by him in Arabic and Persian were prescribed for reading in educational institutions of the time, he added.

He said that dhamal was not a dance but an act simulation of Hazrat Zainul Abedin, who was accustomed to walking on hot sand lifting one foot and the naqqara kettledrum was the beat to which the feet moved.

Dr Raza maintained that the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar occupied a place in the hearts of the people, who come to the shrine to listen to common woes and share each other’s difficulties.—Jonaid Iqbal