The Department of Educational Studies (DES), Jamia Millia Islamia(JMI) organized a workshop cum lecture on the theme ‘Role of Sufism in Self-Development’ in offline mode. It was organised as part of the Self-Development course which is offered in the M.Ed programme of the department.
Dr. Arshad Ikram Ahmad, HoD, DES, JMI spoke in his welcome note about the relevance of Sufism in Indian tradition. He highlighted that the mystic state of being of Sufi saints has been misunderstood and demonised. However, slowly individuals are approaching the principles of Sufis with an open mind. The principles of ishq- love, vehdat-ul-wajood and many living dynamic silsilas of Sufi traditions have contributed to it. Dr Ahmad mentioned about the silsilas like Qadriya, Chishtia, Naqshbandiya and others.
The chief speaker of the event, Mr. Suman Mishra, Founder of Gaon Ghar Fundation and Editor, Sufinama (Rekhta) in his session spoke about the chronology of Sufism and what shape it had taken now. The discussion was initiated on the meaning of ishq which Sufism propagates and how it is interpreted in the 21st century fixing their ideas into Bollywood songs and movies.
Mr Mishra has published many articles and books and spoken widely on Sufi literature and importance of Sufi practices in our day-to-day lives. He encouraged the students to take up research on Sufi literature which is available on the website of Sufinama and is available in his personal collection as well. Rich traditions of books like Quran saar by Rahuk Sankrityayan, Chashma-e-Jyotish, travels of Sheikh Iraqi and other important sufi saints need to be analysed from a different lens. He also highlighted how Sufi saints borrow from each other’s thought and complement the growth of Sufi way of life.
The expert comments were given by Dr. Asjad Ansari, IASE in which he linked the Sufi traditions and practices with Arabic culture and the travelling of concepts among the cultures were once again reiterated. Dr Ansari also said that the current teacher- student relationship is not conducive to the relations in Sufi practices but these are important and should be approached when one is ready. He cited many anecdotes where humility and love are the virtues which Sufism focuses upon. These and many other virtues are important for teachers and teacher education.
Prof Mohammed Yusuf shared the anecdotes about miracles and self-actualization associated with Khaneqah. The concluding remarks and vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Jawaid Hussain who addressed the audience by bringing the role of education in understanding the real idea of Sufism, stating Sufism as a pedagogy of knowing oneself.
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