Author: Ali Shan

These are major Islamic festivals: Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-al-Adha, Mawlid al-Nabi, Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Meraj, and Shab-e-Qadr.1. Shab-e-Meraj:Celebrated on the 27th night of the 7th month of the Islamic calendar, this sacred night marks a significant event in Islamic history. It is believed to be the night when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the heavens (Miraj). This night is considered highly spiritual, and people offer prayers and supplications.2. Shab-e-Barat:Observed on the 15th night of the 8th month of the Islamic calendar, Shab-e-Barat is a sacred night for Muslims. It is believed to be a night of forgiveness and divine mercy. People seek blessings from…

Urbanization is growing fast, but it is putting many historic Sufi sites in danger. These places, important for their spiritual and cultural value, are being damaged or lost as cities expand. Sufi shrines and dargahs are sacred spaces where people gather for prayers and peace. However, new buildings, roads, and pollution are affecting these sites. The peaceful environment around them is disappearing, making it hard for visitors to connect with their spiritual roots. In Pakistan, shrines once in quiet areas are now surrounded by busy cities, full of noise and traffic. In India, the famous Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi struggles…

The timeless teachings of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, continue to inspire millions across the globe. His messages of love, unity, and spiritual awakening transcend cultural and religious boundaries, making him one of the most celebrated figures in world literature. Rumi’s poetry, often centered around the universal language of love, speaks to the human heart in profound ways. From the verses of his Masnavi to his mystical ghazals, Rumi emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings, urging people to rise above divisions of race, religion, and nationality. His works, translated into numerous languages, have become a…

Mystics call their teachings Faqr. Ghawth al-Azam Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani says in ar-Risala tul-Ghausia that Allah said to him, “Ghawth al-Azam! Tell your companions and friends that the one among you who wants My company should adopt Faqr.” Abdul Qadir Jilani also said, “My adornment (strength and power) is Faqr. Unless a true believer reaches Faqr, he cannot become the bearer of attributes of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Khalid ibn al-Walid who overpowered innumerable enemies in the battlefield. Allama Iqbal says: سوچا بھی ہے ایے مردِ مسلمان کبھی تُو نےکیا چیز ہے فولاد کی شمشیر جگر داراس بیت…

The recent Majlis-e-Shura and General Council meeting of Tehreek Dawat-e-Faqr concluded successfully, showcasing the organization’s ongoing dedication to spreading the spiritual teachings of Faqr. Key Points Discussed:1. Spiritual Growth InitiativesEmphasis was laid on promoting the teachings of Faqr (the soul of islam) as a means to connect with Allah and attain inner peace.2. Organizational ProgressReports on the progress of ongoing projects were presented. Plans to expand the reach of Tehreek Dawat-e-Faqr through modern platforms, including digital media, were discussed.3. Upcoming Events:The meeting also finalized arrangements for the upcoming grand annual event to commemorate the Urs of Hazrat Sultan Bahoo (R.A).4.…

Sufi poetry is known for its deep meaning and ability to touch hearts everywhere. Poets like Rumi, Bulleh Shah, and Sultan Bahoo wrote about love, faith, and finding peace within oneself. Their words are still loved and read by many people today. Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi:Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, wrote about the love between humans and God. He used simple ideas like love and longing to explain deep truths. One of his famous lines is, “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” He taught people to look beyond the world and focus on their spiritual journey.…

Challenges Faced by Sufi Practices in the Modern World In today’s fast-moving world, Sufi practices, known for their focus on peace and spirituality, face many difficulties. While Sufism is an important part of Islamic culture, it is struggling to stay relevant in modern times. One major challenge is the rise of materialism. People are more focused on money, careers, and technology, leaving little time for spiritual practices. Many young people see Sufism as old-fashioned and not useful in their daily lives. Another problem is the rise of extremist groups that misinterpret religion. In some places, Sufi shrines and followers are…

Sultan Bahoo R.A., a 17th-century mystic from the Punjab region, emphasized the pursuit of divine closeness through self-purification and love. Known for his poetry in Punjabi and Persian, he championed the philosophy of *Fana-fi-Allah* (annihilation in Allah). His works, like Abyat-e-Bahoo, continue to inspire seekers on the path of Sufism.  Maulana Rumi R.A., a 13th-century Persian poet and theologian, is celebrated worldwide for his masterful works such as Masnavi-i Ma’navi. Rumi’s teachings revolve around the themes of divine love, unity, and the journey of the soul. His concept of Ishq-e-Haqiqi (Divine Love) transcends religious and cultural boundaries, making his poetry…

First, we understand what teachings are. Teachings are the knowledge imparted by educators through various mediums to their pupils or audience. For undefined educators and learners, we observe that numerous academic degrees and books are created to facilitate learning and self-education.Without educators, books are ineffectual because they are inadequate in conveying messages without guidance. Hence, a teacher is indispensable on the journey of learning, whether the education is formal or informal. Sufi teachings are the words of the Friends of Allah, who conquer their nafs (self) through divine love and attain the vision of their Creator. Thus, the words of…

The Bazm-e-Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, held in Lahore, was a spiritual gathering that attracted thousands of devotees from across the region. Organized at the Khanqah Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen, the event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and included a heartfelt naat in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A prominent scholar delivered a sermon on Sufism, discussing paths to spiritual enlightenment and divine connection. The highlight of the event was the presence of Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Hazrat Sakhi Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman, who led prayers and bestowed spiritual guidance. Participants had the opportunity to take bayat (oath of allegiance) and were introduced to the teachings of…