Incumbent Imam of Islamic spiritual hub of Maizbhandar Syed Saifuddin Ahmed has urged all to revisit the universal Sufi orders for spiritual enlightenment to prevent militancy and violent extremism in the name of religion.
“The Sufi orders like Maizbhandar tariqa preaches universal brotherhood and negates extremism in the name of religion , we (Sufis) always uphold humanity as part of our spiritual pursuits,” a Maizbhandar Darbar press release quoted Ahmed as telling a seminar on the eve of 154th birth anniversary of leading spiritual figure Syed Golamur Rahman Maizbhandari on Sunday last.
He said Syed Golamur Rahman, fondly called Baba Bhandari, dedicated his entire life to establish parity and harmony among people of different social and religious backgrounds in the light of Islamic spirit of universal brotherhood among the mankind.
“But we see today some people are becoming militants, committing crimes against peace and humanity while our mission (Maizbhandar) is to uphold humanity and social peace and justice,” he said.
Parliamentarian Mainuddin Khan Badal, Premier University Vice Chancellor Professor Anupam Sen, former president of Taxes Appellate Tribunal Solaiman Khan FCA, among others, spoke at the seminar of Chittagong Press Club with noted entrepreneur Sufi Mizanur Rahman in the chair.
International Sufis Unity and Solidarity (SUFIS) organized the seminar as the Maizbhandar Darbar on the outskirts of the port city is set to celebrate Baba Bhandari’s birth anniversary with due solemnity on October 14.
“Islam was established in our region by the Sufi saints who preached the ideals of tolerance, liberalism and parity and so far our knowledge goes no kings, generals could be credited for the spread of the holy religion here . . . the militancy with the help of bombs and weapons cannot uphold Islam,” he said.
A descendant of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), Syed Ahmedullah established the Maizbhandar Sufi order as a spiritual hub in early 19th century with a pursuit of extracting Islam’s essence of fraternity and love.
The order or Tariqa took a new look in terms of spiritual pursuit during the time of Syed Ahmedullah’s nephew, Syed Golamur Rahman or Baba Bhandari in the last century while his grand successor Syed Moinuddin appeared as the torch bearer of the order reshaping it to address the spiritual needs of contemporary age.
