ISLAMABAD: Research think-tank Muslim Institute organised a round table discussion on the topic of Sufism & Peace – Case Study of Indonesia & Pakistan in Islamabad. Muslim Institute Coordinator Tahir Mehmood and the institution’s research associate Ahmad al Qadri were the speakers of the round table discussion. The speakers said that Sufis had played a vital role for humanity. Their hallmark was devotion to the Almighty and service to humanity and they had become a powerful moral force in the society. They believed in Mahabbah (Love of God), Maa’rifah (Knowledge of God) and Tawhid (Unification of God). In Indonesia, Islam was spread neither by political power nor by Muslim jurists; it was spread by Sufis, who were very tolerant towards local culture. Sufis are moderate and derive religious thoughts not only from the holy Quran and prophetic traditions but also from the use of reason, enriched by empirical reality. “Sufis are the promoters of harmony, they respect humanity, are selfless and peace loving. This harmony and peace is the real face of Islam and we need to show this real face of Islam to the world through our character. Sufism has the power to attract people of different faiths and treats humanity equally,” the speakers said. They further said that peace was the universal message of Islam and Sufism and with this in mind, they spread Islam everywhere, especially in Indonesia and Pakistan. “Sufis are representatives of Islam and they strongly oppose any kind of division and sectarianism. They are promoters of harmony, peace, equality and purity of the inner self,” they said. The speakers argued that Sufi teachings were deliberately excluded from the national curriculum which increased extremist ideologies in the society. “In order to promote peace and tolerance in society, Sufi teachings must be inculcated in the national curriculum. Published in Daily Times, February 28th 2018.