Bazm-e-Khwaja

Staff Report, " Paying tribute to a Sufi " - Daily Times - Lahore, Pakistan
Monday, June 8, 2009

Karachi: In this age of religious extremism, out there are many people who follow the guidelines of saints who preached peaceful co-existence and religious harmony, asking their followers to get rid of religious hatred and to respect people on the basis of humanity.

Khanqah-e-Ilahia, arranged a programme “Bazm-e-Khwaja” to pay tribute to Khawaja Ajmeer Sharif, a legendary Sufi of the Indian sub continent.

The event was attended by a large number of followers who gathered to pay tribute. As one entered the YMCA ground, one could feel as if he has entered the shrine of Khwaja Moeen-uddin Chishti in Ajmeer Sharif, India.

The set, designed by Tanveer Abbas, was a carbon copy of the shrine of Khwaja Moeen-Uddin Chishti. The white tombs, pigeons, khadims and followers, all were there. There was also a langar where participants were provided with food.

The followers of the saint were pleased to find Sarwar Chishti, the present Sajjada Nasheen, who had traveled from India to grace the gathering.

In his address, he asked all the people to respect humanity and preach their religion through peaceful means. “We should learn lessons from the teachings of our ancestors and must condemn the killings of innocent people. Islam is a religion of peace and our ancestors have proved this point,” he went on to say.

Later, the Qawals began their performance, singing the Sufi verses with passion and joy, making it the highlight of the night.