KARACHI: While extremist religious groups are wreaking havoc on many parts of the Muslim world, including Pakistan and Iraq, the dissemination of artistic works can provide a response to the obscurantist onslaught by acquainting people with their heritage. These thoughts were expressed by poet Fahmida Riaz at the launch of Kalaam-i-Aarifaan, an expansive compendium of classic Sufi verse, compiled and edited by Dr Hasan Aziz, in the city on Saturday.
“This is a very timely publication. We can see the atmosphere [that has developed] in Pakistan over the last decade, where we have witnessed slogans against music scrawled on the walls. Daish [the self-styled Islamic State] is destroying Muslim culture in Iraq and desecrating revered shrines. Barbarity has been unleashed upon this nation. In such an atmosphere this is a very brave and intellectual effort. I hope the message spreads,” she commented.
Ms Riaz said her own introduction to Sufism came about around 10 years ago through the verses of Mowlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Referring to developments from Muslim history, she said that while the literalist ulema condemned all arts, the Sufis challenged this view. Ibn al-Arabi urged people to delve into the depths of the sacred texts. Imam Ghazali also spoke in favour of music. “Music affects the heart; this is a great mystery.” She added that Muslim cultures had consistently produced fine musicians and singers.
Ms Riaz observed that Sufi masters did not feel themselves bound by the limits of caste, tribe or nation, in fact their vision was so broad that they “felt themselves part of the solar system. This [attitude] has subtly seeped into subcontinental culture.”
She mentioned that Sufis were driven by the love of the Creator as well as His creations. “Sufism is a major part of our culture, yet it is being destroyed.”
Earlier, Dr Hasan Aziz, the compiler of the tome, discussed his inspiration for the book. The senior doctor said: “Literature is not my claim to fame. I inherited [its love] from my father, particularly the love of poetry, music and tasawwuf. I received early training on the sitar from an ustad, but stopped practising due to my medical studies. Yet my interest in music has continued.”
Dr Aziz said his daughter, Ayesha, had urged him to compile the book. He also thanked Dr Zarine Mogal who translated the verses into English.
For around 1,000 years, music and Sufism in the subcontinent had been inseparable, he said. Mystics such as Ali Hajvery, Khawaja Moinuddin Chishty and Khawaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki were influenced by the sama of Iran, he added.
Discussing the impetus for compiling the book, Dr Aziz said that many young people at qawwali recitals he attended seemed unable to connect to the kalaam being recited. Hence his “inner teacher” was awakened and he decided to distribute photocopied translations and brief explanations of the kalaam at events.
The book contains text in Urdu, Persian, Punjabi and Hindvi, as well as Brij Bhasha, Purbi and Rajasthani, which has been transliterated and translated in English. A commentary and glossary has also been provided.
A presentation of the kalaam by vocalist Ayesha Ali and performance was also part of the book launch.
Published in Dawn December 7th , 2014