'Will set up Gharib Nawaz University to spread Sufi teachings'

AJMER: The spiritual head of the 12th century shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, announced on Wednesday to open Gharib Nawaz University to spread Sufi teachings. This university will be set up under the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Education Trust and the land and expenses would be borne by the dargah dewan himself.
Talking to the media on Wednesday, Khan said that it was his desire to start a university on Sufi teachings. "This university will spread the true message of peace. It will counter the extremism. It will promote interfaith dialogue, thus restoring the ties with other faiths which had suffered since a section of Muslims has chosen 'extremist path'," said Khan, the dargah dewan.
He added, "I would try to complete this mission in my lifetime but if it gets delayed, then I will make a will to one who succeeds me to complete the work of setting up this university." He announced to donate his 200 acres of land for this purpose. This will be the first 'Sufi teaching' university in the world.
Putting an end to controversy over setting up a university in collaboration with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, he clarified, "No such collaboration is taking place." He also clarified that he has no relation to the recent statement of Jamiat relating to criticism of Modi government. Jamiat had reportedly criticised Modi government for remaining silent on the issue of Hindu fundamentalist forces who wanted to make India as Hindu country. Jamiat, in a recent statement, had criticised the central government for allegedly creating a 'situation against Muslims in the country'.
"The organisation of Jaimat is to discuss about the community and not to criticise political parties. The main aim of the organisation is to raise the issues of education and terrorism," he added.
He added that he is a spiritual leader and keeps no political view and that the statements made by Jamiat leaders were their personal views. Looking to the prevailing conditions, he added that it was going to be difficult to participate in the 33rd annual conference of Jamiat scheduled in Ajmer on November 14.