DR Fatima Hussain has offered an incisive insight into various shades of Sufism in this book. The premise is that Sufism, which can be defined as devotion to God and love for humanity, offers solutions for maladies such as violence and terrorism afflicting our society.

The essay titled ‘Sufi, Mirasi and Orthopraxy’ written by Abdul Haque Chang argues that historically these three social institutions have played with each other for mutual benefit. The essay ‘Melody of Peace’ (Sur Kalyan) by Agha Saleem starts with poetic verses of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on oneness and unity:

Allah, the very first the Omniscient, the Supreme, The Lord of Universe, The Omnipotent is there since infinity by the omnipotence, The Uncreated, The Lord, the One, the Unique, the Provider, the Master, the Merciful, Praise the true Master, and sing hymn of the Wise, The generous One Himself sustains the universe.

The essay that follows reflects upon the life of Bhittai, stating that he had found beauty in his dreams and was totally oblivious of what went on around him. A detailed section in the book is also dedicated to Sufi music and dance.

Ahmad Saleem dwells upon, in detail, on Sufi women poets in the subcontinent. The essay brings to light their role in bringing about emancipation of women in particular and that of society in general.

The first part gives the biographies of Rabia al Basri, Rabia Balkhi/Khusdari, Mira, Laila Arifa, Zeb-un-Nisa Makhfi, Quratul Ain Tahira and Peero Preman and the dangers they encountered. The author mentions some patriarchal trends which were prevalent in the subcontinent, such as women being regarded as inferior, the birth of a son being regarded as highly desirable, which is the result of lack of education.

Not much was known of the property rights of women. With child marriage rampant, polygamy in the aristocrats was widespread. Women thinkers, born within this stifled environment, blossomed into scholars and worked for the emancipation of women. In another essay Chander Shehkar brings to light the relevance of Sufism in modern times. Fahmida Hussain also writes on the same topic. Sachal Sarmast had summarised his observations by saying that:

Religions confuse countries Pirs and Priests create mysteries Some bow in mosques, some temple grace But in all their wisdom, Love hath no place

Three important essays by Dr Fatima Hussain form an integral part of the book. She has written on the social role of Baba Farid and his shrine, the role of Sufism in spreading the message of peace in South Asia and constructing paradigms of religious conflict resolution through the character of Heer to explore the relevance of Heer Ranjha in today’s turbulent times and how practising the Sufi ideals of Waris Shah can be instrumental in resolving conflict and ushering peace in South Asia.

The other submissions are by Harbans Mukhia on the Bhakti and Sufi movements, Iftikhar Arif on Sufism and the world in crisis, Jigar Muhammad on the relevance of Sufi thought and practices for peace promotion and concept of living together and Kazi Javed on Sufism and traditions of tolerance and enlightenment in South Asia.

Other essays also discuss the role of Sufism in Pakistan, mysticism in Kashmir and Jalaluddin Rumi’s mystical thoughts.

With a wide coverage of Sufis hailing from various parts of the subcontinent, Iran in particular and South Asia in general, Sufism Revisited has practically covered all aspects of the Sufi saints, their lives, teachings and works propagating the premise that Sufism is the answer to extremism today.   Sufism Revisited (ESSAYS) By Dr Fatima Hussain Sang-e-Meel Publications, Lahore 408pp. Rs900