SUFI TEACHINGS EMBRACE ALL HEARTS

In a world increasingly fragmented by ideological divisions and identity-based conflicts, the Sufi Conference held in Srinagar under the banner “Noor-e-Sama” offered a timely and powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of spiritual traditions rooted in love, compassion, and the universal human yearning for peace. As scholars, artists, jurists, civil society members, and youth gathered to celebrate the teachings and ethos of Sufism, the conference was not merely a cultural gathering but a conscious assertion of an alternative worldview—one that believes in unity over division, compassion over coercion, and devotion over dogma.

At a time when radical ideologies find fertile ground in emotional disillusionment and political exploitation, the resurgence of interest in Sufism is not incidental. Rather, it is an implicit recognition that the antidote to hate lies not in repression but in reawakening shared values that transcend religion and region. Sufism, with its deep emphasis on inner purification, universal love, and communion with the divine through beauty, music, poetry, and service, offers not only a spiritual path but a framework for human coexistence. What made the Srinagar conference unique was its conscious positioning of Sufi heritage as not just a relic of the past but a vibrant counterforce to the present-day threats of extremism and social discord. The significance of the event was accentuated by the broad participation of community leaders, judicial luminaries, young influencers, and artistic performers who reflected the syncretic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. In a region historically shaped by rich Sufi traditions—where saints like Sheikh-ul-Alam and Lalleshwari once invoked spiritual wisdom to dissolve rigidities of caste and creed—the call to revive Sufi teachings holds both cultural and political meaning. It is a call to reclaim the Kashmiri spirit from the clutches of divisive narratives and to reinstate the idea of Kashmiriyat as one of inclusive identity and spiritual cohabitation. What stands out is the explicit recognition that the youth must be the primary beneficiaries and carriers of this tradition. In the backdrop of sustained attempts by conflict profiteers to radicalize the young through distorted ideologies, the emphasis on integrating Sufi values into contemporary formats—podcasts, short films, mentorship programs, and social media outreach—adds urgency and pragmatism to the cultural project. The use of modern media to carry ancient messages of love and brotherhood reflects an adaptive strategy that respects both tradition and technology. Equally important is the need to institutionalize this vision through education, cultural policy, and sustained public engagement. The mystical traditions of the subcontinent, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, must be preserved not only through performances but by integrating them into curricula, art institutions, and intellectual discourse. This preservation must not be romantic or tokenistic but rooted in a critical appreciation of how these traditions shaped social resilience in times of upheaval. Sufi shrines, oral histories, manuscripts, and practices should be actively protected and documented as part of the region’s intangible heritage. The conference also revealed an important truth: that the preservation of mystical traditions is not merely about defending culture, but about building peace. When a community is encouraged to explore its spiritual depth, reflect inwardly, and connect with others empathetically, the soil in which violence takes root becomes infertile. Sufism does not simply offer an escape from suffering; it offers a lens to transform suffering into understanding, to transmute wounds into wisdom. This is perhaps why, for centuries, Sufi orders across the world were often at the forefront of social harmony, offering refuge to those alienated from rigid institutional religious practices. It is imperative, therefore, that such conferences are not seen as isolated cultural exercises but as part of a larger socio-political response to extremism. In the same vein, policymakers must see value in supporting Sufi centers, scholars, and artists as agents of positive social transformation. When the voices of the wise and the compassionate are amplified, the shrillness of hate can be softened. When young minds are introduced to the lyrical beauty of Rumi, Bulleh Shah, or Sheikh Noor-ud-Din, they are exposed to a vision of life that embraces plurality, not purity.

The Sufi Conference in Srinagar represents a profound shift—from rigid devotion to open dialogue—marking a journey that is both symbolic and deeply meaningful. It underscores the idea that true peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is rooted in shared spiritual values that foster genuine coexistence. In an increasingly fragmented world, where divisions run deep and humanity yearns for connection, the timeless wisdom of Sufi mystics offers a guiding light. Their message of love, tolerance, and unity may well be the last hope for bridging divides and healing a fractured world. The conference serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual dialogue can transcend political and religious barriers, paving the way for lasting harmony.