This statement was upheld by scholars and spiritual thinkers at the Conference on “Unity in Diversity through Spiritualism” held at Jamia Millia Islamia, which echoed the rich Sufi traditions and culminated in a soul-stirring mehfil-e-samaa.
New Delhi, 22 September (Press Release):
The Shah Safi Memorial Trust, Delhi Unit, in collaboration with the Cultural Committee of Jamia Millia Islamia, organised a scholarly and spiritual conference on the theme “Unity in Diversity through Spiritualism.” The event was not merely an academic gathering but also an effort to re-examine the bonds of spirituality, love, and humanity. It was held at the university’s Engineering Auditorium and witnessed the participation of students, teachers, researchers, and admirers of Sufi traditions in large numbers.
The conference was graced by the presence of the noted spiritual guide Sheikh Abu Saeed Shah Ehsanullah Muhammadi Safavi (Sajjadahnashin, Khanqah-e-Arifia, Saiyed Sarawan, Kaushambi), whose spiritual legacy of love, sincerity, and service to humanity resonated deeply with the central theme of the programme.
The chief guest of the occasion, Professor Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, said: “In my view, spirituality is very simple — it means bringing the heart, the mind, and the tongue into harmony. Whoever is able to unite these three has truly become spiritual.” He described spirituality as a source of social harmony and intellectual growth, adding: “When knowledge, literature, and spirituality come together, the message of humanity not only rises higher but also touches the heart.”
Two special speakers addressed the gathering.
Mufti Mohammad Kitabuddin Rizvi (Darul Ifta Arifia) explained the philosophy of unity in diversity, saying: “Just as our organs — hands, feet, eyes, nose — are different in form and function but the soul unites them without conflict, spirituality acts as a bridge that connects human beings despite their diversity and unites them.”
Dr Zeeshan Ahmad Misbahi reflected on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, highlighting the message of human unity: “The Prophet has three identities. As the Prophet of Islam, all who accept him as the final messenger of God are part of one community, even if they differ in thought and opinion. At the same time, he is also the Prophet of humanity. He spoke for human values, beyond the boundaries of religion. By declaring all people the children of Adam, he rejected racism. Through the Charter of Medina, he established the first national government, in which people of different faiths living on the same land were recognised as one nation and guaranteed protection.”
The guest of honour, Professor Mehtab Alam Rizvi (Registrar, Jamia), remarked: “Spirituality is a lamp that illuminates hearts. When hearts are enlightened, divisions of sect, race, and borders fade away. We need such gatherings that connect human beings with each other and nurture love, tolerance, and sincerity.”
The evening concluded with an enthralling mehfil-e-samaa, where Sufi poetry on divine love and the unity of God was rendered. The audience responded enthusiastically and were visibly moved by the spiritual atmosphere. It was a unique event in which faith, humanity, divine love, compassion, and a spirit of national fraternity came together.
The programme began with a recitation of the Qur’an by Qari Saif-ul-Islam, Imam of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah, Delhi. Hasan Talib and Matloob Zafar presented poetry in praise of the Prophet ﷺ, and the patron of the conference, Sheikh Abu Saeed Shah Ehsanullah Muhammadi Safavi, offered prayers for faith, good deeds, peace, love, and the safety and integrity of the nation.
The successful organisation of the event owed much to the efforts of the convener, Professor Neelofer Afzal (President, University Cultural Committee). Shakeelur Rahman Khan, research scholar at Jamia, conducted the proceedings, while former students and followers of Khanqah and Jamia Arifia worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Tarique Raza Quadri and Mughees Anjum efficiently handled graphics and recording.
At the end, Maulana Hasan Saeed Safavi, patron of the Shah Safi Memorial Trust, Delhi Unit, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the organisers and expressing gratitude to all participants. The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
Among the distinguished participants were Hazrat Syed Mahboob-ul-Islam Najmi Miyan (Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya), Professor Akhtarul Wasey (former Vice Chancellor, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur), Professor Iqtedar Mohammad Khan (Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages), Syed Zia Alvi (Khairabad), Professor Mushahid Rizvi (Director, Centre for Distance Education, Jamia Millia Islamia), Professor Kaleem Asghar (Head, Department of Persian), Mufti Mohammad Mushtaq Tijarwi (Associate Professor), Dr Syed Shadab Hussain Rizvi, Dr Faizullah Khan, Maulana Manzar Mohsin, Maulana Moeed Azhari, Dr Wahid Nazir, Dr Shaukat Ali, Syed Talif Haider, Mr Yawar Iqbal, Dr Irfan Najaf Alimi (Allahabad), Dr Noor Mohammad Alimi, and Maulana Faizan Azizi.
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