Rumi Corner launched at Awana Quaid
The Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) on Wednesday organized a seminar and inaugural of Rumi Corner (Gosha-e-Rumi) during a ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Quaid, Fatima Jinnah Park.
The event was marked by scholarly discourse, literary reflections and renewed emphasis on the spiritual and intellectual legacy of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Titled “Rumi, Iqbal and Message of Iqbal” the seminar brought together scholars, intellectuals, students and admirers of Urdu and Persian literature.
Eminent scholar Dr Syed Shabih-ul-Hassan Rizvi presided over the event while noted academician, intellectual and scholar Dr Aziz Ali Najam delivered the keynote address on the occasion.
Member of the NPC and author of six books including three on spiritualism, Maj Gen (R) Mohammad Tahir introduced the keynote speaker while Chairman of the NPC Mian Muhammad Javed presented the vote of thanks.
Among the distinguished guests present on the occasion were Chairperson of Taleem Network Pakistan (TNP), NPC Sen Razina Alam Khan, NPC Executive Committee member Amb Salahuddin Chaudhry, Executive Secretary of the NPC and President of the Pakistan Observer Gauhar Zahid Malik, former federal secretary Abdullah Yousa another ex-Federal Secretary Malik Najeeb, Humaira Masihuddin and a large number of young students of Pakistan Studies, History and Urdu literature.
In his keynote address, Dr Aziz Ali Najam elaborated on the striking spiritual parallels between Maulana Rumi and Allama Iqbal, particularly their shared themes of Ishq-e-Haqeeqi (divine love), self-realization, devotion to the Holy Quran and the pursuit of inner awakening. He said that despite living in entirely different eras and civilizations, both poets carried the same message of spiritual elevation, moral courage and intellectual independence.
He noted that Allama Muhammad Iqbal openly acknowledged Jalaluddin Rumi as his spiritual mentor and guide, a relationship reflected throughout Iqbal’s Persian and Urdu poetry. Quoting several verses, Dr Najam said Iqbal remained a true and dedicated follower of Rumi’s philosophy and believed that unless a person discovers his own self, purifies his soul and understands his inner potential, he cannot truly discover God.
He further said both Rumi and Iqbal rejected passive spirituality and instead preached a dynamic, action-oriented faith that inspires humanity to rise above fear, materialism and hopelessness. “For both Rumi and Iqbal, love was not merely an emotion but a transformative force that shapes nations, civilizations and human destiny,” he remarked.
In his presidential address, Dr Syed Shabih-ul-Hassan Rizvi appreciated the NPC and its team for organizing what he termed a timely, thought-provoking and intellectually enriching event. He said the seminar reminded society of an age when spiritual wisdom, intellectual honesty and moral values were central to human development rather than excessive material pursuits.
Dr Rizvi described the works of Rumi and Iqbal as priceless treasures for the Muslim world and humanity at large, saying their poetry continues to offer solutions to contemporary social, moral and ideological crises. He urged the youth to study both poets deeply in order to reconnect with their civilizational roots and rediscover the power of faith, knowledge and selfhood.
In his vote of thanks, Mian Muhammad Javed briefed the participants about the continued efforts of the NPC to promote the ideology of Pakistan, especially among younger generations. He said the council remained committed to connecting youth with the intellectual heritage of Pakistan’s founding vision through seminars, literary forums, research activities and cultural initiatives.
