Mysticism Today

Umair Khan
Although mysticism has been an enigma since time immemorial, yet its romantic
appeal for masses has constantly been increasing. Mysticism is the last refuge from
the exclusivist doctrines of theologians. Its tradition is based upon hidden wisdom
instead of manifest knowledge. Instead of concerning itself with the differences of
religious thought, it propagates the Universal message of love, peace, tolerance,
and integration. Every religion has had their own share of mystics during every era.
Even in today's post-modern world, mysticism has still a lot to offer.
Khana-e-Farhang Iran, situated in Lahore, arranged the launching ceremony of the
book titled "Tasawwuf Aur Aj Kay Sufi" (Mysticism and Mystics of Today). A sizable
number of people were present in the hall. The program started with several
colleagues and friends of the author sharing their views regarding him. The
panelists invited to give their valuable opinions limited their talks to sufism in a
broad perspective. As opposed to the title of the book, no one delved into the
complicate darena of the challenges faced by mysticism in the contemporary world
and how the suifs or mystics of today are coping with such challenges. Similar is the
case with the content of the book. Mainly, it is a collection of interviews conducted
by Mr. Ali Abbas along with some essays penned by Ali Abbas. The book contains
the interviews of those who are popular in Pakistan regarding mysticism. The list
includes Baba Yahya, Bilal Qutb, Ahmad Javed, Khanum Tayaba Bukhari, Bano
Qudsiya, Javed Iqbal, and even Orya Maqbool Jan.
The book starts with small essays by the author mostly addressing the anxieties of
the young who are about to start their professional careers. While reading this
section, one cannot help but feel as if spiritualism is branded as self-help literature
by the author. The aim in these essays does not seem to be the attainment of divine
blessings; it is rather a banal contentment on the social condition one is trapped in.
In giving examples from history, all the 'sufis' of today being interviewed in the book
gave references of Maulana Rumi, Shams Tabrez, Ali Hajveri, Mujaddad Alf Sani,
Allama Iqbal, etc. But, no one once mentioned Sheikh Muhayuddin Ibn-e-Arbi who is
considered an authority on Islamic Mysticism by academia in general and majority
of mystics in particular. The book falls short of discussing the theoretical framework
of sufism and how it can still be relevant in the twenty first century.
However, the overall message of the book is quite positive. It is trying to promote
love, tolerance, simplicity, harmony, learning, and self satisfaction. Moreover, the
inquisitive nature of humans is appreciated and they are not asked to blindly follow
every aspect of the faith told to them by some authoritative figure. If the author had

refrained from choosing as ambitious a title for the book as this one, suggesting to
address the issues faced by mysticism in the contemporary world, it could have
been considered an interesting compilation of interviews on mysticism.