The Role of MUSLIM Institute in Promoting the Teachings of Hadrat Sultan Bahoo

Abstract

Sultan Bahoo, the eminent Sufi of the Sarwari Qadri Order, is widely recognized across the world from the Subcontinent, now Pakistan. He authored around hundred and forty (140) books all in Persian except Punjabi poetry known as Abyat-e Bahoo. Unfortunately, though manuscripts of number of his books are not yet available, the available books have started gaining scholarly attraction in recent decades owing to the works of descendants of Sultan Bahoo through the academic works by establishing research centers, and scholarly forums dedicated to the study, translation, and dissemination of Sultan Bahoo’s vision. Among his distinguished descendants, Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali, Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali and Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Bahadar Aziz the sons of Sultan Muhammad Asghar Ali, have carried forward the spiritual legacy of their forefathers with strong determination. Under their guidance, the banner of “Sultan Bahoo Studies” which, in essence, is the banner of Islam itself has been raised once again. The international think tank MUSLIM Institute established by them has a dedicated desk for Sultan Bahoo Studies and the promotion of the Sufi teachings. This paper analyses how this Institute has played pivotal role in not only disseminating the scholarly works of Sultan Bahoo but also attracting the scholars from leading academic institutions worldwide to conduct research on his manuscripts, poetry, teachings and different aspects of his life. The paper also explores the methods adopted by the Institute in contemporary era and sheds light of their effectiveness.