Islam’s liberal, humanistic appeal has great relevance to present-day world

President Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday eulogised Allama Jalaluddin Rumi saying that the great poet has been unique in his presentation through the 'Masnavi' of the universal message of hope of Islam.
“Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi devoted himself to upholding and nourishing the finesse of Islam throughout his life,” he told an international conference, marking the celebrations of the 800th birth anniversary of Rumi, at the Osmany Memorial Auditorium in the city.
Allama Rumi Society in collaboration with Cultural Affairs Ministry, Iran Cultural Centre and UNESCO, Bangladesh organised the function.
UNESCO has declared 2007 as 'Rumi Year' to commemorate the contributions of Allama Rumi.
Iajuddin appreciated the organisers for holding such a remarkable conference on the great scholar and proponent of Sufism Maulana Rumi.
“The liberal and humanistic appeal of Islam with its emphasis on the importance of spirituality has great relevance to our present-day world. All peace-loving people of the world are aware of these universal values acting as the main source of strength of Islam,” he said.
He said Islam, over the ages, has been a fountain spring of the message of peace and hope for the entire humanity, and Jalaluddin Rumi most forcefully articulated the desire of all people to overcome their inner conflicts and attain peace in the most ennobling manner.
Iajuddin said Dhaka University introduced the study of Persian language and literature as an integral part of its curricula ever since its establishment in 1921.
He thanked the Rumi Society of Bangladesh for its splendid endeavour in encouraging research on and popularising Rumi's teachings.
The president also expressed deep sympathies for the cyclone victims in the country's southern belt and said the government has engaged its highest efforts to provide emergency supplies for them.
He called upon all to extend all-out cooperation in mitigating the sufferings of the affected people and expressed his gratitude to the friendly countries and international organisations as well as the expatriate Bangladeshis for extending their valuable supports for the cyclone survivors.