On October 24, 2025, Unity College had the honour of hosting an enlightening session titled “The Impact of Sufism in Islam” by Prof (Rtd) Azizuddin from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The distinguished scholar delivered a profound lecture that beautifully blended the wisdom of academia with the warmth of spirituality. The event was graced by Secretary Mr Najmul Hasan Rizvi, Principal Mr Deepak Mervyn Mathews, Vice Principal Mr Sachindra Bharti, and Event Coordinator Counsellor Ms Nisar Fatima Rizvi.
Prof Azizuddin began by elaborating on the significance of Sufism in Islam, describing it as ‘the Soul of Faith.’ He highlighted that Sufism advocates the purification of the heart and selfless service to humanity, fostering peace and harmony in an increasingly fragmented world. Drawing references from scholarly works on the Sufis of Deccan, he illustrated how their teachings have profoundly influenced generations.The professor’s words resonated deeply when he reflected upon the life of HazratUmmeKulsoom (SA), portraying her as a beacon of women’s empowerment in Islamic history. He also mentioned Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who was inspired by his exposure to theology at Oxford University, leading to the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University. A particularly thought-provoking segment was when Prof Azizuddin drew parallels between Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of the ‘Charkha’ and Sufi ideals — emphasising simplicity, self-reliance, and devotion to the welfare of others. Addressing the concept of multiple marriages in Islam, he clarified that the provision serves as a social reform intended to protect and support widows and women during difficult times. He further underlined that Islam uplifted the status of women by presenting the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a model of compassion, particularly through his reverence for his daughter Hazrat Fatima (SA).
He also introduced participants to key literary works on Sufism, including 'Observations on the Mussulmauns of India' by Mrs Meer Hasan Ali, 'Taarikh-e-Awadh' by Mr Najmul Ghani, 'Fawaid-ul-Fawaid' by Sufi Saint NizamuddinAuliya, and various Tazkirahs, shedding light on their spiritual and historical significance. Lastly, he paid tribute to Sultan Jahan Begum of Bhopal, lauding her as a visionary leader who advanced women’s education and empowerment. He described her as a remarkable figure who harmonised faith with progress, embodying the Sufi ideals of enlightenment through knowledge and compassion.
The session culminated with a vote of thanks proposed by Secretary Mr Najmul Hasan Rizvi, who expressed deep gratitude to the eminent speaker for his enlightening address that bridged secular and spiritual wisdom. He also posed thought-provoking questions about the role of educational institutions — particularly the first girls’ college in Lucknow and others — in fostering progress and empowerment among women in contemporary society.
The insightful session left the students deeply inspired, encouraging them to embrace the essence of Sufism in their pursuit of knowledge, peace, and service to humanity.
