Press Release No. 19

12 April 2009

A lecture titled “Indo-Egyptian Sufism: A Comparison”

At the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, Cairo

(1800 hrs. on Monday, April 27, 2009)

The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), in cooperation with Egypt-India Friendship Association, is organizing a lecture titled “Indo-Egyptian Sufism: a Comparison” by Prof. Ahmad Qadi, Professor, Urdu Dept., Al Azhar University at 6 pm on Monday, April 27, 2009, at the Centre’s premises at 23, Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo.

Prof. Qadi is a professor of Indian studies at Al Azhar University.  An alumnus of Delhi University, he earned his M.A., M. Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in literature from there.  He has translated several Indian literary works of repute into Arabic and has frequently presented programmes on Indian society and culture on Egyptian mass media.  He has participated and presented papers in a number of international and national conferences and seminars.

Sufism flourished both in India and Egypt at the same time in the 12th century and played a major role in bringing about reform in various aspects of life there notably the social and cultural spheres.

Despite being influenced by the unique socio-cultural traditions of individual nations where it exists, Sufism everywhere has, nevertheless, one thing in common – love for God and love for all humanity.  This is perhaps the greatest reason for its universal appeal: its stress on universal brotherhood away from fanaticism and narrow parochial interpretation of religion.  

The lecture will trace the development of some major Sufi orders in both India and Egypt to highlight the similarities and differences between Sufi practices and traditions of the two countries. All are cordially invited. For further details, please contact the Centre at:

Tel: 23933396 / 23960071; Fax: 23936572; e-mail: macic@indembcairo.com