Chiniot: A prestigious book launch ceremony of Professor Dr. Ata Muhammad’s latest work, Sufis in Medieval Baghdad (The Sufis of Medieval Baghdad), was held at Government Taleem-ul-Islam College. The event was attended by the principal, faculty members, and a large number of male and female students.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool (PBUH). The stage proceedings were conducted by Professor Asif Raza.

The first guest speaker, Professor Dr. Hassan Ali from Jamia Muhammadi Sharif College, praised Dr. Ata Muhammad’s scholarly contribution while reviewing the book. He elaborated on the fundamental principles of Sufism for students, provided a brief introduction to the Caliphs of Baghdad, and highlighted the significant role played by Sufis in medieval Islamic society. He also discussed in detail the contributions of Sufis in the Subcontinent. It is noteworthy that Dr. Hassan Ali earned his PhD from Quaid-i-Azam University, with his dissertation titled “The Social and Political Role of Sufis in Punjab.”

The second guest speaker, Professor Waqar Hussain, spoke about the high publication standards of the book, including its cover design, typography, and paper quality. He noted that the UK-based publisher I.B. Tauris is among the world’s leading publishers in Middle Eastern history. Professor Waqar Hussain commended Dr. Ata Muhammad’s simple yet impactful writing style, adding that the inclusion of nearly 700 references significantly enhances the book’s authenticity and provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the political, social, and economic influence of Sufis.

Dr. Ata Muhammad presented an overview of his book and shared insights into the six to seven years of challenges he faced while getting it published internationally.

Principal Sarfraz Ali Venice stated that the book is a matter of pride for the institution. He emphasized that the Sufis not only built a connection with the Creator but also strengthened relationships among people, serving as a bridge between rulers and the ruled. He also thanked the organizers whose dedicated efforts ensured the success of the event.

The ceremony concluded on a note of appreciation and academic pride, marking a significant achievement for the institution and the scholarly community.