Renowned Pakistani scientist Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, speaking at a seminar titled “Tasawwuf and Science” at the Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, University of Karachi, emphasized the need for integrating scientific pursuit with personal and spiritual development. Organized by the Azeemia Spiritual Order and the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), the seminar drew intellectuals, scholars, and students from various disciplines.
“God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”: Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman
Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Patron-in-Chief of ICCBS and a globally acclaimed scientist, urged Pakistani mothers to encourage their children to explore mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and genetics. He pointed out that the Jewish community, despite being a minority globally, has earned the highest number of Nobel Prizes due to a strong emphasis on education and scientific inquiry.
“Education without ethical training is incomplete,” he stated, adding that while human beings cannot create or destroy matter, they can transform resources already present in nature. He emphasized the limitations of science, cautioning that even the collective knowledge of scientists cannot recreate something as intricate as a fly’s wing.
“In discussing the connection between science, Islam, the Quran, and Sufism, one must proceed with great caution,” he said. “The Quran repeatedly calls upon us to reflect and ponder, and this is a direction we must not ignore.”
Responding to a question on contemporary challenges, Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman highlighted the relevance of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a model for personal and societal transformation.
“Science and Sufism Share the Same Purpose”: Dr. Waqar Yousuf Azeemi
Dr. Waqar Yousuf Azeemi, head of the Azeemia spiritual order, stressed the need for aligning technological advancement with spiritual wisdom. “Despite the tremendous convenience that modern technology has provided, humanity is still grappling with diseases, stress, and intellectual unrest. This is because we have distanced ourselves from divine guidance—Revelation.”
He explained that Sufism teaches the inner and outer dimensions of human actions, and that intention holds paramount importance in the eyes of God. “Though scientists and Sufis belong to different domains, their ultimate goal is the same: to understand the universe and recognize the Creator.”
“When science becomes a means to understand divine will, it becomes a source of blessing for humanity. We must unite material and spiritual knowledge not as opposites, but as complementary tools for human welfare,” he said. “If scientists work with sincere intentions and a sense of accountability before God, scientific progress will never endanger the earth—it will become a source of prosperity and peace.”
“No Nation Can Progress Under Corrupt Leadership”: Dr. M. Raza Shah
Prof. Dr. M. Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, highlighted the critical role of leadership in national development. “Institutions function well only under honest leadership. A nation led by corrupt rulers can never progress,” he remarked.
He also spoke about the legacy of Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi, a spiritual figure associated with the Azeemia order, who established a meditation hall and a school that combines education with spiritual training. Dr. Shah also announced that a Ph.D. program on Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi has been initiated and expressed his commitment to continuing scholarly events in collaboration with the Azeemia order.
Seminar Concludes with Tribute by Siddiq Ismail
The seminar concluded on a spiritual note with a soulful naat (poetic praise of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH) recited by the renowned naat khawan Siddiq Ismail, leaving the audience in a reflective and inspired state.
