Fakir Lalon Shah's philosophy has no conflict with Islam: Farhad Mazhar

Poet, thinker and researcher Farhad Mazhar has said Fakir Lalon Shah's philosophy has no conflict with Islam. Lalon did not work to reform Islam, nor did he engage in any debate over Shariat and Marfat. He spoke of a philosophy of his own, which can be regarded as the 'realm of thought of Nadiya'.

Farhad Mazhar made these remarks as the chief speaker at a seminar held at the Lalon Academy auditorium in Cheuria, Kumarkhali, Kushtia on Sunday afternoon, September 27. The seminar, titled 'Fakir Lalon Shah: The Wealth of Bengal's Thought and Language', was organised by the district administration and Lalon Academy with the theme 'People will become golden humans by worshipping humanity'.

Farhad Mazhar said Lalon's practice of thought should be seen as part of the tradition of philosophy, contemplation and aesthetic practice. Tantra, rasa and bhava—these three levels have played a role in the development of this realm of thought in Bengal. There may be differences of opinion or debate on this, but it should not hurt anyone's religious sentiments.

Speaking about Jamaat, he said three of the four MPs in Kushtia are from Jamaat. There is no conflict with them. He remarked that many former leaders of Jamaat held a more discerning view of Lalon's philosophy. In his view, they understood that Islam has no conflict with Fakir Lalon.

Farhad Mazhar also discussed the language and thought of Lalon's songs. He said, alongside Bengali, Lalon expressed deep meaning in his songs through the use of Arabic and Persian words and metaphor. The meaning of the songs needs to be understood metaphorically, not literally.

He further said there may be differences of thought among fakirs or in society. But a situation should not be created that hurts people's feelings or creates any risk centring Lalon's mazar and his philosophy. He also said he can already see various potential risks in this regard.

The seminar was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Mizanur Rahman. Director General of Bangla Academy Professor Mohammad Azam, Rajshahi University Professor A-Al Mamun, Professor Susmita Chakraborty, photographer Taslima Akhter, District Commissioner Tauhid Bin Hasan and Superintendent of Police Md Aminul Islam, among others, spoke on Lalon's life, work and philosophy.

Officials of the district administration, members of Lalon Academy, teachers and students, researchers, journalists and Lalon devotees were present at the seminar.