The Search for God and Interfaith Harmony – June 2012
Search for God has been a philosophic and scientific endeavor over centuries. Many modern philosophers after the Greeks postulated a final dictum in philosophy that would unravel the mystery of reality and human life. Enlisting these philosophers and scientists is extensive however, in recent history William James and Einstein spent years in seclusion searching for a unification theory that would explain all and unify the diverse faiths and views of mankind.
Uxi Mufti, a folklorist, social scientist and cultural expert took up God -hypothesis as a PhD thesis in 1969 and has completed it now. He has published a book ‘Allah: Measuring the Intangible.”This book was launched under the aegis of SPO in Islamabad.
Eminent speakers from different walks of life gathered to discuss Uxi Mufti’s latest book ‘Allah: Measuring the Intangible.” The book is a commendable effort to understand the concept of God and can help establish a peaceful, tolerant society, they said.
Among the speakers were politician Akram Zaki, former National Assembly speaker Fakhar Imam, his wife Syeda Abida Hussain and Taxila Institute of Asian Civilization Acting Director Van Sky Hawk. They reviewed what they had read of the book and their own views on spirituality, religion, science and the human condition.
According to them Uxi Mufti synthesizes contemporary philosophy and science through an integrative approach. “The book is a unique blend of humanities of science, research and faith,” they said.
Hawk commented on the chronology of worship and spirituality starting from worship of fire to Achilles, Buddha and finally, Allah. “While the face and name of worship and god may change, the seed of spirituality has been the same throughout history; finding answers to questions of mortality and the universe,” he said.
Dr Najiba Arif who has translated the book into Urdu under the title “Talash” highlighted various aspects of the book saying the book is a personal journey for her from doubt to certainty.”
SPO chief of Programme ,Zafar Zeeshan thanked the guests and panelist while introducing SPO program.