Abu Dhabi: In an enriching cultural and scholarly event, the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi presented a session by Professor Dr. Waleed Ziad on the illustrious lives of female scholars and saints from the Afghan Empire, spanning from Peshawar to Bukhara. The session, held on October 3, 2024, drew a diverse audience including ambassadors, diplomats, professionals, and prominent members of the Pakistani community.

According to Press Information Department, Dr. Waleed Ziad, an Associate Professor in History at Georgetown University’s Qatar Campus, shared insights from his decade-long research which culminates in his forthcoming book, “Sufi Masters of the Afghan Empire: Bibi Sahiba and Her Sacred Networks.” This work explores the significant contributions of Muslim female scholars in Central Asia during the Afghan Empire.

Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi opened the session by commending Dr. Ziad’s dedication and scholarly work, noting his extensive travels across challenging terrains in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan to gather data and stories for his book. Dr. Ziad’s research covers an impressive span of 140,000 kilometers across these nations, shedding light on the profound spiritual and educational impact these women had across a vast region.

During his presentation, Dr. Ziad discussed the historical and spiritual significance of figures like Bibi Sahiba Kalan, recognized as a paramount saint of her time by Khwajah Saif-i-Ullah, a leading scholar and Sufi of Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and Sindh. Bibi Sahiba Kalan was celebrated for her deep spiritual influence and was the first female inheritor of a major Sufi network that extended all the way to Western China.

The session not only highlighted the historical roles of these female saints but also their continuing relevance. Dr. Ziad emphasized how the stories of these women serve as beacons for contemporary generations, offering lessons on piety, scholarship, and spiritual leadership.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Tirmizi expressed gratitude for the insights provided by Dr. Ziad, noting the significant cultural and historical bridge the session provided for attendees from various nationalities, and reinforcing the embassy’s role in fostering a deeper understanding of shared heritage and knowledge.