Islam, and Sufism in particular, often regards the diversity of peoples, cultures, and religions as an expression of divine wisdom rather than a deviation from it.

In contemporary cultural and ideological conflicts, where Salafi and other activist movements frame themselves against a perceived hostile West, while Western narratives often portray Islam as problematic, the perspectives of Sufism and classical Islamic traditions are particularly vital.

Attack on Hazrat Shah Ali shrine is symptomatic of religious intimidation.

In a lecture, Rabindranath proclaimed, “I hope that some dreamer will spring from among you and preach a message of love and therewith, overcoming all differences..."

Sufis have a long history in this region, bringing Bengal into contact with Islamic thought and practice before Bakhtiyar Khalji’s conquest in 1203.

Sufibad O Sufider Shorup Shondhaney (‘In search of the nature of Sufism and Sufis’), written by Syed Rezaul Karim and published in 2020 by Bangla Academy, is a welcome addition to the meager collection of books written in Bangla on Sufism.

Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre organises ‘Tagore in Sufiana’, a fusion based musical programme on Tagore's poetry and Sufi music accompanied with the classical tune of sitar and tabla.