Qawwali

Image Caption: Qawwali musicians gather for a performance in Fatehpur Sikri, India. Religious injunctions in regards to music in Islam are teleological, or purpose-based serve rather than being rule-based. While some have been led to believe that music in Islam is prohibited altogether, or at least some type of instruments are, this categorical approach towards the permissibility of musical activity in Islam is rebutted by the existence and profound significance of devotional musical practices, such as Qawwali. Qawwali is an Indian-localized subgenre of Sufi music; Sufism within Islamic theology deals with the internal and metaphysical matters of the heart, spirit, and soul. In Sufism, music operates as a stimulus for spiritual advancement within the Islamic faith, because music is an unobjectionably deeply influential medium of communication that can render a Sufi seeker closer or further from his goal. Music is indeed a highly intricate means of communicating meanings, values, attitudes and emotions. Qawwali music, bound to a complex network of customary performance, is a technology embedded with its own politics. From the lyrics, rhythm, and structure involved in such a performance, Qawwali music emerged as a core practice to propel Sufi seekers further into discovery of Divine knowledge. I argue that, as the context, performance, and reception of Qawwali has evolved over time, the role of Qawwali as a medium has transformed, in terms of the purpose and impact it has on...

Qawwali is the exception to the rule for Islamic religious ceremonies; music is not allowed. Qawwali is popular in Pakistan and India and is played occasionally during weddings, child birth, and when a child is learning to read the Koran. The music is characterized primarily by its quick rhythms so that listeners can become inspired. • ↓ • ↓ • ↓ • ↓ Qawwali Artists Highlights

Qawaali emerged in what is now India and Pakistan in the 13th century, in close association with the Sufi and their Islamic mysticism. Typically, there are a lot of people involved in a performance, with eight or nine players making music with harmoniums, tabla, dholak and other percussive instruments. There was a time when women were banned from performing Qawwali music, but things have changed. A lead vocalist and a small team of side singers take turns weaving in several different melodies, some of which will be improvised. After a long, improvised introduction for the main song, the singers all join in and vie with each other as the song builds towards its crescendo and sudden, abrupt end. It’s all about the build-up, so Qawwali songs are rarely short - there are no radio edits here. They can be anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes long, with one of the longest known Qawwali songs - Hashr Ke Roz Yeh Poochhunga by Aziz Mian Qawwal - being almost two hours long! Qawwali has a deeply religious history dating right back to the 13th century. It is the music of Sufi-sm, also known as 'Islamic mysticism,' whose followers believe in learning from teachers, rather than relying on texts. The influence of Sufism is huge within Islamic literature, music and the wider artistic beyond. Qawwali music is performed with the intention of bringing listeners to a state of religious ecstasy and is known to hypnotize both performers and listeners. The reaction to Qawwali is intended to bring ...

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