The Use Of Chanting Within Sufism

by Mind Body Spirit on September 2, 2010

From the belief system of Islam is the origins of Sufism.  Sufism is often said to be the mystical branch of Islam. 

Realizing a mystical connection with the divine or experiencing unity with God or mystical love is one of the aims of Sufism.

To reach this objective in Sufism, songs, texts and poetry are used through chanting.  The type of music used to do this is called qawwali. 

The form of music that Qawwali is, is one of a devotional nature.  It has this spiritual function to facilitate the divine connection.  This is the central purpose of this devotional form of music of Qawwali.

Qawwali music has particular musical characteristics and fits into the category of North Indian Classical music.

In order to arouse the spiritual and emotional connection with God a particular chanting practice is used.  The recitation of Gods name is what is used for this chanting practice.  ”Zikr” is the name given to this chanting practice.  While “sama” is the name given to the listening practice of this devotional music.

These practices of zikr and sama provide the context for the emotional experience of the connection to God for the Sufi.  The vehicle through which mystical love is communicated and experienced is the poetry or text.  This poetry or text is given a musical setting.

The performers aim is to bring about an intensification of the text for the listeners experience.  The singer will shape via improvisation the structure of the music in such a way that this can be done.  To intensify the emotions of the listeners the singer uses repetition of phrases, tempo changes and clapping.

Intensification has two functions and operates to reinforce and also generate increased spiritual arousal.

The performer is acutely aware of the impact of his performance on the listeners.  A particular song is continued as long as it is having an effect on the audience.  The song is stopped and changed once the effect stops.

So in Sufism to facilitate the spiritual experience of mystical love, unity and connection to God, the practice of chanting is utilized.


Related Blogs

share save 171 16 The Use Of Chanting Within Sufism

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post:

Brain Bliss