Sufism
is the heart of Islam that is based on mysticism and the mystic
tradition of Islam. It is an extremely diverse tradition and
encompasses many of the forms of Islam and fuses them to be
a combination of traditions.
The
central theme and idea behind Sufism is based heavily on meditation
and finding the Truth.
The
meditation is about coming to terms with yourself and becoming
one with Allah. With more liberal and a focus on meditation
and interactive worship, Sufi's are provided the opportunity
to create art, write poetry and perform music.
This
freedom and fusion helps to give Muslims more of an opportunity
to express themselves in a manner in which they would otherwise
not be able to due to the sometimes strict regulations of other
Islamic sects.
Indian
Sub-Continent have been the hotspots for Sufism. This diverse
and rich mystical aspect of Islam also has a rich musical tradition
that is central to worship and expression within Sufism. Indian
Sub Continent have also been the epicenters for Sufi music,
which is called Chishty Sufi Qawwali / Sama.
Qawwali is the genre of Sufi music that is generally associated
with Chishty Sufi Order of which Ajmer Sharif has been the blessed
seat from last 900 across the Indian Sub-Continent . It is a
lively and very energetic type of spiritual music that draws
heavily upon the emotions of the performer and his/her interactions
with the crowd. s
Qawwali
is very interactive and many times in concerts the audience
becomes very engaged in the performance and emotionally n spiritually
attached to it.
Qawwali's roots can be traced back as far as the 8th century
in Persia, but this is not the qawwali that we think of today.
The qawwali music that is known today was created and founded
in the 13th century in India by a sufi man named Hazrat Amir
Khusraw Dehlvi Chishty - the disciple of great Sufi master Hazrat
Nizamuddin Awliya . Hazrat Amir Khusraw Dehlvi Chishty who is
one of Indian Sub-Continents most famous sufi poets and composers.
He can be credited, not only with the creation of qawwali, but
also with the creation of modern Hindustani Classical Music.
The most famous of all the Qawwali musicians was Ustad Nusrat
Fateh Ali Khan.
He
had got the title of Ustad ( Master ) from the Dargah Ajmer
Sharif after performing live for hours during his lesser known
days .
After
which his music has reached all across the globe, and his influence
on modern Qawwali is unmatched.
Qawwali
music is an integral part of Sufi culture and worship and has
become a way for Muslims to express themselves through the arts.
Qawwali's cultural arms have also spread to areas other than
the epicenter of Qawwali music, which is Indian Sub-Continent.
Sufism is an interesting and a deeply mystical Islamic tradition
that centers around this lively and passionate music that has
inspired many.
