Sufi Music over the years

Sufism is an inward dimension of Islam. There are many suggested origins of the term ‘Sufi’ but there is a general consensus that the term stemmed out from the Arabic word ‘suf’ which refers to the wool which was worn by ascetics and mystics. 

"Sufis seek divine love and knowledge, while connecting with God through introspection and contemplation." 

The Sufi Khanqahs played a remarkable role in popularising the idea of sufism in the subcontinent. Khanqahs were lodges, community centers or dormitories run by Sufis. Students would pray, read and engage in Dhikr  (remembrance of God) together at Khanqahs. 

 Depiction of Sufi disciples learning at a Sufi Khanqah. (Painting by Eugene Baugnies)

Element of national identity:

Sufism has a rich history in the subcontinent dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. These mystic traditions became more visible after Khwaja Razi-ud-Din Muhammad Baqi Billah (whose tomb is in Delhi) introduced the  Naqshbandi Order of Sufism  in India. This Order was founded by Baha-ud-Din Naqshband of Turkestan.

To this date, Sufism remains a component of the Pakistani national identity. Across the country, you can observe the idea of saints and shrines. There is Sufi poetry and expression in all regional languages of Pakistan. Bulleh Shah in Punjabi, Abdul Latif Bhitai in Sindhi, Rahman Baba in Pashto, Mast Twakkali in Balochi are some major regional sufi poets whose works are still read and appreciated all over Pakistan to this day. 

Mausoleum of sufi saint Shah Rukne Alam in Multan which was constructed between 1320-24

Shrine of Baba Ghundi in Chapursan Valley, 3000 meters above sea level (left) and Shrine of Bilawal Shah Noorani in the Kirthar Mountain Range, Balochistan. Built in the late 15th century (right)

The Sufi saints and their shrines have a massive impact on popularizing Sufi music in Pakistan. One major reason was that the Sufis expressed their message of peace and harmony in regional languages so they were able to build larger audiences. Their expressions in the form of poetry and music were embraced by young and old alike.

A Qawwal group performing at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Rajasthan.

Qawwali:

Sufi Music radiates a devotional aura that takes the listener through a journey of introspection. It became very popular because Sufis expressed harmony, peace and love among all people by performing live with a party of musicians.

The most renowned form of Sufi music is Qawwali, which began in the subcontinent during the early 13th century. Musicians and their disciples would sit together where some played eastern instruments including harmonium and tabla, while others clapped to form a constant rhythm. One or more individuals would recite the Sufi  kalam in eastern Ragas (eastern melodic framework) to build a whole experience.

Over time, Qawwali began to take new forms. More categories of expression began to emerge like  hamd  (praise for God),  naat  (expression in praise of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)),  marsiya  (poem written to commemorate the martyrdom & valour of Prophet (pbuh)’s grandson Hussain ibn Ali (as)),  ghazal  (poetic expression in Arabic, Urdu & Farsi),  manqabat  (sufi devotional poem in the praise of Prophet (pbuh)’s son-in-law, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (as)).

Pakistani artists who have globalized Sufi Music:

Pakistan has produced a plethora of Sufi Qawwals whose works enabled this form of Sufi music to go global.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is considered as the greatest Qawwal to have ever lived. His works in  manqabats  and  ghazals  are known worldwide, especially his collaboration with music director, Peter Gabriel. The main theme of Nusrat’s music revolved around divine love and separation. A little snippet from one of his most known works called  Sanu Ik Pall Chayn Na Aaway  (I can’t find a moment’s peace):