Diverse Perspectives: Insights & Stories Exploring Ideas, Sharing Knowledge
Music is now an emotional therapy. It could sooth your upset soul. On the contrary, it could completely plunge one into depths of sentiments. For instance, take Main Khuda Ko Bataunga of Amjad Baltistani. It is a composition that could easily tug at one’s heart strings. Similarly, Sufi music is one of the music genres. Its melody goes deeper into one’s heart. Furthermore, it also holds spiritual essence. Therefore, these works are said to bring listener close to God.
Presently, Sufi music has come to influence numerous modern music genres. The tides never have the same effect on a shore even though they keep crashing on it. Thus, times have changed. For example, Sindh recognizes Abida Parveen as living legend just like Fozia Soomro. Following this through, let us see how Sufi music transformed various music genres.
What is Sufism?
Sufism is a religious ritual that has origins in Islamic tradition. Additionally, it is like a directly established connection to the Creator. People who comply with Sufism are referred to as Sufis. They aim to spread the message of peace and love to humanity. Furthermore, their beliefs encourage them to show utmost respect to each individual. This concept of Sufism conveys that God is everywhere and in everything. Sufis deem to follow a certain type of melody, and dancing as their traditional practice.
Qawwali and Sama hail as the trending ways of devotion. These are special melodies produced in Sufi gatherings. However, such music carries a deep message. Moreover, it brings about a spark of spirituality in every human being. Thus, listeners undergo something like spiritual cleansing.
What are Music Genres?
A genre is simply a form of classification. In case of music, the different varieties of songs get labelled as music genres. These include, classic, rock, pop, jazz, and indie. Additionally, each of these genres pose as unique due to difference in the sounds, rhythms, and instruments.
This era has seen the change in music genres. Musicians are tempted to carry out experiments. Most of them have been quite successful too like Sajjad Ali. He is well-known for blending classic and pop music together. Therefore, it creates a fusion music. Apart from these, artists are also working on vast new ideas. While some have introduced an entirely new genre to the realm of melodies. These exceptional touches keep music fresh and up to taste of modern listeners.
Sufism in Modern World
Sufism goes way back to connecting souls. The essence of Sufi music clearly presents itself to strengthen the link to the Almighty God. These compositions are quite different from other types of songs. It upholds religious sentiments, and soothes your soul down. These works tend to make your disposition calm and peaceful. One of most prominent form of devotions can be seen in Qawwali. This genre of music emerged in the lands of South Asia, India and Pakistan.
Qawwali is frequently sung by a group of musicians. They skillfully play instruments while balancing the harmony. Besides, Qawwali is more than just music. It also includes mystical dances. A great example is that of phenomenal performance of “Whirling Dervishes”. It involves spinning around and emitting the spiritual energy. This increases the level of faith as the spinner releases his worries to pass it all to the Divine. Thus, Sufi melody and dance establish a direct connection to God.
Music Genres and Sufism
In this age of advancement, traditions and innovation go hand in hand. Therefore, recent songs display a tinge of unique ideas and carry cultural essence. Just like other music genres, Sufism also forms a part of this trending method. A lot of emerging artists now focus on this. So, today, Sufi music could be seen infused with pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music genres. This is how the genre of Sufi Music has started to shine on international platform as well.
Astonishingly, Sufism is full of treasures. There is a chest of jewels found in Sufi poetry. Furthermore, today people use renowned works of Rumi, Bulleh Shah, and Khusrau. These poets have pen down works on diverse network of themes. From the love ballads to peaceful and spiritual tunes. Currently, the modern-day songs contain these poetic verses behind an upbeat music. These mixtures of elements produce an impactful effect and listeners can relate to it.
1. Pop Music through Sufism
Pop music is the choice of young listeners today. However, this genre uses some of Sufi elements at its core. Furthermore, the artists use Sufi poetry at the backdrop of their upbeat style of music. Some musicians even utilize traditional tools like Dholak (drum). Some pop singers also make a use of song making techniques that involves deep lyrics and soulful music. A perfect example is that of Atif Aslam. He is widely famous pop artist. Still, he has managed to captivate millions of hearts through his Tajdar-e-Haram. This composition deems as perfect illustration where modernity meets Sufi devotion.
2. Sufi Influence on Rock Music
The striking guitar music and loud drumming makes rock music. It may seem surprising but Sufism has laid a great influence upon this genre too. Some rock bands have taken the liberty to incorporate Sufi-music spirit into their fast-paced tracks. Therefore, adding a beautiful touch of peaceful notions to energetic music. Thus, these musicians could heat the beats. This is how their works are turning into hits consistently. What’s more, everyone has heard of Junoon. It is the prestigious name in Pakistani rock music. It was the band which initiated the use of fusing electric guitars and Sufi melody. Thus, the secret to their glorious days in the spotlight.
- Sufi-music and Hip-Hop
Hip-Hop music means rapping, beats, and fine rhythmic tunes. It rapidly took over the world. However, it was famous in America primarily. The musicians of this genre differ from other music genres. Their compositions revolve around life’s toils, and mode of living in their localities. On the contrary, it is a new dawn for every genre including Hip-Hop. So, its artists have began to incorporate themes of harmony, love, and spiritual enlightening in their works. These ideals are basic foundation of Sufism. This helps to reach wider group of people.
Fame of Sufi Music
Sufi-music holds magic of putting hearts into a calm state. In present world, humans are trying to find some peace and quite amidst the rushed-up lives they live. Sufi-music therefore, provides these tired souls with an outlet to breathe. Moreover, it is one of the music genres close to finding inner peace. This is one of the major reasons for Abida Parveen’s growing popularity too. Her songs offer a complete spiritual healing through melodies.
Conclusion
Music has become a complete package of comfort. The musical notes today show tremendous positive effects on human soul. It is best seen through Sufi-music. Furthermore, today’s popular music genres include some of its elements to progress. Thus, Sufism is a part of Rock, pop, and even Hip-Hop music. The modern talent uses Sufi poetry, instruments, and even base their songs on its sole notions of peace and love. However, Sufi-music does seem to be the need of the era. For today people are just like T.S. Eliot’s ‘hollow man’. Therefore, such music provides them a break from their chaotic life.
