I love Qawwali and Ghazals

In the rich tapestry of Pakistani music, two genres stand out for their depth, mysticism, and emotional intensity: Qawwali and Ghazals. Both forms have roots that span centuries, merging poetry, philosophy, and musical artistry. Let's journey into these compelling genres, which continue to resonate with global audiences.

The Ethereal Echo of Qawwali

Originating from the Sufi traditions of South Asia, Qawwali is a musical expression of devotional poetry. The term "Qawwali" derives from the Arabic word "Qaol," meaning an "axiom" or "dictum."

• Historical Roots: The patron saint of Qawwali, Amir Khusrau, a 13th-century poet and musician, is credited with fusing Persian music with Indian classical forms to create this genre. It was propagated through Sufi shrines, primarily in Pakistan and India.
• Key Components: Central to Qawwali is the lead vocalist, supported by a group of backup singers, harmoniums, and percussions like the tabla and dholak. Lyrics often revolve around love, devotion, and longing for the divine.
• Notable Qawwals: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who reached international acclaim in the 1980s and 1990s, is perhaps the most recognized Qawwal globally. Others like Sabri Brothers and Aziz Mian have also made significant contributions.

Qawwals in the history of Pakistan:

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Undoubtedly, the most internationally recognized Qawwal, Nusrat's voice and improvisational skill brought Qawwali to global audiences. His collaborations with Western musicians further solidified his legendary status.

Sabri Brothers (Ghulam Farid Sabri & Maqbool Ahmed Sabri): Renowned for their powerful and passionate renditions, the Sabri Brothers were instrumental in popularizing Qawwali across the globe.

Aziz Mian: Known for his unique style and intense performances, Aziz Mian is remembered for his lengthy Qawwalis and spirited renditions.

Amjad Sabri: The son of Ghulam Farid Sabri, Amjad continued the legacy of the Sabri Brothers, bringing a modern touch to traditional Qawwali before his tragic and untimely death.

Mehfil-e-Sama: This group, while not as internationally renowned, has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting the traditional form of Qawwali in Pakistan.

 

Badar Miandad (also known as Badar Ali Khan): Hailing from the renowned Qawwali family of Pakistan, Badar Miandad was known for both spiritual and contemporary Qawwalis.

Bahauddin Qutbuddin: Another stalwart of the Qawwali tradition, he is credited with introducing several innovative styles and techniques in the realm of Qawwali.

Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad: Descendants of the Qawwal Bachon ka Gharana of Delhi, this duo has done commendable work in keeping the Qawwali tradition alive and infusing it with their unique style.

Rizwan-Muazzam: Nephews of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rizwan and Muazzam have carried forward the legacy, blending traditional Qawwali with modern sounds.

Sher Miandad Khan: Known for his unique voice and deep spiritual renditions, Sher Miandad Khan has a vast following in Pakistan.

Sufism and its Intimate Relationship with Qawwali

Sufism, often referred to as Tasawwuf in the Arabic tradition, is the mystical Islamic belief system. It focuses on the inward search for God and strives to achieve spiritual closeness to the divine. Sufis, or adherents of Sufism, emphasize inner peace, self-discipline, and a direct personal experience of God through mysticism. They often congregate around spiritual guides known as "sheikhs" or "pirs" and are organized into orders or "tariqas."

Qawwali is an integral part of the Sufi tradition. It's not just a genre of music but a form of devotion and a path to God. Here's how Sufism is intertwined with Qawwali:

1. Origins in Devotion: Qawwali, as a musical form, emerged from the Sufi practice of "sama," which refers to the listening experience of poetry and songs that aim to lead Sufi devotees into states of spiritual ecstasy and closeness to God. It's a form of auditory meditation.
2. Philosophical Underpinning: The lyrics in Qawwali often draw from the poetic works of great Sufi saints and poets like Rumi, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusro, and others. These verses address themes central to Sufism: divine love, the impermanence of life, the longing for the divine, and the deep bond between the seeker and the Creator.
3. The Spiritual Experience: The very structure of a Qawwali performance is designed to induce a spiritual journey. Starting with "Hamd" (praise of God) and moving to "Naat" (praise of the Prophet Muhammad), it progresses to more intense themes of divine love and separation, aiming to lead listeners into a trance-like state, culminating in spiritual realization or "haal."
4. Communal Bonding: Qawwali performances often take place at Sufi shrines, during the "urs" (death anniversaries of Sufi saints) as a form of collective worship. The energy of the gathering – with the rhythmic clapping, repetitive choruses, and escalating tempo – serves to unify the listeners and performers in their spiritual quest.
5. Role of the Qawwal: A Qawwal, or the lead performer of Qawwali, serves as a spiritual guide in his own right. Through his voice and the stories he narrates, he not only entertains but enlightens, drawing the audience closer to the divine essence.

 

Ghazals: The Refined Expression of Love and Pain

Derived from the Arabic word for "talking to women," Ghazal is an intricate form of poetry and music, often revolving around themes of love, pain, and beauty.

• Poetic Structure: Ghazals are composed of couplets, each being a standalone poetic entity, yet related by theme. This allows artists to select specific couplets from various poets, crafting a unique lyrical narrative.
• Musical Nuance: Ghazals emphasize the delicate play between voice and music, with the maestro often revisiting lines to draw out their emotive depth. Instruments like the sitar, tabla, and harmonium commonly accompany the vocalist.
• Iconic Ghazal Singers: Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hassan, and Abida Parveen are a few luminaries in the realm of Ghazals. Their renditions have immortalized many a poem, connecting deeply with listeners across borders.

Sufism or Tasawwuf, as mentioned earlier, is the mystical Islamic tradition that emphasizes personal experiences with the Divine. Sufi teachings often use the allegory of love and longing to describe the soul's relationship with God.

The Confluence of Ghazals and Sufism

1.    Metaphoric Love: In Sufi-inspired ghazals, romantic and earthly love often serves as a metaphor for divine love. This metaphorical love embodies the soul's yearning for God. The beloved in the ghazal often represents the Divine, while the lover or the poet symbolizes the seeker or devotee.

2.    Famous Sufi Poets: Many celebrated Sufi saints were also poets who employed the ghazal form to express their spiritual experiences. Poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Bulleh Shah used ghazals to elucidate their mystical insights and spiritual journeys.

3.    Unending Quest: A recurring theme in Sufi ghazals is the ceaseless search for the beloved (God). This mirrors the Sufi's pursuit of divine realization, where the journey is as significant as the destination.

4.    Pain and Separation: The pain of separation from the beloved, a frequent motif in ghazals, parallels the Sufi sentiment of being distant from God in this earthly realm. This pain fuels the seeker's desire to bridge the gap between the mundane and the celestial.

5.    Wine as Symbolism: The metaphor of wine, often found in ghazals, is used by Sufi poets not to signify intoxication in the literal sense, but the spiritual ecstasy and trance achieved through devotion and remembrance of God.

Ghazal Singing and Sufism

Ghazal singing, especially in the South Asian context, often takes inspiration from Sufi themes. Singers like Begum Akhtar, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, and Abida Parveen, among others, have sung ghazals that delve deep into Sufi philosophy. Their soulful renditions have made Sufi ghazals accessible and beloved to audiences worldwide.