Devotional Music

Devotional Music

Definition and Scope

Devotional music in Islam refers to various forms of musical or quasi-musical performances that are intended for religious or spiritual engagement. This categorization can include the call to prayer (adhan), recitation of the Quran (tilawah), and distinctly Sufi practices like dhikr and sama.

Components

1. Call to Prayer (Adhan): The call to prayer (adhan) is a vocal proclamation made from a mosque to summon Muslims for obligatory prayers. Though deeply melodic, it isn’t classified as music in the canonical sense.

   • Arabic: الأذان
   • Turkish: Ezan

2. Quranic Recitation (Tilawah): The recitation of the Quran is performed with particular melodious and rhythmic patterns, known as tajwid, emphasizing the pronunciation and intonation.

   • Arabic: تلاوة
   • Turkish: Kuran Okuma

3. Sufi Music and Dhikr: Sufi traditions include a variety of music and physical movements, collectively called dhikr (remembrance of God) and sama (listening), which often involve elaborate, virtuosic solo singing, recitation, and group singing.

   • Arabic: ذكر
   • Turkish: Zikir

Types and Examples

1. Solo Singing of Supplications: Elaborate and virtuosic solo performances often feature meditative supplications and praised literatures. These supplications ask for God’s mercy and blessings.

   • Arabic: دعاء منفرد
   • Turkish: Tekli Dua

2. Religious Poetry Recitation: Poems invoking spiritual awakening and praise of God or the Prophet Muhammad are recited or sung in different styles.

   • Arabic: شعر ديني
   • Turkish: Dini Şiir

3. Group Singing of Religious Hymns: Hymns, such as those sung during pilgrimage to Mecca or other shrines, hold spiritual significance and engender collective devotion.

   • Arabic: نشيد ديني
   • Turkish: İlahi

4. Commemoration of Husayn’s Martyrdom in Shia Islam: Music used in Shia contexts, particularly surrounding the commemorations of Husayn ibn Ali’s martyrdom, includes solemn chant-like recitations and reenactments.

   • Arabic: موسيقى عاشوراء
   • Turkish: Aşura Müzik

Controversies and Debates

The place and acceptance of music in Islamic culture have been subjects of theological debate for centuries. Discussions extend to the appropriateness of women’s voices in public performance settings. This contention hinges on interpretations of religious texts and the influence of regional and cultural practices.

See Also

• Sama: A Sufi tradition that involves partaking in spiritually inspiring music and dance.

Etymology

• Devotional Music (English): From the Latin devotio, meaning “devoutness” or “worship”.
• تلاوة/الأذان/ذكر (Arabic Recitations and Practices): Derive from roots related to calling, reciting, and remembrance.
• Dini/Tekli/Zikir (Turkish adaptations): Reflect the integration into local languages and cultural practice.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. Music of a Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish & Hebrew Poems by Bernard Lewis
2. Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations by Michael Sells
3. The Sufi Orders in Islam by J. Spencer Trimingham
4. Women and Music in Cross-Cultural Perspective edited by Ellen Koskoff

Takeaways

• Diverse Practices: Islamic devotional music encompasses various practices that range from Quran recitation to Sufi music and rituals.
• Regional Variations: These practices vary greatly across Islamic cultures and are influenced by local traditions.
• Theological Debates: The role of music, especially female vocal music, remains a contested area within Islamic theology.

Conclusion

Devotional music in Islam offers a rich, nuanced spectrum of practices that serve to elevate spiritual experience and religious observance. Its varied forms underscore the cultural diversity and theological dynamism within the Muslim world.