NewMusic
Discover Sufi
Explore Sufi music, devotional poetry, qawwali, sacred repetition and artists drawing on Islamic mystical traditions across regions.
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What is Sufi Music music?
Sufi music expresses devotion, longing and the search for closeness to the divine through poetry, melody and repetition. Its forms differ across South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and other regions.
Origins
The music is connected to centuries-old Sufi practices and poetic traditions within Islam, developing through distinct devotional gatherings, orders, languages and local cultures.
The sound
Repetitive phrases, rising intensity, hand percussion, harmonium, ensemble singing and poetic improvisation are associated with some traditions, including qawwali, but there is no single universal style.
Culture and influence
Performance can be contemplative or ecstatic and is often understood through spiritual context. Modern artists also bring Sufi poetry and melody into folk, rock and electronic settings.
Key characteristics
- devotional poetry
- repetition
- vocal intensity
- spiritual contemplation
- regional traditions
Explore related genres
About Sufi Music music
What defines Sufi Music music?
Repetitive phrases, rising intensity, hand percussion, harmonium, ensemble singing and poetic improvisation are associated with some traditions, including qawwali, but there is no single universal style.
Where did Sufi Music music come from?
The music is connected to centuries-old Sufi practices and poetic traditions within Islam, developing through distinct devotional gatherings, orders, languages and local cultures.
What should I listen for?
Listen for devotional poetry, repetition, vocal intensity, spiritual contemplation, regional traditions. Performance can be contemplative or ecstatic and is often understood through spiritual context. Modern artists also bring Sufi poetry and melody into folk, rock and electronic settings.