These principles were then expanded by the chisti school of Sufism. The earliest Islamic scholars discussed the spiritual effects of music, but it was only in the time of al-Gazali(1085-1111) that these principles were refined and codified. The origins of qawwali probably predate the birth of Muhammad. After a while there is a repetition to the extent that the words cease to have a meaning in the ideal situation the participant is moved to a state of spiritual enlightenment (fana) The words are sung, quite repeatedly with variations intended to bring out the different aspects and deeper means of the lyrics. In this psychological state the song is received in a manner that is not unlike standard forms of musical expression. There is a very specific psychological process which a qawwali follows. These samas took place under the direction a spiritually respected man (sheikh). The sama was often a spiritual concert, wich included a vocalist and instrumentalists. By the end of the 11th century there arose the tradition of the sama. The use of music as a spiritual force was discussed in great length by al-Gazali(1085-1111). The qawwali may be viewed as an extension of the vocal form of this remembrance. This remembrance, known as dhikr, may be either silent of vocal.

To this end there are a number of different techniques and methods. However where the mainstream Muslim believes that it is only possible to reach God during ones life. All Muslims believe that man is on a path to God (tariqah). The difference between Sufism and mainstream islam is simple. In Arabic, this mysticism is known as tasawwuf. The Qawwali is inextricably linked to the sufi tradition Sufism is a mystical school of Islamic thought which strives to attain truth and divine love by direct personal experience. The qawwali is closely linked to the spiritual and artistic life of northern India and Pakistan. A Qawwal is one who sings qawwali, or the dictums of the prophets and praises of God. The word Qawwali is derived from the Arabic word Qaol which means ‘axiom’ or ‘dictum’.

Qawwali is a traditional form of Islamic song found in India and Pakistan.

Wedding qawali