Comment on the sufi tradition that invoked the divine through music and dance.
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Music and dance played a special role in the history of Sufism and in the evolvement of its various orders. In his verses Hafiz says that music and dance made him forget his sorrow and the pain of separation from the loved ones and come closer to the Truth, Harmony and Beauty.
On the one hand, the role of music and dance in ritual practice has always caused many debates; on the other hand, their practicing was not the least important factor that made Sufism popular nowadays. Sama’ ritual (ecstatic rite that involves dancing and listening to the music) of Mulavi brotherhood that developed in Turkey under immediate influence of Ottoman court etiquette is now performed on stage as the dance of whirling dervishes. A Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh AH Khan who has been trained to perform kakvali rite of Chishti order makes recordings all over the world and cooperates with American musicians in creating movie soundtracks.
The practice of listening to the music and performing dances was not inherent in all Sufi persuasions. For example, brotherhoods such as Naqshbandi and Kadiri do not approve of these occupations (although there too had been some remarkable exceptions). At the same time, melodious recital of verses in Sufi circles was often accompanied by playing musical instruments and body movements, either spontaneous ones expressing the state of ecstasy, or measured ritual gestures.
A Sufi, being in the state of spiritual ecstasy focuses the attention of his heart on his Loved one, and his feelings for her become equal to the love for the Most High. Performing certain movements to the sound of rhythmical music he gives himself in self-denyal to the recalling of God. In this state a Sufi is at the height of “intoxication”, he does not remember anything else but God. All his senses and mind are turned to his Loved one, and he completely abandons and forgets himself. This practice requires special training, therefore not all apprentices participate in the sama’ ritual. As a psychophysical exercise it is accessible only to few, based on the judgment of the Spiritual Mentor who decides if there is a need in that. Sama’ can be identified with a medicine which is sometimes prescribed and sometimes prohibited. To psychologically and spiritually educate and supervise his disciples was the main duty of the Teacher. Going into ecstasy is not a mindless dancing, but a special kind of auto-training that is based on certain rules and psychological preparation.
When reaching ecstasy (vadj), Sufis make movements that resemble a dance; this is an indication of a very high degree of vadj. At this moment the body of the person performing the rite is possessed by the passion and striving for the Most High. Intoxicated by the Divine Love, he remains in the state of self-forgetting. Without any involvement of his will his feet may be stamping and hands clapping. This state is known as “The Unity Dance”.
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