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The root of the
word Qawwali is Qa’ol which is an Arabic word meaning an
axiom or dictum based upon the religious subjects which
help purification of thoughts. From the word Qawwali we
also get another word Qawwali which means a musician or
singer who sings the hymns or praises of God and dictums
of the prophets, saints and other holy personages in
Arabic, Persian, Urdu and even Hindustani composed by
reputed Sufi saints and poets. These Qawwali concerts
are magnetic in nature and touch the delicate cord of
human heart which, being ethereal, is the main centre of
spiritual awakening in man. The Khawaja Sahib not only
introduced but also patronised these concerts to capture
and mould the hearts of his audience for accepting the
Divine Message gracefully.Music has always
played a prominent part in the religious and social life
of India from time immemorial and therefore singing or
recital of the devotional songs called bhajans etc. has
been one of the important ceremonials at Hindu temples
and religious congregations. The Khawaja Sahib was the
inventor of the fascinating blending of sweet songs in
Sufistic style preaching the gospel of Truth. This
medium suited Indian culture, temperament, customs and
traditions most admirably with the result that his Sama
or Qawwali mahfils (congregations) became very popular
with good results and they continue to be so even to
this day. |
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