Promoting Peace Through Qawwali

Media Baithak recently organised a dialogue and performance session on ‘Promoting Peace Through Qawwali: Tracing The Journey of Sufi Musical Practices and Traditions Across the World.’

The objective of this dialogue and performance was to discuss the elements and possibilities that promote peace among the youngsters. It was further aimed at providing solutions, by the experts, to the younger generation who face hurdles in persuading the Sufi kalaam in form of Qawwali.

“Sufism has become a fashion now and what is fashion is commercial. The mystery of Sufism is its tranquility and peace elements fade away as it gets commercial. Sufism is sacred and so is Qawwali, which helps people to refrain from violent behaviour. It connects people with divine and once connected, no one can dare to surpass the divine peace,” Mr. Bedil Masroor, famous Sufi singer and musician pointed out the root causes which could lead young generation towards peace through Qawwali.

The participants also emphasised the government, civil society and art and media institutions to firmly promote Sufi music for the generations to come. It was noticed that lacking of music studies in educational institute in Pakistan is another reason of frustration among young generation.

“Our educational institutions have been continuously ignoring the positive impact of music on new generation. The elements of music i.e. Sur, la’ay and aesthetics bound everyone, who peruses music, to stay focused, it refrains from violent thoughts, and through music only peace prevails. I believe including music in curriculum has become a national and immediate need,” Masood Alam, music composer said while expressing his concerns.

To a question about how religion supports Qawwali, Dr. Sher Mehrani, scholar and author replied, “Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti transformed the glorified words for the lord, which they had been using by the people from centuries, into focused melodies which provokes and cultivates goodness and divine connection of peace, and this is also the soul of not only Islam but all existing religions.”

“Sufism is a form of Zikr. In the Sufi kalaam we glorify our Lord and this cleanses our soul, It can help societies to get rid of violent extremism and world has existing examples of these societies,” said Nauman Ahmed Riyaz, Senior Executive Director FM 96 and an author.

All the participants agreed on that Sufi kalam and Qawwali has the power to convey essential human values, such as respect, discipline, sacrifice, solidarity, courage, and ethics. These values seem more critical today than ever — particularly in the resolution of significant peace issues, Qawwali and Sufi kalaam can be an engine for positive change and development.

The dialogue session was moderated by senior journalist and anchor person Nadia Farooq. – Sufyan Nasir

RELATED POST

COMMENTS