Qawalli music & Poetry: Finding God in Every Word
- Aastha Johari
- Nov 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Introduction: Sufi poetry has this incredible way of speaking directly to the heart. The works of poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Ibn Arabi have touched millions, and for good reason. But what is it about their words that resonate so deeply, even centuries after they were written? What makes them feel so personal, so intimate, even though they were penned long before our time?
For me, it’s the sense that these poets are speaking directly to us, as if they knew exactly what we’re feeling, what we’re going through, even today. Sufi poetry isn’t just about reading beautiful verses—it’s about feeling a connection to something greater, to a love that exists beyond time and space. It’s like these words are whispers from the Divine, pulling us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
The Beauty of Divine Love in Sufi Poetry: The core of Sufi poetry is all about Divine love—a love so powerful, so consuming, that it transcends everything else. The poets don’t just talk about love as an abstract idea; they write about it as an experience, a longing that calls out to the soul, urging it to remember its true nature.
I remember the first time I truly connected with Rumi’s poetry. I wasn’t just reading words; I felt the depth of his longing for the Divine, the intensity of his love for something greater than himself. It was as if his words were pulling me into this beautiful, timeless dance of love and surrender. His poetry didn’t just touch my mind—it spoke to my heart, inviting me to explore my own connection with the Divine.
Rumi, in particular, wrote about love in a way that made it feel like a living, breathing thing. Love wasn’t just something you felt; it was something you became. It was the essence of existence. This love is not something we chase or attain—it’s something we return to. It’s always there, waiting for us to remember it.
My First Encounter with Rumi: I first came across Rumi’s poetry during a difficult time in my life. I was feeling lost, struggling with personal challenges, and, frankly, I didn’t know where to turn. But then I stumbled upon a line that felt like a lifeline: “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in new form.”
Those words hit me like a wave. It was as though Rumi was speaking directly to me, offering me reassurance and comfort when I needed it most. In that moment, I realized that loss, in all its forms, isn’t the end. It’s a transformation. Even in our pain, love continues. His poetry became a kind of balm for my soul, a reminder that everything is part of a larger, more beautiful journey.
Rumi’s poetry is like that—it doesn’t just offer comfort in tough times. It invites us to see the world differently, to embrace all of life—the highs, the lows, the beautiful mess of it all—as part of a divine plan. It teaches us to trust that everything, even our losses, is leading us back to love.
The Transformative Power of Sufi Poetry: Sufi poetry isn’t just about finding beautiful words. It’s about finding meaning—a meaning that speaks to the deepest parts of us. These poems serve as spiritual guides, helping us reconnect with our true selves, our Divine essence. They remind us that, no matter what we’re going through, we’re all on a journey of return—returning to that place of love and unity with the Divine.
I’ve found that reading Sufi poetry can be a deeply transformative experience. It’s like these words hold a kind of magic—they have the power to heal, to open up the heart, and to shift our perspective. Whether it’s Rumi’s passionate cries of longing or Hafiz’s joyful invitations to dance with the Divine, these poems help us tune in to a deeper truth: love is at the heart of everything.
Sufi poetry speaks to the human experience in a way that makes us feel less alone. It acknowledges the struggles, the longing, the joy, and the beauty of life. And it always points us back to love—because, in the end, love is the answer to everything.
The Role of Qawalli Music in Sufi Spirituality: If Sufi poetry is the written word, then Qawwali music is its living, breathing expression. Just like the poetry, Qawwali music carries the energy of Divine love. It’s an invitation to surrender to something greater than ourselves—to lose ourselves in the rhythm, the melody, and the lyrics, and through that, to find something deeply spiritual.
For me, listening to Qawalli music is a transformative experience. It’s like stepping into a sacred space where the boundaries between the self and the Divine begin to dissolve. The powerful voices of the qawwals (the singers), the rhythmic beats of the tabla, and the soaring melodies—it’s all an invitation to journey inward, to experience the Divine presence in every note.
One of my favorite Qawalli songs is “Tajdar-e-Haram.” Every time I listen to it, I’m moved by the beauty of the lyrics and the intensity of the devotion. The way the singers pour their hearts into every word makes it feel as though they’re calling out to the Beloved with every breath. There’s something about Qawalli music that touches the soul in a way words alone can’t.
The rhythm of Qawalli is like the heartbeat of the universe—it pulls you in, encourages you to let go, and invites you to dance with the Divine. I often find myself surrendering to the music, allowing it to carry me to a place of deep peace and connection. It’s as if the music itself becomes a prayer, a way of communicating with God that transcends language and words.
Conclusion: Sufi poetry and Qawalli music aren’t just for scholars or mystics. They’re for anyone who has ever felt love, longing, or the desire for something greater. They speak to all of us—reminding us that love is the answer to everything. Whether we’re reading the works of Rumi or listening to a powerful Qawalli performance, we’re reminded that the Divine is always present.
For me, both Sufi poetry and Qawalli music have become a way to reconnect with the deepest truths of existence. They show us that love, in all its forms, is at the heart of the universe. And through them, we remember that, no matter where we are or what we’re going through, we are never alone—we are always surrounded by love, by beauty, and by the Divine.
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