mehfil-e samāʿ

Mehfil-e samāʿ, also known as samāʿ, is a Sufi practice involving listening to music and chanting to induce mystical trance and ecstasy. While orthodox Muslims viewed these practices as un-Islamic, Sufis argued that music can draw them closer to God, the source of beauty.1

Sufism is the mystical dimension of Islam, focusing on the path of spiritual development. This path begins with repentance and guidance from a spiritual guide (shaykh). Disciples (murīd) undergo strict ascetic practices and engage in constant struggle against their lower selves. Key concepts include spiritual stations (maqām), changing spiritual states (ḥāl), gnosis (maʿrifah), love (maḥabbah), annihilation (fanāʾ), and enduring life in God (baqāʾ). Ritual remembrance (dhikr) and sessions of music and poetry (samāʿ) are common practices. Sufism has also produced a rich body of literature, particularly poetry, that expresses mystical experiences and ideas. Sufi orders (tarīqah) emerged from the 12th century onwards, organizing mystical life and influencing the masses.234