Knowra Qawwali Qawwali Qawwali is a devotional musical tradition of South Asia in which ensembles sing poetry praising God and Sufi saints, often with clapping and rhythmic accompaniment.
Qawwali ensemble : A group of singers and instrumentalists performing qawwali, typically led by a principal vocalist and supported by a chorus. The lead-and-chorus arrangement drives qawwali’s call, response, and collective refrains.
Amir Khusrau : A 13th-century Indo-Persian poet, musician, and court intellectual associated with the Delhi Sultanate. Tradition associates Khusrau with qawwali’s formation, though specific origin stories are debated.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan : A Pakistani singer widely known for his performances of qawwali and other vocal music. His recordings brought qawwali to large international audiences.
Sufism : The diverse mystical traditions of Islam, emphasizing inward spiritual experience and closeness to God. Qawwali expresses devotional ideas found in several Sufi traditions.
Hamd : An Islamic poem or song praising God. Hamd supplies qawwali with a direct form of praise addressed to God.
Chishti Order : A Sufi order founded in South Asia and known for its emphasis on love, service, and devotional practice. Qawwali developed especially within Chishti Sufi devotional life.
Sabri Brothers : A Pakistani qawwali ensemble founded by brothers Ghulam Farid Sabri and Maqbool Ahmed Sabri. Their performances became influential models of modern qawwali ensemble singing.
Dargah : A shrine built over the grave of a Sufi saint, often serving as a place of pilgrimage and worship. Qawwali is frequently heard at dargahs during devotional gatherings.
Naat : An Islamic poem or song expressing praise and devotion to the Prophet Muhammad. Naats are a major devotional subject in qawwali performance.
Sama : A Sufi practice of listening to music or poetry as a form of spiritual attention. Qawwali is performed in settings where sama can cultivate devotion and spiritual absorption.
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