The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) recently hosted a thought-provoking Kazim Bacchus Research Seminar titled 'Contemporary Staged Sufism: Poetry, Performance, and Music.' The seminar featured esteemed scholars: Jonas Otterbeck, Professor of Islamic Studies and Rasul-Walker Chair in Popular Culture in Islam; and Dr Walid Ghali, Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the AKU Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilsations, UK. The presenters delved into the evolution and commercialization of Sufi traditions, particularly within the realm of music and performance.
The discussion traced the historical continuity of Sufism from its emergence within Islamic tradition, highlighting how orientalists and non-Muslim groups began showing interest in Sufi practices. This interaction led to adaptations of Sufi traditions within various religious and cultural contexts. The seminar explored how these exchanges shaped the development of staged performances, transforming intimate, spiritual gatherings into public spectacles.
A central theme of the seminar was the journey of Sufi poetry, which has existed since the inception of Islam, and its transition into staged performances. Over time, this shift allowed Sufi traditions to reach a wider audience while creating economic opportunities for performers. Dr Ghali illustrated this transition by referencing the work of a famous Naqshbandi singer in Egypt, whose recorded performances revolutionised the landscape of Sufi music, making it more commercially viable.
The speakers also reflected on the theological and cultural exchanges between Sufi music and broader society, emphasising how Sufi groups, despite their commercialisation, sought to preserve their heritage. They cited examples such as The Awakening, a modern Sufi-inspired group featuring renowned artists like Sami Yusuf, who continue to integrate traditional spiritual practices like zikr (remembrance) into their performances, maintaining strong connections with classical Sufi tariqas (spiritual paths).
The seminar concluded by exploring the profound impact of sound and music in education. The speakers stressed how educators could harness these elements to forge deeper connections with students. Through a series of videos and musical examples, the seminar vividly presented the variety and richness of contemporary staged Sufi performances, offering a nuanced understanding of how these traditions continue to evolve in today's globalised world.
AKU-IED remains committed to fostering intellectual discussions that bridge historical and contemporary contexts, enriching our understanding of diverse cultural and religious traditions.
