The Resurgence of Sufi Music in Pakistan

Sufism has deep roots in Pakistan, as this country has produced many famous Sufi mystics and poets. Over the years, the concept of Sufism spread throughout subcontinent and attracted millions of followers towards this alternative Islamic thinking. The most interesting part of this religious sect was the incorporation of music within the last Abrahamic religion. Sufi music gained wide popularity not only in the subcontinent but also in countries like Iraq and Iran. With the advent of 1990s, many people thought that era of Sufi music was over and Pakistani society had moved on to the more ‘rock and roll’ side of music genre. Recently, the public opinion (especially of the youth) has shifted again towards the likability of Sufi music.

These days if you look at the leading education institutes, especially universities, you will find Qawwali nights on the rise. SZABIST (a leading learning institute in Karachi) alone organizes at least 4 such events in a year. This shows that youth has started enjoying Sufi music more than ever. Moreover, even at weddings many people are incorporating such gatherings as a traditional norm.

The loss of interest in Sufi music was particularly seen in cities, as the fame of this genre never really died down in villages across Pakistan.  Media agencies, such as PTV finally realized their role in keeping the Pakistani culture alive and contributed towards bringing back the Sufi music. They did this by organizing various Sufi music competitions in collaboration with Mehergarh and Lok Virsa.

Abida Parveen is one of the legends in our music industry and has contributed to Sufi music more than anyone else. These days all across Pakistan, whenever she participates in an event, you would see crowds letting go of their worldly worries and getting entrenched into the world of Sufism. The newer generation is also getting involved in world of Sufi music; renowned singers like Sanam Marvi are lighting the way for women and men alike to take part in Sufi music and keep this ancient art alive.

Coke Studio, perhaps the most popular Pakistani show amongst the youth, introduced the concept of fusion of various music genres. The show won praise of many celebrities, even across the border. Many singers like Fareed Ayaz, Abu Mohammad won the youth over by Sufi music. Coke Studio paved the way for the mystical side of music to take center stage yet again.

Sufism is one of the leading forces that can stop the spread of extremism and fundamentalism across Pakistan. It is also a part of our cultural identity that we inherited from the subcontinent. According to me it is up to the youth of this country to decide whether to keep this genre alive or not, since they make up 63% of Pakistan’s population.

Do you listen to Sufi music? Comment and let me know :)