Samāʿ in Sufi and Mystical Thought: A Study of Its Status and Significance

Abstract

Sama' (spiritual audition/listening) is one of the most debated and complex concepts in Islamic mysticism and Sufism. This term encompasses a variety of meanings and objectives, with universal agreement on the permissibility and endorsement of some of its forms; such as listening to the Noble Qur'an. Listening to poetry, however, is a matter on which opinions can be expressed, taking into consideration the content, the manner of its performance, who recites it and how, the state and qualities of the listener, and the goal he seeks. The most controversial type of Sama' is that in which poetry is recited in a melodious voice accompanied by instruments of entertainment and music. Jurists, religious scholars, and leading Sufis have presented diverse opinions on this matter – with consideration given to circumstances, qualities, times, and occasions – highlighting the complexity of the subject. The most important, complex, and contentious type of Sama' is that which is accompanied by musical instruments, presented as "Sama' of the Sufis," which some have considered an act of worship and a means of drawing closer to God. Such Sama' is entirely rejected by jurists, and most major Sufis also deemed it impermissible and reprehensible (makruh); except for a few who considered it permissible, and that too under specific conditions.