What is Sama in Islam?

Sama (Arabic: سماع) is a spiritual practice that involves listening to music, poetry, or chanting, often within the context of Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. The term “Sama” translates to “listening” or “hearing,” and it is considered a form of spiritual exercise aimed at awakening the heart and deepening the connection with Allah.

Sama is closely linked to the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), and its practice is intended to help the individual experience divine presence and achieve spiritual ecstasy. Through Sama, the seeker enters a state of spiritual contemplation and emotional connection with the Divine, transcending worldly distractions and opening the heart to Allah’s love and mercy.

The Purpose and Significance of Sama

1. Facilitating Spiritual Connection
   • Sama is seen as a tool to help the soul connect with Allah. It is believed that the experience of listening to music or chanting that praises Allah can open the heart to the Divine presence, helping the seeker to enter a state of heightened spiritual awareness and devotion.
2. Inspiring Love for Allah
   • The primary goal of Sama is to cultivate and intensify the love for Allah. By engaging with music or poetry that praises Allah or the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the seeker’s heart is stirred with a deep sense of affection, reverence, and longing for Allah.
3. Achieving Spiritual Ecstasy
   • Sama is intended to elevate the soul and bring about spiritual ecstasy. In Sufi practices, this ecstasy is often described as a profound, transformative experience where the seeker feels a deep connection with Allah, sometimes leading to a temporary loss of self-awareness or a feeling of unity with the Divine.
4. Overcoming the Ego (Nafs)
   • The emotional and spiritual effects of Sama can help the individual transcend the ego (nafs), the part of the self that is driven by worldly desires. By immersing oneself in the spiritual experience of Sama, the seeker moves beyond self-centeredness and ego-driven thoughts, allowing for a deeper awareness of Allah.

Sama in Sufism

1. Sama as a Ritual Practice
   • In many Sufi orders, Sama is performed as a ritual or gathering, where a group of Sufis come together to engage in the act of listening or participating in a spiritual performance. Sama can involve various forms of artistic expression, including:
     • Recitation of poetry that praises Allah or the Prophet Muhammad.
     • Chanting or singing religious praises.
     • Instrumental music, including the use of instruments such as the reed flute (nay) or drums (daf).
     • Whirling or dancing, especially among the Mevlevi order (Whirling Dervishes).
2. The Role of the Sheikh
   • In a Sufi gathering, the Sheikh (spiritual guide) plays a central role in leading the Sama session. The Sheikh may guide the disciples in the practice of Sama, setting the tone for the gathering and ensuring that the focus remains on spiritual elevation and connection with Allah.
3. The Whirling Dervishes
   • One of the most famous forms of Sama is the whirling practiced by the Mevlevi Sufi order, founded by Jalaluddin Rumi. The Whirling Dervishes perform a symbolic dance of spinning, which represents the soul’s journey towards divine unity and the annihilation of the self in the presence of Allah. The rhythm of the movement and the music accompanies this spiritual practice, creating a deep state of meditation and ecstasy.
4. Intended Emotional and Spiritual Impact
   • Sama is designed to stir the emotions and awaken the heart. The music and poetry used in Sama have the effect of drawing the listener into a state of emotional intensity, where feelings of humility, devotion, and longing for Allah are heightened.

The Spiritual Benefits of Sama

1. Fostering Spiritual Awareness
   • Sama helps the individual focus their attention on Allah, making it easier to enter a state of spiritual awareness and mindfulness. The emotions stirred by the practice of Sama act as a means of purifying the heart and deepening one’s connection to the Divine.
2. Inducing Tranquility and Peace
   • Similar to other forms of worship, Sama is believed to bring peace to the heart. The soothing effects of the music and chanting help calm the mind, allowing the seeker to find inner tranquility and stillness.
3. Heightening the Experience of Divine Love
   • Sama is not just a form of artistic expression; it is seen as a means of intensifying one’s love for Allah. By experiencing the beauty of religious poetry, music, and movement, the seeker is reminded of Allah’s beauty, mercy, and majesty.
4. Experiencing Spiritual Ecstasy (Walayah)
   • One of the most profound effects of Sama is the experience of spiritual ecstasy or Walayah—a state in which the seeker feels overwhelmed by Allah’s love and presence. This momentary loss of self-awareness allows the person to transcend their worldly concerns and unite with the Divine.

The Role of Music in Sama

1. Sacred Music
   • In the context of Sama, music is regarded as sacred because it is used to invoke the remembrance of Allah. Unlike secular music, which may distract from spiritual goals, Sama music is considered a form of spiritual nourishment that enhances worship.
2. Instruments in Sama
   • The Nay (reed flute), Daf (drum), and other traditional instruments are commonly used in Sama performances. These instruments are believed to resonate with the soul and aid in creating a connection with Allah. They are used in a way that complements the rhythm and intention of the spiritual experience.

Sama and Islamic Teachings

1. Islamic Perspective on Music
   • The practice of Sama, particularly in the Sufi tradition, has sometimes been debated among scholars of Islam. While some scholars permit the use of music in religious contexts when it leads to spiritual growth and remembrance of Allah, others caution against music that may distract from the core principles of Islam.
   • For many Sufis, the music used in Sama is viewed as an integral part of their worship, helping to stir emotions of devotion and humility, which are in line with the overall goals of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and submission to Allah’s will.

Conclusion

Sama is a deeply spiritual practice in Sufism that involves listening to music, chanting, or poetry as a way of remembering and connecting with Allah. It serves as a tool for emotional and spiritual elevation, helping the seeker to experience feelings of love, humility, and longing for the Divine. Through Sama, the seeker transcends worldly distractions and enters a state of spiritual ecstasy, deepening their awareness of Allah’s presence. Although the practice involves music, it is not seen as secular entertainment but as a sacred form of worship designed to draw the seeker closer to Allah and purify their heart.

Written by AI.  A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.