Intro to Sama: A Guided Listening Session Through Islamic Devotional Sounds

How do sound, music, and poetry shape the search for the divine? What role does sound play in building and sustaining sacred communities? Sound is central to the spiritual and religious practices of many traditions, and in Islam, the use of voice, music, and poetry in devotion is both rich and diverse. Even as musical practices in Islam are contested, sonic devotion remains an important part of Muslim practice, historically and in contemporary contexts.

In this unique and intimate event, anthropologists and ethnomusicologists Wajiha Naqvi and Stefan Williamson Fa invite you to explore the practice of sama (Arabic for "listening"), a Sufi practice that uses sound and poetry as a means to draw closer to God. Through a guided listening experience, attendees will engage with a curated selection of field and archival recordings from the researchers’ work across the Middle East and South Asia. These recordings—featuring both music and recitations of devotional poetry—will be introduced with contextual insights and translations, allowing for a deeper understanding of the sonic dimensions of Islamic spirituality.

This event is designed to be a reflective, immersive experience. Comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere encourage deep listening and shared attention, fostering a space for contemplation and connection through sound. Whether you're familiar with Islamic devotional traditions or new to the subject, this event provides a welcoming environment for exploring the power of sound in religious and cultural contexts. All we request is for you to bring an open ‘ear’, an approach that centres aurality when listening to these diverse sonic practices, because we believe it is through this practice of deep listening that can potentially lead to the opening of the heart, the ultimate objective of the Sufis.