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Music genre

Sufi music

Sufi music is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of Islamic music. Explore its 3 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

About Sufi music

Sufi music is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of Islamic music.

Among the best-known names in the style are Abida Parveen.

Sufi music has given rise to 3 subgenres on this site, such as Qawwali, Sufi rock and Kafi.

From Wikipedia

Sufi music refers to the devotional music of the Sufis, inspired by the works of Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow, and Khwaja Ghulam Farid.

Qawwali is the best-known form of Sufi music and is most commonly found in the Sufi culture in South Asia. However, music is also central to the Sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes, which is set to a form of music called Ayin, a vocal and instrumental piece featuring Turkish classical instruments such as the ney (a reed flute). The West African gnawa is another form, and Sufis from Indonesia to Afghanistan to Morocco have made music central to their practices.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Sufi music.

Key artists

  • Abida Parveen

Related genres

Frequently asked questions

What is Sufi music?

Sufi music is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of Islamic music.

Who are famous Sufi music artists?

Abida Parveen.

Sources & credits