Know I Neither Prayers Nor Ablutions
Wow. I've made fun of my share of cheesy, goofy-sounding eastern music in my day, but a few years ago I heard Jeff Buckley do a cover of a song by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I remember thinking it was sort of pretty, so I finally decided to seek out the original today. And its more beautiful than I expected. You might not share my enthusiasm (I'm a musical omnivore; I can find something I like in any genre) but I'll post it anyway.
Yeh Jo Halka Halka Saroor Hai
Apparently songs of this sort are part of a tradition called Qawwali and are considered a form of worship for Sufis; Sufism being a mystical aspect of the Islamic faith that places emphasis on wisdom, introspection and humility. It is often explored by Sunnis, Shiites and even non-Muslims. As a whole, Sufis see singing and dancing as a way to achieve a state of ecstasy that brings one closer to god. The dances of the dervishes are a form of Sufi worship as well.
And suddenly, I find myself getting even more incensed about that fact that so many narrow-minded white people dismiss the whole of Islam as a violent, degenerate religion. I'm just glad I live in an age where I can do my own research instead of watching network news. 8D
Anyway, translation of some choice lyrics;
Of all the wines you have in your tavern
serve me a little from your eyes.
I understand your alluring glances
that cause intoxication, instead of wine.
Only your love is my life.
Know I neither prayers nor ablutions,
I prostrate myself whenever you come in front of me.
Right from Creation I am the slave of love, and I don't care for belief or disbelief.
My sweetheart, since I have found you and have become the worshipper at the altar of your love, I don't require a mosque to prostrate myself and say my prayers.
My devotion is such devotion
that is not bound by the mosque and the temple.
When I see you once
by God, it is no less than a prayer.
Only your love is my life.
On the day of judgment, I would rise with the scars of your love
your image would be clinging to my heart on that day.
because
Only your love is my life.
Yeh Jo Halka Halka Saroor Hai
Apparently songs of this sort are part of a tradition called Qawwali and are considered a form of worship for Sufis; Sufism being a mystical aspect of the Islamic faith that places emphasis on wisdom, introspection and humility. It is often explored by Sunnis, Shiites and even non-Muslims. As a whole, Sufis see singing and dancing as a way to achieve a state of ecstasy that brings one closer to god. The dances of the dervishes are a form of Sufi worship as well.
And suddenly, I find myself getting even more incensed about that fact that so many narrow-minded white people dismiss the whole of Islam as a violent, degenerate religion. I'm just glad I live in an age where I can do my own research instead of watching network news. 8D
Anyway, translation of some choice lyrics;
Of all the wines you have in your tavern
serve me a little from your eyes.
I understand your alluring glances
that cause intoxication, instead of wine.
Only your love is my life.
Know I neither prayers nor ablutions,
I prostrate myself whenever you come in front of me.
Right from Creation I am the slave of love, and I don't care for belief or disbelief.
My sweetheart, since I have found you and have become the worshipper at the altar of your love, I don't require a mosque to prostrate myself and say my prayers.
My devotion is such devotion
that is not bound by the mosque and the temple.
When I see you once
by God, it is no less than a prayer.
Only your love is my life.
On the day of judgment, I would rise with the scars of your love
your image would be clinging to my heart on that day.
because
Only your love is my life.