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Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam

Where to Watch Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam

NR
2005

Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam is an inspiring 2005 documentary that explores the profound, rich, and captivating world of Sufi music linked to the Islamic faith. A splendid work from acclaimed director Simon Broughton, the film unfurls its poignant narrative through an engaging blend of music, faith, and culture. The documentary stars renowned writer and historian William Dalrymple, musician Salman Ahmed and features archival footage of legendary Sufi musician, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The film serves as the perfect platform for exploring the spiritual world of Sufi Islam, a branch of Islam that emphasizes universal love, peace, acceptance of various spiritual paths, and a mystical connection with the divine. It offers a captivating journey across several countries known for their rich Islamic traditions and Sufi practices, including Pakistan, Turkey, Syria, and Morocco. Each country and community present their unique interpretation and practice of Sufism, governed by cultural, local, and historical influences.

Dalrymple acts as our principal guide, taking audiences on a stunning tour through the heartland of Sufi music. As a globally respected historian, Dalrymple provides enlightening and vivid insights into Sufi culture. He manages to connect history and contemporaneity, revealing the hypnotic beauty and mystical influence of Sufi music and its substantial role in the global music scene.

Conversely, Salman Ahmed of Pakistani Sufi rock band Junoon shares his personal journey of understanding and embracing Sufism. His story manages to bridge the traditional and the modern, showing how Sufi music has evolved and adapted to contemporary tastes without losing its spiritual essence. Salman’s musical sequences contribute to the rhythm of the film, emotionally anchoring the soulful journey that viewers are taken on.

The documentary is also graced with archival footage of eminent Sufi musician, the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, one of the foremost voices of Qawwali music, a form of Sufi devotional music popular in South Asia. The footage provides a touching, nostalgic lens to the film, presenting his music as the epitome of Sufi soul and a testament to its global influence.

Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam also meticulously details the rituals associated with Sufi music, such as the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey and the spiritual qawwali gatherings in Pakistan, providing rare insights into the enthralling, trance-inducing performances that are central to Sufi worship.

While conventional documentaries focus mainly on tangible aspects, Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam diverts its attention to the intangible, namely spirituality and faith expressed through music. It manages to capture the all-embracing nature of Sufi music, showcasing the harmonious marriage between the melody, lyrics, and context that fosters a profound spiritual engagement.

The film also subtly touches on tensions and challenges faced by Sufi practitioners within the broader Islamic community and society more generally. These moments highlight the resilience of Sufi tradition, its universality, and its power to endure and adapt.

In terms of cinematography, Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam is exceptional. The film uses sound, visual imagery, and everyday panoramas to provide an immersive cultural experience. The artistic blend of music, dialogue, and visuals works in beautiful harmony, painting a magnificent picture of the mystic world of Sufism and the immersion of its followers in their spiritual journey.

In conclusion, Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam is more than a documentary; it's a profoundly enchanting voyage into the heart of Sufi music. It breaks away from the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Islam, showcasing a side that is poetic, amicably mystical, and harmoniously universal. It offers an important platform for dialogue, bridging gaps between different faiths and cultures, and promotes the underlying Sufi principles of love, peace, and tolerance. Whether one is a lover of music, a follower of Sufism, or a seeker of divine spirituality, this film is a journey for the soul that resonates long after the credits roll.

Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam is a Documentary movie released in 2005. It has a runtime of 49 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.8..

How to Watch Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam

Where can I stream Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam movie online? Sufi Soul: The Mystic Music of Islam is available to watch and stream at Tubi TV.

6.8/10
Director
Simon Broughton
Stars
William Dalrymple, Salman Ahmed, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan