Qaul
Topic: Bhakti and Sufi Traditions · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 2 "Bhakti-Sufi Traditions"
Meaning
Qaul is an Arabic word meaning "saying". In sufi music, a qaul is a hymn sung at the opening or the closing of a qawwali, a form of devotional sufi singing. Amir Khusrau (1253–1325), the poet-disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, is said to have introduced it. It is part of sama', the mystical music used by the Chishtis to feel close to God.
Example
Even today, qawwals (qawwali singers) at the shrine of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi always begin their performance with the qaul.
Don't confuse with
- Qawwali: This is the whole musical performance. The qaul is only the hymn that opens or closes it.
Related concepts
- Chishti silsila
- Muinuddin Chishti
- Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
- Nizamuddin Auliya
- Nasiruddin Chiragh-i Dehli
- Baba Farid
- Shaikh Salim Chishti
- Gesu Daraz
- Langar
- Sama