Implementation of The Project and Interview

I collaborated with the ensemble members to achieve a spiritual state that closely reflects the research I conducted. I intentionally did not share samples of the Sufi poems we were going to perform, and this was done for a specific purpose. I wanted the musicians to experience the Sufi state by describing it as it is, without influencing them with external aids such as videos or pre-recorded audio files of the poems. The results were impressive compared to the original works, as we achieved a high spiritual state despite challenges such as the diverse cultural backgrounds, religions, and languages of the ensemble members. Achieving this spiritual state was a natural outcome given that the musicians come from backgrounds that are connected in various ways to spiritual music.

Interview:

In this study, I conducted interviews with two representatives of traditional Sufi music from Damascus and Morocco after obtaining informed consent. The interviews focused on two central questions:

1. What is the main focus of the Sufi ritual?

   The Moroccan representative (A) emphasized that the primary objective of the Sufi ritual is to develop a pure connection with Allah, explaining, “I put all the other matters related to this life aside when I start the ritual.”

The Damascus representative (B) remarked, “What could be more valuable than spending time with Allah?” This similarity indicates that both perspectives prioritize an uninterrupted and sacred connection with the divine during the ritual.

 2. How closely is the ritual related to Islam?

   Representative A noted that the ritual is not solely about Islamic practice but also incorporates essential symbolism that defines the relationship with Allah: “I see love, forgiveness, beauty, and pureness in my relationship with Allah.”

Conversely, representative B described this connection in more direct terms, stating, “I am the powerless worshiper and I pray for Allah to give me strength and health.” Although their responses differ in emphasis, both views underscore the importance of a sincere and deeply personal relationship with the divine.

 Overall, the interviews reveal that despite minor differences in expression, both representatives share the core belief that the ultimate purpose of the Sufi ritual is to foster a genuine connection with Allah—a connection that fills the heart with love and meets the soul’s need for divine communication. This shared understanding not only reinforces the spiritual significance of the ritual but also highlights its role in providing a sense of relief and renewal upon its completion.