What is Ghināʾ?
Ghināʾ (غناء), the Arabic term for singing, represents not just an art but a cultural and religious phenomenon in the Islamic world. Singing may encompass solo performances, choral pieces, and religious chanting, encapsulating expressions from deep spirituality to festive enjoyment.
Etymology
The word ghināʾ derives from the Arabic root (غ ن ي) which conveys meanings related to richness or wealth, metaphorically extending to vocal richness in song.
Theological Background
Ghināʾ has been a topic of intense debate among Muslim theologians. Many view it as generally unwelcome based on traditions mentioning the Prophet Muhammad’s purported disapproval. One of these traditions, narrated by Jabir, reports Muhammad saying:
“Singing and hearing songs causeth hypocrisy to grow in the heart, even as rain causeth the corn to grow in the field.” (Mishkāt, book xxii. ch. ix. pt. 3.)
Yet, scholars like Shaikh Abdul Haqq highlight that this tradition’s authenticity is critically debated, asserting:
“The traditionists all agree that there is no Hadith of any authority forbidding the practice of singing.” (vol. iv. p. 63.)
Cultural Interpretations
Among Sunnis and Shias
In Sunni Islam, traditional scholars often caution against music and singing unless it pertains to devotional contexts or contains sound moral guidance. Shia perspectives, while similar, sometimes exhibit more leniency, permitting songs that avoid promoting vice.
The Sufi Approach
Contrarily, Sufi orders embrace music and singing as integral aspects of their religious rituals. They engage in samāʿ, where singing induces spiritual states aiming to get closer to the Divine. For Sufis, only objectionable songs are banned. This includes secular themes unrelated to spirituality.
Synonyms & Antonyms
- Synonyms: Chanting (تَحدِّي - TaHaddi), Melodizing (تلحين - TalHeen), Recitation (تلاوة - Tilawah)
- Antonyms: Silence (صمت - Sumat), Forbidden (حرام - Haram)
Related Terms
- Quranic Chanting (تلاوة - Tilawa): The melodious and rhythmic Quranic recitation.
- Samāʿ (السماع): Sufi spiritual listening sessions involving music and chanting.
- Nasheed (نشيد): Islamic vocal songs that are either devotional or patriotic in nature.
Exciting Facts
- Acceptance in Modern Contexts: Some contemporary Islamic scholars and groups advocate for singing and music as forms of cultural expression and education, as long as they stick to ethical boundaries.
- International Influence: Islamic singing has influenced global music traditions, particularly through instruments like the oud and repertoires that include Sufi poetry and melodic Qur’anic passages.
Quotations
Explored eloquently in Al-Ghazali’s spiritual writings, he mentions:
“Music engenders an emotional state within the soul, coloring the onlookers with diverse tints and traces that inform its being for spiritual elevation.”
References and Further Reading
- “Revival of the Religious Sciences” by Imam Al-Ghazali
- “Sufism and Islamic Music in Senegal: The Dynamics of a Particular Relationship” by Michon Henia
- “Music and Musicians in Islam” by Farmer Henry George
Farewell Thought
May your deepening understanding of Islamic traditions, like a tranquil song, reverberate through your soul and history’s echo.
Yusuf Al-Karim, October 2023
