How Do You Spell QAWWALI?

Pronunciation: [kɔːwˈɑːli] (IPA)

Qawwali is a form of Islamic devotional music that originated in South Asia. It is pronounced /qɑwːɑli/ with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of the word reflects the Arabic and Persian influences on the Urdu language. The "qaww" part of the word is derived from the Arabic word "qaul" meaning "to speak" or "to say", while the "-ali" suffix is a Persian suffix meaning "like". Thus, qawwali can be understood as "speech-like" or "like stating".

QAWWALI Meaning and Definition

  1. Qawwali is a form of devotional music that originated in South Asia, primarily in the subcontinent of India and the Punjab region. It is considered to be a unique and vibrant musical tradition, deeply rooted in Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam.

    At its core, qawwali is characterized by passionate and emotive performances, combining music, poetry, and religious devotion. The songs, known as qawwalis, are usually sung in Urdu, Persian, Punjabi, or other regional languages. They often focus on themes of love, spirituality, and the pursuit of a deeper connection with the divine.

    Qawwali performances feature a lead vocalist, known as the qawwal, who is accompanied by a group of musicians playing various instruments such as harmonium, tabla (drums), sarangi (string instrument), and dholak (percussion instrument). The ensemble creates a rhythmic and melodic foundation for the qawwal's vocal improvisations.

    The essence of qawwali lies in its ability to induce a state of spiritual ecstasy among both performers and listeners. It is known for its intense and hypnotic rhythms, melodic ornamentations, and the use of call and response patterns. The audience actively participates by clapping, swaying, and even dancing to the infectious and mesmerizing qawwali beats.

    Qawwali has gained international recognition and popularity, with numerous legendary qawwali artists, such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Sabri Brothers, spreading its uplifting and soul-stirring melodies across the globe. It continues to serve as a bridging force between cultures, harmonizing the realms of music, spirituality, and communal celebration.

Common Misspellings for QAWWALI

  • 1awwali
  • 2awwali
  • wawwali
  • aawwali
  • qzwwali
  • qswwali
  • qwwwali
  • qqwwali
  • qaqwali
  • qaawali
  • qaswali
  • qaewali
  • qa3wali
  • qa2wali
  • qawqali
  • qawaali
  • qawsali
  • qaweali
  • qaw3ali
  • qaw2ali

Etymology of QAWWALI

The word "qawwali" is derived from the Arabic word "qaul" (قول) which means "saying" or "expression". It is believed to have originated from the practice of Sufi mystics in the Indian subcontinent. The Sufis used qawwali as a means to express their devotion to God and communicate spiritual teachings to the masses in a more accessible and emotional way. Over time, the term "qawwali" came to be used specifically for the musical genre associated with this devotional practice.

Plural form of QAWWALI is QAWWALIS

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