The Holy Love

By Eman Mohammed, "Sufi chants bring Ramadan evening to life in Abu Dhabi" - Gulf News - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Friday, September 5, 2008

Hamza Shakour, the Syrian religious chanter, opened the "blessings of Ramadan" programme in the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night with a spellbinding performance.

Shakour, known as the shaikh of religious chanters in Syria, and the founder of the Association of Prominent Religious Chanters, chanted for about an hour and a half, recalling an authentic Sufi art, known in the Islamic world for a thousand years.

He started with Adan (call to prayer), followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, during which he talked about the merits of Ramadan, followed by Dua'a (forgiveness prayers).

His voice and the rhythms of oriental Takht (traditional band) enthralled the audience as Shakour sang popular Muwashahat (terza rima) and poems praising Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the holiness of the month of Ramadan.

The oriental Takht is based on traditional instruments: Nay (Fife), Qanoun (Dulcimer) Oud (Lute), Base and Duff (Tabor).

"Blessings of Ramadan" is organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) to celebrate Ramadan by recalling a rich Islamic chant art founded thousands of years ago.

Abdullah Al Ameri, Director of Culture and Arts Department in ADACH, told Gulf News: "For the first time, we introduced this form of Islamic art in order to render a touch of spirituality during the holy nights of Ramadan."

The programme contained five concepts for five different chanters and groups from different countries in addition to five religious lectures by Islamic scholars along with a fine arts exhibition.

The Islamic chant intends to portray the holy love for Allah, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the values of Islam. "ADACH has been working on this event for two months" Al Ameri said, adding that it will be an annual event from now on.

On Sunday, Ibn Arabi band from Morocco will be performing Sufi and Andalusian songs.