The Sufi tradition originates from the belief system of Islam.  Sufism is often said to be the mystical branch of Islam. 

Realizing a mystical connection with the divine or experiencing unity with God or mystical love is one of the aims of Sufism.

To reach this objective in Sufism, songs, texts and poetry are used through chanting.  The type of music used to do this is called qawwali. 

Qawwali music is a devotional form of vocal music.  It has this spiritual function to facilitate the divine connection.  This is the core purpose of Qawwali, this devotional form of music.

Qawwali falls into the genre of North Indian Classical Music and has particular musical characteristics.

A particular chanting practice is used in order to arouse the emotional and spiritual connection with God.  The recitation of Gods name is what is used for this chanting practice.  ”Zikr” is the name given to this chanting practice.  The listening practice of this devotional music is called “sama”.

Zikr and sama set the context in order to experience the emotional connection to God within Sufism.  The poetry or text is the vehicle through which the mystical love is communicated and experienced.  This poetry or text is given a musical setting.

The performers aim for that of the listeners is to bring about an intensification of the text.  The singer will shape via improvisation the structure of the music in such a way that this can be done.  The singer uses repetition of phrases, clapping and changes in tempo to intensify the emotions of the listeners.

There are two functions to the process of intensification: that of reinforcing but also in the generation of increased spiritual arousal.

The performer is acutely aware of the impact of his performance on the listeners.  As long as the song is effecting the audience, it is continued.  The song is stopped and changed once the effect stops.

Thus the practice of chanting within the tradition of Sufism is used to experience a unity with God or a feeling of mystical love and connection.