Abstract

The word sama has been a contested term as far as Islam and tasawwuf (Islamic sufism) is concerned. The literal meaning of sama is listening and Mahfil-e-sama (musical concert) is specifically organised to attain wajd (spiritual ecstasy) and to connect with the divine. Mahfil-e-Sama has been an integral and essential part of sufism. As far as the Firdausia silsila, (order) of Bihar Sharif is concerned, it took a more contemplative and subdued approach to sama, whereas the Indian Chishtiya order is renowned for musical taste and played a major part in the formation of this tradition especially through Qawwali. In contrast to other Indian sufi orders, this paper examines the theological, spiritual, and performative dimensions of Mahfil-e-sama within the Firdausia order of Bihar Sharif. It looks at the Firdausia order’s attitude towards sama, its functions in their spiritual practices, and in what way their methodology is different from that of other sufi silsila.