Sonic Devotion: A Guided Listening Session Through Islamic Devotional Sound
How do sound, music, and poetry shape the search for the divine?What role does listening play in nurturing and sustaining communities?
Join us at Kismet Café • Art gallery • Event Space for Sonic Devotion, an intimate guided listening session that invites participants to explore the rich sonic and poetic landscapes of Islamic devotional practice. Hosted by researchers and musicians Wajiha Naqvi and Stefan Williamson Fa, this event centres on the tradition of sama - the Arabic word for “listening” - a mystical practice where poetry, voice, and music become pathways to the divine.
Drawing on years of fieldwork, musical practice, and archival research across the West Asia, the Caucasus, and South Asia, the hosts present a curated selection of devotional music, poetic recitations, and spiritual chants. Each piece paired with translations and contextual insights, offering a deeper understanding of the spiritual, cultural, and historical dimensions of these sounds.
This will be a reflective, immersive gathering held in a relaxed and welcoming environment that encourages attentiveness and shared presence. Participants are invited not only to hear—but to listen with intention, curiosity, and openness.
Whether you're deeply familiar with Islamic devotional traditions or simply curious about the role of sound in spiritual life, this event offers a space for contemplation and connection. All we ask is that you bring an open ear—and perhaps an open heart—as we listen together.
