Music, Culture and Identity in the Muslim World
Book Description
This illuminating exploration reveals the profound spiritual dimensions of Islamic culture through the lens of music, sound, and performance. Rather than focusing on political narratives, Kamal Salhi invites readers into the rich tapestry of artistic expression that flows through Muslim communities across West Asia, South Asia, North Africa, and their global diasporas.
The book unveils how sacred sounds and bodily movement serve as gateways to understanding the deeper humanity within Islamic religious experience. From the mystical chanting traditions of Sufi practitioners in Egypt and Morocco to the rhythmic dances of Afghanistan, readers discover how diverse forms of artistic expression shape and reflect spiritual identity.
Particularly fascinating is the examination of contemporary phenomena like online "Muslim punk," demonstrating how traditional and modern expressions coexist within Islamic culture. The work thoughtfully addresses the ongoing conversations within Muslim communities about the role of music and performance in spiritual life, revealing how these debates connect to broader questions of religious orthodoxy, secularism, and varying approaches to faith.
Through carefully selected case studies spanning continents and centuries, this scholarly yet accessible work challenges oversimplified perceptions of Islamic culture. Readers gain insight into how cultural activities continue to play vital roles in forming and expressing Muslim identity, offering a nuanced understanding of the beautiful complexity within one of the world's major spiritual traditions.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 320 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Music, history and criticism
- ✓ Explore Music, social aspects
- ✓ Explore Islam
- ✓ Explore SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / General
- ✓ Explore General
- ✓ Explore Music
- ✓ Explore Ethnic Studies
- ✓ Explore Social aspects
