The effects of music on Spiritual Development from the Viewpoint of Islamic Mysticism by Seventh Century (A.H.)

Now, some of mystical trends recognize some probable spiritual effects of music. But, what were the approaches to this issue at the earlier periods of Islamic mysticism? What were proposed by early Islamic Gnostics as dimensions, causes, and prerequisites of music to have such a spiritual effect? Many of Muslim mystics have a spiritual approach to music; but this approach, which can be recognized through considering their views about foundations of mystical audition (sama’) and spiritual functions of good voices, didn’t count the effects of music the same on different people in different conditions. Additionally, the idea of spiritual functions of music has limitations and thus, has encountered some opposition. The spiritual effect of music is understandable only in the lights of two facts: 1) internality and spirituality of its origin (rising from one’s spiritual heart), 2) its helpfulness in passing three roads: a) notice and knowledge (intibah wa ma’rifah), b) desire and love (shawq wa hubb), and c) avoidance of contamination (talawwoth). To pass these three ways by help of music, one needs purification (tahzib), knowledge (ma’rifah), good hearing, and hearing in proper times and situations. Providing some properties for the music itself, for the producer, and for the environment of hearing is helpful in its probable spiritual effects. Based on written resources of Islamic gnosis and mysticism (‘irfan wa tasawwuf), this study aimed at depicting the views of early Islamic mystics and gnostics by reciting, and then, analyzing their words on the issue. This study was designed to be helpful for researchers in various research fields including Mysticism and Art, especially Music studies.