Assignment task: Notes about documentary:
We chose this documentary to showcase sama, a complex and historically significant form of cultural expression among Sufis globally, from Spain to China. The documentary was filmed in India and focuses on the practice of sama in several locations across India including Kerala, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Assam, Kolkata, and Kashmir (among other cities and villages).
It is important that students understand that such cultural expression is just one among many streams of Sufi expression, a point made in the lecture on Sufism for this course. Because Sufism has multiple manifestations, and this film is not representative of *all* Sufis, it is important to avoid mistaken generalizations such as "Sufis embrace music and dance, while other Muslims do not." Or "Sufis are opposed to Shari'a."
When responding to the questions below, students should use specific examples and nuanced language. Responses to the questions below should reflect that students have internalized analyses and course material across the entire quarter.
Take notes on these questions as you watch the documentary. Using the YouTube video. Then synthesize your notes with information from readings, lectures, and other course material. You should be prepared to discuss your answers in section.
Answer the following questions
Briefly describe the mehfil-e-sama in India. In your view, how do these spiritual gatherings both reflect the historical expansion of Islam from central Arabia and respond to the spiritual needs/aspirations of local communities?
Drawing on lyrics and the words of people featured in the documentary, write description of the variety of Sufism depicted in this film. You can draw on what performers, musicians, audience members etc. engage with the following two points:
understandings of the divine
summary of ritual practices
Using *specific* examples from at least 2 settings in the documentary, discuss how Sufism, as practiced in India, has mediated Hindu-Muslim interactions historically and in contemporary communities.