Mystical Journey concert of over 60 artists showcases diversity of the Muslim world

Lloyd Dykk, Vancouver Sun

Saturday, October 13, 2007

The worst and most untrue perception of the Muslim world is that it represents only blind fanaticism.

It is, in fact, a libel against this richly pluralistic culture, as a concert called A Mystical Journey hopes to make clear on Sunday when more than 60 performers from all over the world gather to showcase the diversity of culture and music within Islam.

These well-respected artists come from Algeria, Bosnia, Pakistan, Iran and Syria and their music, in a program that will even include Sufi whirling, will express the variety of devotional expressions in Islam across different geographies, languages and traditions, the music taking the form of qawallis, ilahis, kalams and even rock songs.

“Though different in form, these musical acts of devotion are common in their peaceful search for the divine and represent the pluralistic traditions and mystical unity among different communities of interpretation within the Muslim worlds,” says Farid Damji, a volunteer with the Ismaili Council for British Columbia.

Despite outward differences, they are all unified by their belief in the concept of Shahada, the Muslim declaration of belief in the oneness of God and the acceptance of Mohammed as the ultimate prophet.

The event, Sunday at 3:30 and 8 p.m. at the Centre for the Performing Arts, 777 Homer, is being held as part of the international Golden Jubilee commemoration of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s enthronement as spiritual leader, or Imam, of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.

“His Highness has been a pioneer in highlighting the critical role that culture plays in development,” Damji says. “The aim of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture is to leverage the unique transformative power of culture to improve the socio-economic conditions prevailing in many Muslim populations — communities that often have a rich cultural heritage but live in poverty. The evidence shows that culture is clearly not an add-on or a luxury but an integral part of overall development in both the developing and developed worlds.”

The show falls on the last day of the holy month of Ramadan and Vancouver sees the world premiere of an event that will go across the country, then to the United States and Europe.

Damji sees the concerts, both of which quickly sold out, as a corrective against the false assumptions sometimes held against the Muslim world.

“It demonstrates that Islam is not a monolithic block. Acceptance of the Shahada defines a Muslim, but diversity within the faith ranges from that provided by countries of origin, culture, language, custom, dress, places of prayer, ritual, history and tradition, to schools of interpretation and authority, education, celebrations, governance and accomplishments.”

The Vancouver Sun

Earlier story: Media Advisory – World Tour of “A MYSTICAL JOURNEY” Premiers in Canada