Overview
Shrine of Soltân Eshâq |
The Ahl-e Haqq (literally “Followers of the Truth”) is a mystical order founded by the 15th century saint Soltân Eshâq, who is viewed as the total manifestation of the Lord and revered by the Ahl-Haqq in the same way as Jesus Christ in Christianity. Over the centuries, the Ahl-e Haqq has given rise to many notable saints and masters, as well as remarkable poets and musicians. Divided into several branches, there are over a million Ahl-e Haqq today, mostly in the Kurdish regions of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Their connections to the order are mostly acquired through family traditions, which perhaps explains why they are still engaged in the same spiritual rituals and lifestyle after 600 years.
The Ahl-e Haqq consider sacred music as an indispensable element for spiritual development. Music thus constitutes a central component of the devotional rituals they perform at spiritual gatherings called jams.
The hymns and melodies played by the Ensemble are those that have been historically played at these gatherings within the framework of a zekr, a session of devotional chanting (and often dancing) intended to induce a state of profound self-reflection and a heightened consciousness of the Divine.
River of Sirwan
The following story recounted in the holy books of the Ahl-e Haqq is a touching example of the spiritual impact of music on the soul. After creating Adam, God ordered Adam’s soul to enter his body so that he could acquire the potential to reach perfection. The soul, not wanting to be confined to the limitations of the corporeal body, refused. God then commanded the seven Archangels to enter Adam’s body and to sing and play spiritual music. When the soul heard the beautiful divine melodies, it was overcome with spiritual love and ecstasy and was thus lured into its body.
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