Across time and history, people of many faiths and multiple cultures have turned to music in their worship. But why is that? Why is music so important in spirituality, whether it is in Christianity, Hinduism, or Sikhism?  And how does one influence the other? Let’s explore the universality of music as well as its connection to Spiritual practices. 

Spiritual Music can be Found Across the World

Music transcends all boundaries. It is the bridge to other languages, other cultures, and other people. Many instruments are connected with a singular religious practice. For example, the zither was born out of the middle east practice, Tabla out of South Asian practices. Similarly, poetry or and hymns all stem from various faiths soo. 

In South Asia, each of the major faiths has wonderful poetry that is tied to their music. In Hindu Bhajans, the poetry of Tulsidas, Soordas, Meerabai, and Kabir is often sung. In Sufi Islam, the poetry of Amir Khusrow and Bulleh Shah is most often used. And finally, in Sikhism, the ten Gurus poetry, as well as works from Kabir and Farid, are mixed in. Their poetry is in many languages, but all of them convey devotion in a beautiful way.

On the other side of the world, church choirs sing the hymns of the Lord. Interestingly, these hymns can be traced all the way back to Ancient Greece. Hymns started out as a way to praise the Gods of the Mediterranean civilization. As more religions came about, the culture of hymns was adopted by new faiths, and spiritual music spread. 

Ludwig van Beethoven is famously quoted to have expressed, "Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life." How can a single song make you feel closer to God? And that feeling is commonly expressed by audiences of Church Hymns, Sufi Qawwalis, and Hindu Bhajans? While other genres have come, been extremely popular only to have disappeared, spiritual music has stood the test of time. People have been the reason that it lives on. Thanks to the need to spread religion, spiritual music can be found all around the world. Music is the most common way to express praise and spirituality.

Spiritual Music as an Expression of Art and Culture

As long as man has existed, spiritual music has influenced art-making. Those who believe, feel that so much inspiration can come with singing a hymn in the middle of Sunday service. One can call the music a modern-day muse of sorts. Why would spiritual music have a hand in the creation of art?

It is an expression of culture and history. Society changes as time go on, but culture never disappears. Black churches see gospel music as part of their history. They see spirituality as part of their culture. Singing in the choir is a way to express their history and culture. Even when Black People moved to the city, they took gospel music with them. From there, gospel music continued to spread. Some artists have gone as far as to mix other genres of music with spiritual music in effort to get larger audiences and connect it to broader humanity.

Today, churches express themselves through their hymns. Christianity isn't the only one to do this. The same thing can be said for Judaism and even Buddhism. This praising through song is a universal way to express spiritual beliefs.

Spiritual Music- Can it Heal?

Some people turn to spiritual music for healing. And, this certainly makes sense when you think about it. People turn to family or a religious institution when they are in times of need. Just listening to the music played around can be soothing. This is now scientifically documented, and some therapists even use music as treatment for their patients. Yet, there are some that question is music is haram. Of course, the answer demands a separate and detailed study. 

But for the purposes of many who enjoy spiritual music, the question is can spiritual music really be good for the soul? Believers would say yes. Yes, that spiritual music can help the troubled find solace regardless of faith. 

Spiritual music has a beauty in the way it lives on. Keep in mind, this genre does not have record labels spending millions on it for its survival. It makes it on its own. It brings everyone together, inspires its listeners, and heals the wounded. The question is what will spiritual music look like in the future? How will it evolve and grow further with the new generation? One thing is for sure, it will find a way to exist.