Samâ’ dalam Tradisi Tasawuf

• Main Author: Said Aqil Siradj
• Format: Article
• Language: Indonesian
• Published: Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya 2014-01-01
• Series: Islamica: Jurnal Studi Keislaman
• Subjects: Samâ'; soul; spirituality; practical epistemology
• Online Access: http://islamica.uinsby.ac.id/index.php/islamica/article/view/160

Samâ‘ in Tasawuf has been a very important element in the dissemination of this spiritual dimension of Islam. Yet, it has received very little both from the practitioners of Tasawuf and its intellectuals. This paper tries to expose this simply in a hope to make it heard in the academic and popular circle. Here, samâ‘ is not only understood as a form of music, as many would do, but also as an art of listening of which music is certainly part. The paper will explore the meaning and definition of this term, putting emphasis on its many-faceted function in the formation and development of one’s soul and spirituality. It is argued that soul is musical and artistic. Using art and music to talk to soul is therefore the proper way and means. The paper will also try to show that samâ‘ is also an indispensable part of spiritual method to reach and know God. Knowledge of God in other words, can be gained through this practice. Hence, samâ‘ is treated not only as a form of entertainment, but also a kind of practical epistemology.