Performed live by Sami Yusuf and Atif Aslam at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in November 2025, ‘Mast Qalandar’ is a celebrated qawwali of the Indian subcontinent, deeply rooted in centuries of Sufi tradition. The piece is based on a devotional poem attributed to the renowned Sufi poet and musical pioneer Amir Khusro, later expanded and enriched by the verses of the great Punjabi mystic Bulleh Shah. Its lyrics express reverence (not worship) for Ali ibn Abi Talib—who holds central importance in Sufi spiritual lineage—and pay tribute to the revered 12th-century saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar of Sindh.
Equally central to ‘Mast Qalandar’ is its powerful musical structure. Built on the traditional qawwali form, the piece unfolds through dynamic call-and-response passages, rhythmic handclaps, and a gradual intensification of tempo and energy. Driven by harmonium, sitar, percussion, and layered vocals, the music creates a state of spiritual elevation, where repetition and improvisation draw both performers and listeners into a shared experience of ecstasy. This intricate interplay between melody, rhythm, and vocal expression is what gives the qawwali its enduring emotional and spiritual impact.
Widely popularized in the modern era by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, ‘Mast Qalandar’ has become one of the most iconic expressions of Sufi musical tradition, embodying themes of spiritual love and transcendence.
Performed brilliantly here by two contemporary musical icons.