‘Naat, Quran recitation are also music; we’ll hear music in Jannah’: Firdous Jamal

Veteran actor Firdous Jamal has said that Azan, naat, and Quranic recitation are also forms of music, as they are often performed in Bhairavi, a type of melody.

He described music as "a language of the skies" and suggested that music will also be heard in Jannah (paradise) as a means of spiritual peace.

Firdous Jamal, known for his powerful performances in acclaimed dramas like Waris, Pyare Afzal, Khuda Aur Mohabbat, and Manchale Ka Sauda, shared his thoughts on the connection between music and spirituality during a recent podcast appearance.

"Although music is often criticised, Naat and Quranic recitation are typically done in Bhairavi," he noted. "Yet we hold a belief that those associated with music are not good people."

"Even the recitation of the Quran is performed in a specific melodic pattern; it remains within the framework of the seven raags in music," the veteran actor added. 

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He emphasised that music has a spiritual quality. "It’s the language of the skies. Music will be heard in Jannah too so that the soul may find peace."

Criticising societal attitudes, he said, "We love and enjoy music, but when it comes to the person who performs it, we look down on them and criticise them. That’s hypocrisy."

He further added, "Naat, Azan, and recitation deeply affect the listener because of the melody. If someone were to recite the Azan without any melody, people would react strongly, even beat them, because melody is an essential element."

Firdous Jamal asserted that even though music continues to face religious censure within society, it possesses both aesthetic and spiritual value.