A harmonised recitation of Adhaan (the Islamic call to prayer) echoed while the screen displayed drone footage of Sri Lanka’s southern sea waters, capturing the eyes, and the attention of the audience in seconds. This is the opening scene of Nadya Bhimani Perera’s maiden documentary ‘Minarets’. The 88-minute documentary features the various musical traditions of the Muslim community, many of which are non-existent today.

The debate on entertainment in Islam varies across regions. Some, who are talented in reciting Adhaan, or have a special talent for music describe it as a ‘gift from God’. But even then, the cultural barriers sometimes confine music to religious recitations only. The documentary captures the evolution of musical traditions among Islamic communities in the East, West and South of Sri Lanka. One of the eye-catching art forms featured includes Polladi or Kalikampu, a unique folk art tradition which many believe originated from Kerala in the form of Kolkali.

This ‘Play of Sticks’ which has a close resemblance to Lee Keli, should be mastered to perfection as each dancer has to move in circles, striking the changing partner’s stick. In the East, most fisherfolks of the Islamic faith sing impromptu ballads to keep themselves entertained. In many of them, they include a sentence to thank God for being kind to them and to keep them safe until their voyage is complete. Then there are individuals who follow Muslim artists the likes of E. M Hanifa, a prominent musician from India. They are quite popular among the local communities as they perform at local musical shows. The documentary also features Sri Lankan musician Alhaj Mohideen Baig and his popularity among the masses for singing Buddhist devotional songs.

Throughout the documentary, the audience can catch a glimpse of various musical instruments including the Kanjira, an instrument of the tambourine family. This instrument is also used in Tamil Carnatic music. A popular belief is that singing and drumming welcomed the Prophet Muhammad to Madinah on the occasion of Hijra. But this belief too is being widely debated today as many continue to argue whether music or entertainment from a larger context is forbidden from Islam or not. The life of a Muezzin (the individual who recites the prayer from the minaret of a mosque) was beautifully documented by Perera. He believes that his skill is a gift from God.

A live chanting of the prayer which needs to be done five times a day starting from Fajr to Isha indicated that the recitation of the Quran is musical in itself. Glimpses of Bajau sessions amidst loud drumming and clapping, and rituals at the Ladies Zaaviya of the Qadiri Sufi Order indicate the richness of the musical traditions in the Islamic faith. An interesting take on the Faqir community highlights the diversity among the Muslim communities. While there is no documented history of the Faqirs of Sri Lanka, one of the beliefs is that they may have crossed over to Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu.

Faqirs in Puttalam sometimes go from door to door, playing the Sahira drum with the intention of receiving alms. It is believed that this practice evokes an emotional response among people. Rifa’i Ratib is a spiritual mortification ritual performed by followers of the Rifa’i Tariqa. Byths or ratheebs are sung during the ritual. Here, devotees would stand in a circle and start beating drums which eventually picks up speed until a certain point in time. The documentary in itself reveals the unity and rich cultural diversity among the Muslim communities.

One scholar reiterated the fact that the ‘Golden Era’ of Muslim folk music is no more. But this documentary is a testament to the importance of preserving these rich musical traditions for future generations. ‘Minarets’ was recently featured as an official selection in the film category at ‘WOMEX 23’ – the most culturally diverse international music meeting and biggest cultural conference scheduled to be held in A Coruna, Galicia, Spain in October this year. A special screening of the documentary will be showcased at PVR Cinemas from October 6-15.

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