Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

It is widely known that music, apart from being a mode of social connectivity, can evoke real emotions and stimulate brain activity. However, the extent of the impact of music on neurological functions is rarely touched upon by the medical community. Only recently did the fields of Ethnomusicology and Neurotheology emerge as a juxtaposition explaining the connection between neurobiology and musical experiences. While much of this research is based on western classical music and genres of popular music within the western world, a large resource of spiritually arousing music remains untapped as a possible form of music therapy. As already established by studies, music has been scientifically proven to reduce levels of anxiety and depression in people. Since research has found that religious music has a positive effect on mental health and managing symptoms of neurological disorders, Sufi music in particular is undervalued in the effect it has on people. The extent of the impact of Sufi music’s transcendental qualities can be explained through metaphysical and medicinal approaches, and it may be a useful tool in music therapy for people.