Iconic Ibtihalat
Ibtihalat is a form of Islamic devotional vocal music, particularly popular in the Arab world. The term "ibtihalat" (ابتهالات) comes from the Arabic word "ibtihal" which means "supplication" or "humble prayer" in the context of seeking divine help or guidance. These are essentially religious chants or short poems that are sung or recited, often in a deeply emotional, melodic style that relies on two main elements, the vocal solo performance and the improvisation of the melody by the performer or “supplicator”. They are mostly carried out during Ramadan and certain religious occasions like Eid or Mawlid. It is also considered a part of Sufi practices and gatherings. This article spotlights some iconic Ibtihal.
Sayed Al Naqshabandi via Egyptian Streets
Baligh Hami via Wikipedia
Sayed Al Naqshabandi x Baligh Hamdi
An unlikely collaboration initiated by late Egyptian President Anwar El Sadat brought together two giants to create one of the most cherished Islamic devotional pieces of the 20th century. The idea emerged spontaneously during El Sadat’s daughter’s engagement party in 1971, where both figures were present. Initially, Sayed Al Naqshabandi was skeptical about working with Hamdi: he viewed Hamdi’s music—known for its romantic melodies and rhythmic dance beats—as unsuitable for religious contexts, and found it quite offensive given his status as a renowned religious reciter.
Hamdi was intrigued and eager to collaborate and to bridge the gap between their perspectives. He consulted the famous poet Abdul Fattah Mustafa, known for his lyrics for Abdel Halim Hafez’s early Sufi songs. Mustafa crafted lyrics that promised a timeless composition. Upon hearing the lyrics and composition, Sayed Al Naqshabandi experienced a sense of transcendence and agreed to the collaboration.
After extensive improvisation and adaptation on both ends—Al Naqshabandi refining the lyrics and improvising in his delivery, and Hamdi integrating these changes into the original composition—the duo produced a chant called “Mawlay” that became one of Egypt’s most iconic, resonating deeply with Egyptian hearts and capturing the essence of their Islamic heritage.
Mohammed Abdel Wahab via Wikipedia
Mohammed Abdel Wahab via Alechetron
Mohammed Abdel Wahab and Sheikh Omran
"Ya Sayed'al Kawnayn" is a traditional ibtihal performed as a form of praise for the Prophet Muhammad. The title translates to "O Master of the Two Universes," reflecting deep reverence for the Prophet. The song is commonly recited in religious and spiritual gatherings, particularly in #Sufi traditions. Its lyrics express love, devotion, and respect for the Prophet, invoking his intercession and blessings. The melody and delivery can vary depending on the cultural context in which it is performed.
While this Ibtihal was already commonly known among Sufi circles and Ibtihal listeners in Egypt, a gathering that joint renowned Egyptian composer and singer Mohammed Abdel Wahab and Sheikh Omran, brought the song to a broader audience, further cementing its place as a loved piece of Ibtihal in the Islamic world.
Abdel Halim Hafez via Egyptian Streets
Abdul Hamid Al-Sayed
Abdul Hamid Al-Sayed (1938-2014) was a key figure in the renewal of Kuwaiti music. Born in Kuwait, he mastered Quranic recitation before working as a Quran reader at Kuwait Radio from 1952 to 1958. He also held roles in customs and later at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. During this time he developed his musical skills, and in 1958 joined the Center for Folk Arts, gaining recognition for performing religious muwashshahat and Ibtihalat and recording his first song “Hayyu Layla.”
In 1965, Abdel Halim Hafez requested a composition from him, leading to the hit “Ya Hali,” which gained popularity across the Arab world. Al-Sayed also composed for Arab artists like Fayza Ahmed, Hayam Younes, and Wadih El Safi, cementing his place in Arab music history.
Thanasis Papakonstantinou
A celebrated Greek singer and songwriter, Papakonstatinou includes an Ibtihal at the beginning of his song Agrypnia (Greek for “insomnia”). This Ibtihal is performed by Kuwaiti singer and religious reciter Abdul Hamid Al-Sayed and it praises God, emphasizing his compassion and provision for humanity. The Ibtihal adds a spiritual depth to the song, aligning with the broader themes of Papakonstantinou’s work, which often explore existential and spiritual themes using traditional and experimental musical forms. Papakonstantinou – who is known for blending different genres and cultural influences – uses this ibtihal to create a rich, multi-layered experience in “Agrypnia,” connecting religious devotion with his meditations on sleeplessness and human struggles.
Sources:
Al Jazeera, Four Ramadan Songs
