Haji Ali from a distance 
The Qawwali Wallahs at Haji Ali I don't usually write about things religious and this amount of words can certainly not do justice to the topic. Its a volitile topic and need more competence about how cultures have evolved. But visitng the Hazrat Nizzamuddin's Dargah and really made me write about Islam's contribution to art especially Persian and Arab art form. Without belittling Hindu art forms, I would like to emphasize the importance of contribution of Islamic art to Indian art forms.
Therefore, the art forms that exists today in India are a mix of original Hindu art form which were later impregnated by the Persian art forms brought by Persian rulers or the Islamic Sultanates namely the Lodhis, the Sirrajjud Dhaula etc. It was later followed by barbaric invasions by the Mughals. The decline of the Mughal Empire saw the rise of various regional empire like the Maratha Empire and Marwar in western India and the Sikh Empire in the north. But none of them could match the grandeur, scale or the impact of Mughal Empire and its contribution to culture and history. I will refrain myself from commenting or judging on the impact of this Islamic era. The Hindu and Sikh zealots obviously term the impact as negative and argue that Islam in India was forced as in Persia. But the others believe that its the sufi cult of Islam that has brought about the popularity. Whichever way it is has been brought, its contribution cannot be neglected to the world of Indian Art. Take a look at pictures below and you'll know what I'm talking about.
The Nizzamuddin Dargah
Enterance to the Prayer Hall
Though I admit that I'm not really comfortable in a typical Islamic setting, but just like many westerners Islam is as exotic to me as the western world, even though I feel uncomfortable in Dargahs(I was not really exposed to Islamic culture as a child) and Mosques, I feel an urge to go in to explore as to what is there in Islam that so many people are drawn to it.
So till date what I'v experienced, visitng my immediate neighbourhood Dargahs and Mosques, is that Islam is not a religion, it's a way of life...a lifestyle. It covers every aspect of a person's life. Everybody's duties and previlages are clearly defined. Islam comes under special criticizm, even hatred from many "barbarians" for its treatment of women. Good or bad, modern or rudimentary, Islam clearly defines the duties and limits of men and women. This is the reason I feel more and more people, of which a huge chunk are westerns, are drawn to it. It's not only exotic its New, something they have not experinced living in a western country.
Freedom is not always a positive term, though in today's context freedom is used again and again by propogandists to augment their interest. Islam gives them a sence of belonging. For the most of western world today, The Church is hardly the centre of authority. The young generation which moves out of their parents homes find it increasingly difficult to face the emotional challenges posed by the modern world. In this time of lack of moral guidence Islam provides a frame work with direction and strict code of moral conduct. Many people also use it as a medium of experimentation to flirt with a religion which has rigerous code of personal conduct. It comes as a high to experiment with things which are challenging at an age where the personality is still being shaped. And to many its even a way to rebel against a social system where they don't fell belonged to or one which has given them nothing or they feel left behind.
...To Be Continued
