Tariqat by Desert Rose is an album of universal Sufi Chanting. Although the Moroccan Diwans are done in the typical language of Arabic, the album is still universal and accessible to all. Chants such as La lla Ha Illallah are used in Universal Sufism. Sufism is a mystical path or Tariqat which involves the practice of Dhikr, the repetitive chanting of sacred names or qualities of God as well as devotional songs born out of the fire of Divine love. Rumi and Shams Tabriz were the masters of expressing their love of the Divine through poetry and sacred dance, the whirling Dervish. The combination of the whirling dervish combined with Sufi chanting or Sufi Music results in spiritual ecstasy and annihilation of the ego or the lower self. La lla Ha Illallah and Bismillah are examples of the highest names of God found in Tariqat. Ya Rahman Ya Rahim is another beautiful name of God describing the attributes of God as Most Merciful and Most Compassionate.
The album draws from Moroccan Diwans or love songs in Arabic, Remembrance of my Lord is a beautiful song describing this love affair with God. The Moroccan Diwan describes how Remembrance of God is the cure for all suffering. The style of Arabic music is a marriage between East and West. Although the style of singing is based on Middle Eastern scales or Maqams, the music and orchestration are a blend of classical orchestration combined with exotic rhythms from both Africa and the Middle East. This sets the stage for an epic sound from which Yusuf’s yearning voice and style of singing can soar and take the listener to new heights of spiritual ecstasy. One can truly let go of all conditioning and allow the music to transport you heavenly realms, especially with the universal Sufi chants La lla Ha Illallah and Bismillah
Tracks from the album include:
Bismillah
La lla Ha Illallah
Withdrawal
Oneness
Remembrance of my Lord
Ya hayu ya Qayum
Ya Rahman Ya Rahim
God Bless Africa
