Sonic Theology

Sonic Theology
The role of Sound and Vibration in Spiritual Domain

Sadiq M. Alam
18 Jan 2013

a Sadaqayan Circle presentation S

What Sonic Theology is About

S In this universe everything is a language, Chants, Sonic
pointer to the Real Remembrance towards
peace, harmony, tranquility of
S Sonic Theology is the field of the self, healing and overall
study of vibration and sound to well-being.
reach ma‟arifa or gnosis of
God and reality S Hazrat Inayat Khan wrote:
"Sound is the source of all
S It is also the field which manifestation ... the knower of
provides us better the mystery of sound knows
understanding and guidance on the mystery of the whole
the use of Sacred Scripture‟s universe.”

Since Ancient Times

S When science and mysticism were harmony of the spheres.
still joined in the ancient
S Johannes Kepler, the 16th-century
world, the concept that the
universe is astronomer responsible for
musical, harmonious, and determining the laws of planetary
interconnected was seen as self- motion, was convinced that the
evident. relationship between the planets
– indeed everything in the
S Since the Greek philosopher universe – was harmonic in
Pythagorus discovered the pure nature, vibrating in perfect
mathematics of music in the 5th attunement by the Divine
century BC, the greatest minds in Attuner.
history have attempted to codify the

Modern Scientific Perspective

S Modern scientific view of E=mc2 indicate that matter
reality tells us that everything (m) is but an expression of
– every atom and molecules energy (E).
in every nook and corner of
S Vibration is one of the most
this universe is formed out of
fundamental characteristics of
energy vibration.
the entire Universe.
S Einstein's famous formula


S Energy is vibration particles and so on, until the
ultimate constitution of
S Matter comprises smaller units
anything is of pure Energy
known as molecules, and still
vibrating at specific rates
smaller units known as atoms.
according to individual

S Yet smaller still we find sub- characteristics.

atomic particles which in turn
are made up of still finer


S In the macro world we S Electricity = 1 billion vib/sec
discover that dense
S Visible Color = 500 billion
objects, sound, light, electrica
vib/sec
l waves are what they are
because of their vibration. S Invisible spectrum even
higher
S Perceptible sound to human
= 20 to 20,000 vibration/sec S X-ray = 2 trillion vib/sec

Visible Realm to Invisible Realm –
all are vibrations of different
frequencies
S As we progress still higher, the or measured by science.
scale of vibration we reach do not
S Vibrating at speeds completely
manifest any characteristics yet to
beyond the comprehension and
modern science and hence totally
observation of science are the
ignored
inner dimensions of planes, part
S It is erroneous to conclude that of alam al-Ghayb, the so called
progressively higher levels of invisible or unseen Realms in
vibration do not exist, simply contrast to the alam ash-Shahadah
because they cannot be observed or observable /witnessing Realms


S This is also now one of the consisting of vibration, pure
basic accepted principles of Energy and units of probability
quantum physics with the (quantum potentiality or
discovery that sub-atomic Quanta)
particles are ultimately not
S Are we talking here a very subtle
particles at all, but are rather
configuration of Divine Will in
progressively more subtle
lucent manifestation?
forms, until ultimately


S Light and Energy are created, lives and has its
interchangeable. Higher Energy Being, the Primordial Light of
is also known as “Light”. This God ~ Nur e Elahi.
is not the light commonly
S As observed by quantum
known in the physical Universe
physicist David Bohm, the
as for example emanating from
physical Universe of matter
The Sun, but rather the
can be considered to be “frozen
Primordial Light from which
Light”.
everything in the Universe was

In the beginning was Vibration
& Secret of Divine Scripture

S In the beginning was the Logos manifestation.
(Word / Vibration / God is a Power
The Power becomes light
Light), and the Logos was with The light becomes vibration
God. The vibration becomes sound
The sound becomes word
~ New Testament, John 1:1 The word becomes language
The language becomes scripture.
S Om as the primordial Sound /
Vibration / Adi Nad Like that return to the Source.

S Kun! Fa Ya Kun! God said Be
and all came into - Bawa Muhaiyaddeen

Theophany (Divine Disclosure) /
Tajalli ~ Descent and Ascent

Allah‟s Jaat (Essence) From Holy Scripture
~ Manifesting All-Pervading ~ Language
Divine Power
~ Words
~ Power becomes pure Light or
Nur ~ Sounds
~ Nur to Vibration ~ Vibration
~ Vibration to Sound ~ Nur
~ Sound to Word
~ Divine Power
~ Word to Language ~ Allah‟s Marifa
~ Language to Holy Scripture

Om the Primordial Sound

S Ancient Vedic Science form of Parama Atma or
transmits that Om is the Supreme Consciousness.
primordial cosmic vibration
S Om is the symbol of the
at the point of beginning.
underlying intelligence. It also
S Adi Nada – Primordial Sound. symbolizes Reality.

S It is the sound / vibration

Om / Aum / Amen

S The Hebrew, Aramaic and S Similarly when we invoke any
Arabic “Amen” or “Ameen” supplication, we intend to
means “So be it” or “Let it harmonize with the Divine
be.” Will by saying „Amen‟ – so be
it by Your Will.
S This corresponds to the first
Divine Will, “Let there be
Light.”

Just as the beginning, so shall be
the end

S The beginning is with the blow of Trumpet or
Vibration. Big Bang. Om. Sound by Angel (God‟s
Kun Fa Ya Kun. These all are agent)
Isharat, or pointer to the
S Again symbolizing that it is
unseen reality.
through a great Sound >
S In Eastern religion we find Vibration that the end will
the imagery that the end of come
time will be accompanied by

Just as the beginning,
so shall be the end

S On the Day when the earth and violently… the Hearts that
the mountains will be in violent day will shake. ~ 79:6
shake, and the mountains will
S When the earth is shaken with
be a heap of sand poured out
her (violent) shaking. ~ 99:1
and flowing down. ~ 73:14

S On that day the earth and the
mountains will shake / quake

The practice of listening deeply

In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Milarepa
(born, Mila Thöpaga meaning 'a joy to hear'), the
most famous mysticsaint of Tibet, yogi, wanderer
and much loved poet of 11th century is often
famously depicted with one hand cupped behind
his ear. In Buddhist iconography he is as
someone who is always listening
deeply, symbolizing Milarepa's deep listening to
the great voice of the cosmos, of the inner song
of existence.

On the value of listening 'The Tibetan Book of
the Dead' calls it Great Liberation through
Hearing.

The practice of listening 360

Once someone went to a sufi master who at that time was listening to a sufi sama
(mystical music that connects to divine) in an absorbed state. Seeing the sufi master
in such a state made the visitor surprised. She knew at that moment that the master
was not here, he was literally lost.

Feeling the presence of the visitor, the master told her, sit here my daughter and listen
three sixty.

What he meant was an invitation for listening with whole being. Listening 360 is
not merely listening but being absorbed, being totally immersed into the depth of
the verses, in the tune, rhythms, vibrations. It triggers contemplative mood and
deep state of meditation.

The great listening / audition
that lasted for 23 years

When Prophet Muhammad, Allah‟s peace and blessings be
upon his soul, started his long retreats and deep
contemplation in Hira, the mountain cave near Mecca, he
was also entering into the preparation what would become a
23 years of Great Audition / Listening of the Divine
Voice, which ultimately became the revelations of The
Quran.

As they descended to his inner heart, he would spontaneously
recite the holy revelations, hence the name Qur'an (which
means 'the recitation'). Often time, as he mentioned later that
such revelation of Quran used to start with a sound which he
had to listen with tremendous concentration and each time
the experience was so intense that it would make him perspire
even in cold desert night.

Realization and receiving grace
through deep listening

Only those become realized / respond / accept - who listen (truly)... ~ The Quran 6:36

Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best in it: those are the ones whom God has
guided, and such are the gnostics. ~ The Quran 39:18

I have chosen thee: listen, then, to the inspiration. (Allah's mystical conversation with Moses
on the Holy Mountain) ~ The Quran 2:13

When they listen to that which hath been revealed unto the messengers, thou seest their eyes
overflow with tears because of their recognition of the Truth. ~ The Quran 5:83

Be not like those who say, "We hear," but hear not: ~ The Quran 8:21

Wa-iza quria-al-qur-anu fastamiAAoolahu wa ansitoo laAAallakum turhamoon / When the Qur'an
is recited, listen to it with deep listening, and pay attention: that you may receive grace. ~
The Quran 7:204


In every cycle of ritual prayer (salat) practiced in Islam, as the devotee stand up from
bowing position, reminds himself or herself by announcing "Sami Allah hu liman
hamidah" - 'God ever listens to every spontaneous praise'.

It is then followed up by saying, "Rabbana, wa lakal hamd" - 'Our Lord, and to Thee
belongs all praise'.

So “Ever listening” (Sami Allah) is a Sifat or Attribute of Allah and when we are
engaged in deep listening, we are practicing a Sifat, a quality of Allah and with right
intention, this illuminates the inner being, the subtle centers / lataif.

Takhalluk bi khalqiLlah – embody the qualities (akhlaq) of Allah ~ says our Prophet (s)


Wa-iza sami’oo maaa unzila ila ar-rasooli tara a’yunahum tafeedu
minaddami mimma AAarafoo mina al-haqq. Ya qooloona: ”Rabbana
amanna faktubna maAAa ashshahideen”

When they hear (sami’oo) what was revealed to the messenger, you see
their eyes flooding with tears as they recognize (ma’arafoo) the truth
(al-haqq) therein, and they say, "Our Lord, we have believed, so count
us among the witnesses (shahideen).”

~ The Qur’an 5:83

Stay close to any sound

S Stay close to any sounds "Be!".
that make you glad
you are alive. Hafiz, who will understand you if
you do not explain that last line?
Everything
in this world is Well then,
helplessly reeling. I will sing it this way:

An invisible wake When God said to illusion,
was created "Be!"
when God said
to His beautiful dead lover, - Mawlana Hafiz, the master sufi poet
and saint of 14th century

Sound Psychology: The Human
Voice in Energetic Healing
S "The voice has all the magnetism your voice as a "sonic tool" to
which an instrument lacks; for voice is vibrationally
nature's ideal instrument, upon which activate, heal, resonate/harmoniz
all the other instruments of the world e body, mind and spirit.
are modeled.” ~ Hazrat Inayat Khan
S Human voice can change state of
S Our voice, the human voice, can consciousness almost
be used as a tool for self- instantaneously. It balances
awareness, which is the hemispheres of the brain, re-wires
foundational mindset to heal neural nets, and changes the
oneself. vibratory pattern of the
etheric, emotional, mental, and
S With proper training, you can use bioelectric bodies.

S Here is an elegant Secret: S Remember that in post-eternity the
body will speak the truth and you
S The way we use our voice is a clear will be witness, before that reality
indicator of our self-esteem. comes, may we speak the truth to
our body:
S Changing our voice, its tone can
change the whole way of expressing S Allah speaks: That Day, We will seal over
ourselves in the world - and how their mouths, and their hands will speak
the world sees us! to Us, and their feet will testify about what
they used to earn. ~ 36:65
S One‟s entire history is recorded in
every cell of one‟s body: when you
speak the truth to your body you
can change your life.

S In "Healing Sounds," by Jonathan that utilizes vowel sounds to alter
Goldman, he states: "From a vibrations in every molecule in
physiological viewpoint, vocal the body.”
harmonics creates changes in the
heart beat, respiration and
brainwaves of the reciter."

S When we sigh, groan, hum or
sing, we are toning.

S Laeh Maggie Garfield, in her
book "Sound Medicine," writes:
"Toning is a system of healing

Physiology of Vibration &
Human Voice / Chanting
S The immune system which includes thymus gland is fairly large at
the thymus gland, lymph birth and continues to grow until
nodes, bone adolescence, when it begins to
marrow, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, ap shrink.
pendix, Peyer's Patches are all
connected and these system can be During the first few weeks of
affected positive by sound and life, T-lymphocytes created in
vibration. the thymus migrate to the blood
stream and colonize lymph
S For example the Thymus gland
nodes through the body. These
plays a key role in the
later begin to manufacture
immunological defense
powerful antibodies vital for
system, stimulating production
immunity.
of white blood cells that fight
disease and infection. The

Physiology of Vibration &
Human Voice / Chanting

S Thymus being very adjacent to the
lungs and also heart, the sound which
are produced from within has direct
vibratory effect and stimulates this
very organ.

S This possibly is one of the exoteric
(zahiri) explanation of the
mechanism of healing through
boosting this vital organ responsible
for immune system.

Stimulating bodily systems with
Vibration

S Example of useful sounds that are S Some researchers even believe
particularly beneficial to the body that different infections and
is a clean ”A” or “O” sound cancers in old people are closely
which will make the linked to the decline in T
chest, ster-num and neck vibrate. lymphocyte production.

S Vibrations in the sternum will S Hence, if you were to stimulate
stimulate the immune system the thymus in some way e.g.
because the oscillations boost the through prayer or song, it is sure
thymus which controls the to be advantageous.
production of the body‟s key
defence cells called T lymphocytes.

Vibration

S Vibrations in the throat will S Apart from the fact that you can
stimulate another important stimulate this gland to some
gland, the thyroid. This gland extent with vibrations, a
produces hormones that regulate combination of generating sounds
metabolism and thus the body‟s and movement of the neck (as
energy consumption and body done sometime in Dhikr) can
weight. increase blood flow to the neck
and stimulating the benefit.
S In addition, it also assists in
strengthening heart function.

Vibration

S Another outcome of vibrations in therapeutic method.
the throat and the resulting vagus
nerve stimulation is the S Another interesting significance
immediate reduction in blood of breathing while using your
pressure and number of voice is simply that the breathing
heartbeats. frequency is lowered and the
natural breath becomes longer.
S People with heart conditions or The same happens when you hum
patients who have suffered a heart or sing or chat, which causes a
attack can combine breathing feeling of happiness and well-
exercises with sound generation being.
as a simple preventive or

Vibration

S Making humming sounds while inflammatory function, which
breathing through the nose has makes this exercise an obvious
the beneficial effect of mixing air supplementary remedy in the
from the nose with air from the treatment of diseases caused by
sinuses which is rich on nitrogen inflammation in lung tissue.
oxide (NO).
S When we do dhikr which involves
S NO has the ability to increase the heavy breath-work, the unique
blood's oxygen uptake properties associated with the
significantly. small gas molecule nitric oxide
can be utilize to boost function of
S In addition, NO has an anti- lungs.
bacterial and thus anti-

Sound Psychology: Toning

S Toning is the "nonverbal process of very tools high-tech scientists have
using the voice to aid in the healing used to understand molecular
of the human body." The practice biology are revealing that mind-body
of toning incorporates using communication occurs on the
various sounds -- specifically vowel deepest levels of cellular function...
sounds, mantras, chanting, etc understanding mind-body unity is
essential to recognizing how sound -
S Mitchell L. Gaynor, M.D., a leading which has vibratory effects on
oncologist and director of cells, organs, emotional effect on the
integrative medicine at the Strang- brain, and which taps a spiritual
Cornell Cancer Prevention dimension as yet undefined- is the
Center, states in his book The next frontier in holistic healing."
Healing Power of Sound, that "the


S The power of "sacred sound" has "Toning is a system of healing
been used by chanting and that utilizes vowel sounds to alter
vocalizing sounds and vibrations in every molecule in
vowels, and in mantras by ancient the body.”
teachers for "spiritual realization,"
allowing a person to bypass the S Toning is an ancient method of
mind, release obstacles, access healing
creative and healing energy and
awaken the self to a "higher
consciousness.”

S Laeh Maggie Garfield, in her
book "Sound Medicine," writes:


S The 3 basic sounds are the long S Toning is defined as 'to make
basic vowel sounds of A, I and U. sound with an elongated vowel
These are what the Sufis call the for an extended period.‟
universal harmonic constants and
they are used in all mystic paths S Toning oxygenates the
that utilise sound. Master these body, deepens breathing, relaxes
sounds and you will ascend the musles and stimulates the whole
stairway to heaven. ~ Shaykh body.
Hakim Abu Abdullah Ghulam
Moinuddin S Regular toning helps to restore
health to the mind, body and
spirit.


S Toning together gives a send of of well being) in the brain.
connection and help released
stress and repressed emotions. S Toning has also been effective in
relieving insomnia and other sleep
S The muscles of the digestive disorders.
system are massaged and
stimulated by regular toning.

S Research suggests that toning has
a neurochemical effect on the
body, boosting the immune
system and causing the release of
endorphins (stimulate the feeling

Quranic Recitation as the Most
Powerful Tool for Toning

S Yaa ayyuha an-naasu qad ja’atkum such things that have healing and
maw`izhatun min rabbikum wa shifaun mercy for the faithfuls. ~17:82
limaa fee as-sudoori wa hudan wa
rahmatun lil-mumineen S qul huwa lil-ladheena amanoo hudan
wa shifaun
S O Mankind! There has come to you
a guidance from your Lord and a S And declare hat [the Quran] is a
healing for (the diseases) in your guidance and healing for the
hearts, and for those who believe a believers. ~ 41:44
guidance and a mercy. ~ 10:57
S Six Healing Verses:
S Wa nunazzilu mina al-qurani ma huwa 9:14, 10:57, 16:69, 17:82, 26:80, 41:
shifaun wa rahmatun lil-mumineen 44

S And We sent down in the Quran

Quranic Recitation as the Most
Powerful Tool for Toning

S Effects of sound waves generated S Secondly, the sound waves
during Qur‟anic recitation are especially at frequencies ranging
possibly mediated by two exoteric from 50 – 800 db pass through the
mechanisms: body and in the process they are
transduced by the body tissues and
S Firstly, through the ears sound cells leading to a change in the
waves are converted into electrical vibratory frequency of the cells and
stimuli that activate the Auditory generation of electrical stimuli.
area of the brain that in turn
stimulates release of chemicals and
messengers that have healing
properties.

Brain stimulated by Words and their
corresponding Vibration /Sounds

S While learning the Quran, the S It‟s also the brain region activated
careful attention to listening and for processing of musical sounds
pronunciation of verses stimulates such as the case when the Quran
an area of the brain located in the is recited.
temporal lobe.

S The temporal lobe is also where
the hippocampus is
located, which is the memory
consolidation center.

Great Effects with Tiny Stimulation

S Tongue touches the walls of the when even lightly pressed by the
oral (mouth) cavity while we tongue. It has been documented
speak. that this pressure at various points
is responsible for initiating the
S Recently scientists have found out swallowing reflex and other
that there are very sensitive motor movements when we have
receptors underneath the mucosal food in the mouth cavity.
lining of the oral cavity specially
the hard palate.

S Theses receptors are stimulated


S For a moment say the word embedded in the mucosa covering
“ALLAH” and notice your the hard palate.
tongue.

S The tip of the tongue gently
presses against a spot on hard
palate in the mid line just above
the back of the gums of the upper
front teeth (incisors). Pressure on
this spot stimulates the release of
signals from mechanoreceptors


S Scientific research has pointed out S Notice the tongue movement and
towards existence of very touch on upper mouth when
sensitive „Mechanoreceptors‟ in reciting the following sacred
the oral cavity including the hard formula:
palate.
S La ilaha illallah (best dhikr and best
S Signals generated through tranquilizer of heart)
pressure at this „magic spot‟ are
transmitted to centers in the S Lahaula wala quwata illa Billahi-L-
brain; what these signals do is not Aliyyil-Adhim (cure of 99 diseases)
yet known / discovered.
S Allahu Allah (elevator of ranks)

The Sound of the Qur‟an

S Prophet (s) always stressed reading blood pressure, heart rate, and
Qur‟an loudly and not silently by smooth muscle relaxation in
saying: “The comparison between a Muslims as well as non-Muslims.
silent reader and a recitor is like a
bottle of perfume when it is closed S The Qur‟an itself recommend
and when it is opened”. reciting it slowly (with pauses) for
complete absorption of its effects.
S In one of the few medical studies That means that if we recite very
conducted on listening to the fast then the frequencies can overlap
recitation of Holy Qur‟an Dr. and mingle up resulting in a
Ahmed E. Kadi and Associates vibratory chaos thus rendering the
(Cairo), have shown a reduction in beneficial effects useless.

The Sound of the Qur‟an:
Organic & integrated healing effects

Auditory
center of
brain
Brain Mechano-
Process receptors

Tongue in
motion

Brain Vibration
Stimulation to All body
cells

Few References

How The Quran Shapes The Brain Vibration Therapy

http://mohamedghilan.com/2012/01/12/ http://www.breatheology.com/services/art
how-the-quran-shapes-the-brain/ icles/health/vibration-therapy

The Healing Sound Sound Healing

http://www.islamicwritings.org/quran/me http://www.sound-
dical-miracles/the-healing-sound/ accord.com/sound_healing

Toning Power of Quranic Healing

http://www.simonheather.co.uk/pages/cha http://kaheel7.com/eng/index.php/secrets
pters/thehealingoowerofsound_sample.pdf -of-quran-a-sunnah/69-the-power-of-quran-
healing

Say: And leave
Allah! them in their
tamasha (vain
sports).

~ Qur‟an, 6:91

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