TEHRAN -- The Fareed Ayaz Qawwali group of Pakistan captivated the audience in a musical performance in Tehran on Thursday night.

The veteran band, which is led by award-winning musician Qawwal Ghulam Fareeddin Ayaz al-Hussaini, is in Iran to take part in the celebrations of Pakistan’s Independence Day, which occurs on August 14.
The musical extravaganza was arranged by the Economic Cooperation Organization’s Cultural Institute, Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and the Embassy of Pakistan in Tehran. The event was attended by ECO President Mohammad Rajabi, Pakistani Ambassador M.B. Abbasi, members of the diplomatic community based in Tehran, many members of Tehran’s Pakistani community, and Iranian music lovers.
The Iranian and other Persian-speaking viewers especially the group’s performance of the song “Ya Mahdi Adrakni, Ya Mahdi Adrakni” (“O Mahdi look upon us and help us, O Mahdi look upon us and help us”).
Dr. Mohammad Rajabi and M.B. Abbasi addressed the audience before the beginning of the concert and stressed the need for more cultural exchanges between the ten ECO states.
Qawwali is a form of Sufi Muslim devotional music characterized by simple melodies, forceful rhythms, and wild improvisations that encourage a state of euphoria in the listener.
Qawwali musicians usually sing praises of Almighty Allah, Prophet Muhammad (S), Imam Ali (AS), Imam Hassan (AS), and Imam Hussein (AS).
The Qawwali group will also give performances in Isfahan, Shiraz, and Zahedan on August 9, 11, and 13.
Photo: Fareed Ayaz Qawwali group of Pakistan performs at the Vahdat Hall in Tehran on August 6, 2009. (Photo: Tehran Times)