The relationship between Sufi Samā and mystical experiences

Sama, is considered by many mystics to be one of the essential pillars of the spiritual path and is of great importance. This concept, which encompasses various aspects such as singing, beautiful sounds, melodies, music and instruments, dancing, and the tearing of clothes, has played a fundamental role in shaping the identity of mystics and their mystical schools. On the other hand, mystical experiences, through which the mystic is in touch with the divine world and gains an immediate state and experience, have also been a vital element and sometimes the ultimate goal of the mystical path. Understanding the relationship between these two s themes not only reveals the reason for the importance of sama for mystics, but also provides a new approach to the diverse types of mystical experiences among Sufis. In this paper, after collecting data from prose texts, we have categorized this connection into three aspects: First, sama in all its aspects is sometimes considered as an instigator of spiritual experiences, meaning the mystics' purpose in Sama was sometimes to achieve mystic experiences. Secondly, definitions of Sama have been provided or characteristics have been attributed to it as if it were a type of mystical experience for the ecstatic mystics themselves. Finally, it is sometimes considered, at least in some aspects, to be the result or consequence of mystical experiences. In fact, after gaining mystical experiences, certain manifestations dancing and tearing clothes, would occur. This connection, which has so far been neglected in mystical research, has been analysed from these three perspectives in the reports, sayings, and opinions of the mystics in mystical prose.