KAFI (Arabic Qafi), literally stands for the leader, the enlightener, one who fulfils the need. In poetics it denotes the refrain in a song or hymn, and is also the title given to a poetic form in Arabic as well as in Indian literature. Guru Nanak was the first to use this poetic form in Punjabi literature, and this he was followed by several Sufi poets and others. Kafi has also been called a ragim and a metre (tatank), though opinion differs on this count.In the Sikh Scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, Kafis have not been collected under any one raga; they occur under ragas Asa, Tilang, Suhi and Maru.
Similarly, they are assigned to different gharus in different ragas: in Asa, they belong to gharu 8, in Suhi to gharu 10 and in Maru to gharu 2. Except for Guru Angad, all the other five Gurus who have contributed to the Holy Volume have composed ka/is. The main theme of these lia is is the transient nature of this manifest world with the implicit suggestion that one should not get attached to it. Attachment to worldly possessions and relations leads to the soul`s bondage.
In order to break the circuit of birth, death and rebirth and achieve mukti (liberation or union with the Absolute) man must eradicate haumai and submit to His will. Neither material possessions nor any position in this mundane world is going to help him in the Divine Court where only good and noble deeds signifying man`s love for the Divine are valued.
References :
1. Kahn Singh, Bhai, Gurushahad Ratanakar Mahan Kosh. Patiala, 1981
2. Punjabi Sahit Kosh. Patiala, 1971
In Sikh musicology, Kafi (or Arabic Qafi) is a poetic and musical form that holds both historical and spiritual significance. The term Kafi literally means “leader” or “enlightener” and is used to denote a refrain in a song or hymn. It is also a title for a specific poetic form in Arabic and Indian literature.
Key Features of Kafi in Sikh Tradition
Poetic Form: Guru Nanak was the first to use the Kafi form in Punjabi literature, and it was later adopted by Sufi poets and others. In Sikh scripture, Kafis are not grouped under a single raag but appear in various raags like Asa, Tilang, Suhi, and Maru.
Themes: The central theme of Kafis is the transient nature of the material world. They emphasize detachment from worldly possessions and relationships, urging individuals to focus on spiritual liberation (mukti).
Musical Structure: In the Guru Granth Sahib, Kafis are assigned to different gharus (musical clefs) within their respective raags. For example:
- In Raag Asa, they belong to Gharu 8.
- In Raag Suhi, they are in Gharu 10.
- In Raag Maru, they are in Gharu 2.
Spiritual Message: The Kafis guide individuals to overcome ego (haumai) and submit to divine will. They highlight the futility of material wealth and status in the divine court, where only noble deeds and love for the Creator hold value.
