The sargam is the climax part, where the qawwal and the chorus sing fast and complex melodic patterns, often using syllables such as sa, re, ga, ma, etc., to create a musical frenzy and ecstasy. The antara is the variation part, where the qawwal sings different verses that elaborate on the theme of the song, while the chorus responds with the refrain. The astai is the main part, where the chorus (or the humnawa) joins the qawwal and repeats the main refrain of the song, usually in praise of Allah, Prophet Muhammad, or a Sufi saint. The alap is the introductory part, where the lead singer (or the qawwal) sings a few lines in a slow and free rhythm, setting the mood and tone of the song. Some of these characteristics and elements are: - The structure of Qawwali music: Qawwali music typically follows a simple structure that consists of four parts: the alap, the astai, the antara, and the sargam.
Qawwali music has some distinctive characteristics and elements that make it unique and appealing to the listeners.
