Ahmad Hawili, a Lebanese vocalist known for blending religious chanting with Sufi and musical performance, died Saturday after a long illness. Hawili, a native of Houmine El Faouqa in southern Lebanon, rose to prominence with his distinctive voice that crossed traditional boundaries. He began as a Qur’an reciter and a mourner in Ashura rituals before expanding into Sufi poetry and musical collaborations. He gained recognition for songs such as “Sharaf Kbir,” dedicated to the Lebanese army, written by Fadi El Rayy and composed by Ziad Boutros. His official page announced: “We bid farewell to our dear Ahmad Ghazi Hawili.