Religious music, also known as sacred music, is composed or performed for religious use, serving as a powerful source of strength, easing pain, and helping individuals find meaning in suffering. This diverse musical form varies widely across cultures and religions like Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism, often employing shared instruments such as drums and wind instruments. Within each faith, music serves distinct purposes; for example, it prepares the mind for meditation in Buddhist chanting, helps connect with God in Sikh Kirtan, or is used to recite holy texts in Islam. Christian music, believed to have roots in Jewish worship, prominently features "hymns"—songs of praise compiled into "hymnals," with the first American musical hymnal published in 1831. Ultimately, religious music plays a profound role in helping adherents of all faiths connect with their spiritual values and practices.