This is the second installment of a multi-part resource. It starts with a detailed account of the experience of arranging music and taking part in concert of Islamic music, leading to a broader survey of Islamic musical traditions. It then explores young Muslims' musical interests and the tensions within the Muslim community surrounding music, makes links to the requirements of N.C.2008, and ends by offering teachers some practical ideas for action.
What was the concert about?The concert was the brain-child of Amran Ellahi, lead singer and artistic director of Aa'shiq al-Rasul.
Amran's main aim was to celebrate Eid Al-Adha , one of the biggest festivals in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the haj period of pilgrimages to Makkah. The concert was also a fund-raising event for Islamic charity Children in Deen.
Aa'shiq al-Rasul (Lovers of the Prophet) started as a nasheed group writing and performing popular Islamic devotional songs with a capella voices and percussion. They have produced five CDs, and have a huge reputation in the Muslim community world-wide. You can learn more about them by searching the Internet, in particular from their web-site
For a more detailed discussion of nasheeds and other Islamic music traditions, download the document below
“Aspects of the Muslim Musical Tradition”. When discussing music with Muslims it is helpful to know about Muslim scholarly rulings and the reported words of the Prophet (hadiths). For an overview, download the document below
“Islamic Rulings on Music”.In this concert Amran aimed to break new ground by including live backing for keyboards, guitars and saxophone. In spite of the rich musical traditions of Islam, and the many creative contemporary developments, some Muslims have traditionally been opposed to music. In particular, some authorities strongly disapprove of the use of pitched instruments. However, the group felt that they and their audience were ready for a move forward.
Nasheeds (or Naats in Urdu) are songs in praise of Allah or Mohamed, set to lively rhythms and catchy tunes; they are particularly popular among young people. Aa'shiq al-Rasul (Lovers of the Prophet) started as a nasheed group writing and performing popular Islamic devotional songs with percussion. They have produced five CDs, and have a huge reputation in the Muslim community world-wide. You can learn more about them by searching the Internet, in particular from their
web-siteThe attached document
Recordings of Islam music will help you track down recordings of the various artists you will read about in these documents.
