J Ahmed I am just one member of an intercultural, interfaith family. I am taking a journey through the month of Ramadan, using my ears to guide me. the wisdom and music of Muslims who have traveled this path before me will illuminate my way.
This blog is about Islam, music and celebrating Ramadan
. But… … …
I need to get a few things out of the way before I begin.
- I’m not Muslim. At least not in the most obvious sense. It is very difficult to explain my faith journey. If I say that I am “kind of Muslim,” it will just confuse everyone. But, I am not writing about a subject that I have no experience in. I am in a relationship, married to a Muslim. I have studied Islam and have attended nine years worth of Ramadan celebrations. I am not posing as an expert, by any means. The fact that I have not said a shahada in front of witnesses, dress like an Arab with a head covering, follow Zakir Naik on Youtube or say “Allah Akbar,” at least ten times a day, does not negate what I am going to say or my understanding of Ramadan. If anyone wants to discard what I am saying because I am not actually a card carrying Muslim writing about Muslim music, I am okay with that. Move on with my blessing. You probably would not have liked my blog, anyway. My faith is complicated. I loosely identify as a liberal Quakerish Christian with Muslim leanings… … is that convoluted, or what? Muslim identity seems to be wrapped up in more than what one believes. I mention that I am not formally Muslim because I have not… … said the shahada in front of witnesses or any of the more stereotypical things that would validate my affiliation. Theologically, I feel more Muslim than any other Abrahamic faith. I do believe that there is only one God and that Mohamed was a prophet and messenger (Peace be upon him). I firmly assert, however, my beliefs about the prophet, my witness and/or any other outward manifestation of religious affiliation is irrelevant. My husband and boys strongly identify as Muslim and I am helping them (at least my boys) celebrate Islam with meaningful song. This is my experience and my opinion and I don’t need validation by the Muslim community to make my thoughts or opinions worthy, even if these postings are about a group of Musicians that I have not religiously and publicly affiliated myself with. I might also assert that I may have more in common with them than many who do affiliate with them religiously because we both can be moved to worship through the vehicle of music.
- The truth is, I believe that many Muslims, many converts to Islam and many children growing up in a Muslim household probably need to hear these wonderful artists. Yet, if there is any Muslim reading this who feels that I have either misunderstood, misrepresented or tackled this subject halfheartedly or incorrectly, I urge you to write your own positive blog about Muslim musicians … … the more the merrier! Send me a ping, I’d love to read it and compare notes.
- All of the artists that I enjoy during Ramadan and promote on this blog are… … you guessed it, Muslim. Not only are they Muslim, but they are singing about subjects that directly identify them as Muslims or faith issues in general. Certainly I could find some non-Muslim artists that sing songs that would be ambiguous enough to be inspiring to Muslims. I can find Christian artists that sing about God without directly mentioning Jesus as the Son or incarnate God. And, I am certain that I could find Muslim artists that sing mostly secular music. There are several artists such as Amjed Ali Khan, K-Naan and that guy from One Direction.(smile) But, this is not the reason for the blog. I want to talk about proud Muslim artists who sing songs that have an effect on my spiritual Ramadan. Also, I must say that however I spiritually identify does not preclude me from celebrating Ramadan in my own way. I can still receive spiritual benefit and support my family’s spiritual growth.
- Music is not forbidden in Islam. If it was, one would certainly try to stop the birds from singing. Thank you Al Gazali. I think that if I had converted to Islam when I married, I would not have done so much research into alternative Muslim views. I would have been content to take on my husband’s beliefs and posture them as “the true Islam.” That would have been a travesty, indeed! When I started this journey into Muslim artists, I was unprepared for the amount of western sounding artists that I would find. I think when it comes to music, everyone gives the Sufi musicians and… … Amjed Ali Khan a pass. But, those against music, seem to definitely be against western style music. Most of the converts that I meet accept this hard line about music without even batting an eye. Coming from a Christian background, music is so central to worship. I can’t imagine praising God/Allah without a bit of song. And, I know that there are many converts who, if they admit it, feel the same way… … not to mention, children who have grown up around a plethora of music styles. Contrary to the beliefs of many, the rules of Islam do not forbid music. But, don’t take my word for it. Check out this brother’s well prepared thoughts and response to those who declare music forbidden. http://amuslimconvertoncemore.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-detailed-fatwa-about-music-singing.html BTW, he has lots of company.
Here is another response from someone who has researched the Quran and hadiths and has found no prohibition against music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE0nS0W01LE And here is another that narrates some Hadiths in which the prophet (PBUH) encouraged singing and the playing of instruments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pFDVl3rV7I
- This blog might enlighten: Muslims who are looking for music about Ramadan or family members who want to join in Muslim reflections during this month. I have blogged before about being a disabled parent, my trials of interfaith relationships, etc. I know that my blogs don’t get many subscribers. But, I hope that whether it is inspiration or information you seek, you will find it here. And, obviously, this blog is a record of what helps me have a memorable Ramadan. Maybe someday, it will also be useful for my children.
- I admit that I have not blogged in a while. There are at least three good reasons for this; none of which need to be discussed here, now. I do want to say that the blog won’t be flashy. The general appearance might not be satisfactory. I am doing my best to learn as much as I can about blogging at WordPress. I don’t want to obsess so much on appearance and accessibility issues that the content suffers. I am hoping that the content overshadows any shortcomings with the appearance, etc. I will try to supply thought provoking opinions and lots of interesting information with links.
- My blog (and any other blog that I have written, for that matter) seeks to spark thoughtful dialog. Please respectfully respond with your own thoughts, suggestions and comments.
Now, on to Hearing the sounds of Ramadan!
[2020 update to include an apology for not learning more about editing in wordpress in the past year].
The melodious journey through Ramadan: 