Pop Culture in the Name of Islam
by Yvonne Ridley
I FEEL very uncomfortable about the pop culture which is growing around some so-called Nasheed artists. Of course I use the term ‘Nasheed artists’ very lightly. Islamic ‘boy bands’ and Muslim ‘popsters’ would probably be more appropriate.
Eminent scholars throughout history have often opined that music is haram, and I don’t recall reading anything about the Sahaba whooping it up to the sound of music. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for people letting off steam, but in a dignified manner and one which is appropriate to their surroundings.
The reason I am expressing concern is that just a few days ago at a venue in Central London, sisters went wild in the aisles as some form of pop-mania swept through the concert venue. And I’m not just talking about silly, little girls who don’t know any better; I am talking about sisters in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, who squealed, shouted, swayed and danced. Even the security guys who looked more like pipe cleaners than bulldozers were left looking dazed and confused as they tried to stop hijabi sisters from standing on their chairs. Of course the stage groupies did not help at all as they waved and encouraged the largely female Muslim crowd to “get up and sing along.” (They’re called ‘Fluffers’ in lap-dancing circles!)
The source of all this adulation was British-born Sami Yusuf, who is so proud of his claret-colored passport that he wants us all to wave the Union Jacks. I’m amazed he didn’t encourage his fans to sing “Land of Hope and Glory.” Brother Sami asked his audience to cheer if they were proud to be British ,and when they responded loudly, he said he couldn’t hear them and asked them to cheer again.
How can anyone be proud to be British? Britain is the third most hated country in the world. The Union Jack is drenched in the blood of our brothers and sisters across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine. Our history is steeped in the blood of colonialism, rooted in slavery, brutality, torture, and oppression. And we haven’t had a decent game of soccer since we lifted the World Cup in 1966.
Apparently Sami also said one of the selling points of Brand UK was having Muslims in the Metropolitan Police Force! Astafur’Allah! Dude, these are the same cops who have a shoot-to-kill policy and would have gunned down a Muslim last year if they could tell the difference between a Bangladeshi and a Brazilian. This is the same police force that has raided more than 3000 Muslim homes in Britain since 9/11. What sort of life is there on Planet Sami, I wonder? If he is so proud to be British, why is he living in the great Middle Eastern democracy of Egypt?
Apparently the sort of hysteria Sami helped encourage is also in America, and if it is happening on both sides of the Atlantic, then it must be creeping around the globe and poisoning the masses. Islamic boy bands like 786 and Mecca 2 Medina are also the subject of the sort of female adulation you expect to see on American Pop Idol or the X-Factor. Surely Islamic events should be promoting restrained and more sedate behavior.
Do we blame the out-of-control sisters? Or do we blame the organizers for allowing this sort of excessive behavior which demeans Islam? Or do we blame the artists themselves?
Abu Ali and Abu Abdul Malik, struggling for their Deen, would certainly not try to whip up this sort of hysteria. Neither would the anonymous heroic Nasheed artists who sing for freedom; check out Idhrib Ya Asad Fallujah, and you will know exactly what I mean.
Fallujah is now synonymous with the sort of heroic resistance that elevated the Palestinians of Jenin to the ranks of the resistance written about in the Paris Communeand the Siege of Leningrad. The US military has banned the playing of any Nasheeds about Fallujah because of the power and the passion it evokes.
If those Nasheeds had sisters running in the streets whooping and dancing, however, the Nasheeds may be encouraged [Note from Siraaj: She probably meant discouraged, not encouraged] because of haram activity surrounding them.
Quite frankly, I really don’t know how anyone in the Ummah can really let go and scream and shout with joy at pleasure domes when there is so much brutality and suffering going on in the world today. The rivers of blood flow freely from the veins of our brothers and sisters from across the Muslim world. Screaming and shouting the names of musical heroes drown out the screams coming from the dungeons of Uzbekistan where brothers and sisters are boiled alive in vats of water. How many will jump up and down and wave their arms in the air, shouting wildly for justice for our kin in Kashmir, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Palestine, and Iraq? There are many more killing fields as well across the Asian and Arab world. Will you climb on theater chairs and express your rage over Guantanamo Bay and other gulags where our brothers and sisters are being tortured, raped, sodomized, beaten, and burned? Or will you just switch off this concerned sister and switch on to the likes of Sami Yusuf because he can sell you a pipe dream with his soothing words and melodic voice?
Oh, Muslims, wake up! The Ummah is not bleeding; it is hemorrhaging.
Listen not to what is haram. Listen to the pain of your global family.
Avinash said
Yvonne ridley, what is wrong with you?
sana said
Assalamu Alaykum,
I am glad to see this article, as I have felt this way for a long time, but most muslims surrounding me do not agree. Thank you! I can now e-mail this piece to everyone.
assalamu alaykum
Parvez said
Assalam Alaikum,
Sister Yvonne is right! It angers me to think these people are comitting Kuffur in the name of Islam. People like Sami Yusuf and 786 and misguiding our Muslim brothers and siters with Haram Trash!
I am pretty sure if I was to say that Tupac’s music is Halal because he raps about the challenges and difficulty of life, there would be an uproar, even from the people who are defending the likes of Sami Yusuf and 786! The fact is that these people are trying to change Islam, they have strayed from the Seerathal Mustqim.
Allahu Akbar !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
FARZEEN said
I AGREE WITH YOU, I heard some of the Islamic boyband 786 songs & to be honest i think its not allowed in Islam.
Firstly – the girls are making idols out of them by having thier pictures & autographs.
secondly – at the concerts , people are moving thier bodies a bit, is that not dancing.
thirdly – i could never buy thier cd because its not done according to Islam.
Soufiane abou Shaheed said
Allahoe akbar, Sister Yvone may Allah bless you!! Music is Haram, people are dancing on his music while our brothers and sisters are been murdered in Afghanistan, Sheeshan, Iraq, Palestine, Kashmir etc etc Allahoe moesta3an!!
Go for it sister!
ali abdur samad said
Asalal Alaykoum
MashAllah , may Allah SWT reward you sister Yvone. Can the people not see the clear proof
that they are committing evil.
sabina said
very truly said sister yvonne, sami’s sweet words is clearly selling music which is haraam. let this bring some sense to our brothers and sisters.
Husna said
Pleaaaaaaaaaase.
Sami’s music is the type of music that u fall in love with instantly, not just because of Sami’s beats and his voice,
but for what he IS SINGING ABOUT!!
He is singing aobut the Prophets&ALLAH. His songs inspire you to Islam in a way that is truly fantastic.
Yvonne, u just wanted your promotion or something like that.
Sami told u oFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
asia said
assalamualaikum
to b honest after reading her article my eyes opened! i enjoyed samis music so much that i was looking for his cd eveywhere! and 2 b honest i dont listen 2 his songs anymore cause theres one track in his new album where he is singing about the soldiers of allah in iraq and afghanistan murdering and kidnapping innocent ppl. when i heard this i was in shock!!!! i said 2 myself this cant b wht i think hes saying. and now i c the truth. and ever since i stopped. and sister ridley i thank u for this article!
THIS GOES 2 THE GIRL ABOVE ME: sami didnt even come close to telling ridley off. i read his article and jus read a paragraph and then i stopped. he used big big words to justify himself. and i heard alot from ppl that gurls were dancing to his music which is completely HARAM and that some gurls in his concert took off their hijabs and waving them in the air!!! who dances to islamic music anyway???? bimbos!
and one more thing yvonne ridley ur SO SO FUNNY!!!! the jokes u made concerning the taliban cracked me up! mashallah keep up the good work!!!
Mark Lodge said
Nabi Muhammad Sallaallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam Said:
“Leave off that which you doubt for that which you do not doubt” (Authentic Hadith)
Hamama Mohammad said
Pleeeease u guys(i mean dear muslim sisters and brothers),
why is it that u always think negetive?!
when i heard dear brother Sami’s songs i thought it was ok but what made me proud was the way he does things. i cannot say that i am sure of what i think but honestly, i think brother Sami is a true believer, whatever he does is from his heart! all the praises and the sweet words he said was all from the heart!brother Sami was just trying to help, he’s still trying to help! i do not think of him as a rock star or a pop star of Islam, and Inshaallah i will never think of him that way….
we muslims should not hate each other bcoz of anything! if u sister Yvonne think that wat brother Sami is doin is bad, then talk to him in a very nice way, advice him, do not be rude to anyone. and if u brother Sami think wat u’re doin is good, then kindly explain to sister Yvonne!(which of course brother Sami u did!).
O ALLAH! help us muslims, make us unite and bring peace among each other.
O ALLAH! forgive us all our sins, protect us and giude us to the right path.
O ALLAH! make the non-muslims realize the truth and mend before it’s too late.
your muslim sister,
Hamama.
Hamama Mohammad said
oh! and sister Yvonne i agree with u on how women act…..wat they do is bad…they should stop.
Inshaallah brother Sami will let them know that it’s bad….if he doesn’t, then we will advise him to tell them ok?! Take care.
your muslim sister,
Hamama.
Muhammad.N.D said
Assalamu’alaikum, I agree with u, Hamama
sami yusuf's fan said
all u ppl who are sticking to wt yvonne do u really think she really feels this think about it sami is bringing back the word of god through music i agree its haram but i got astrayed from the path of the all-mighty lord allah and i happened to go ast his nasheed n i listened to it and alhamdulillah may allah blees him and his family got me to love god again n reminded me of my duties and im also a british muslim livin in london n if yvonne u are so wo ho abt london y are u here many thnx to sami thnx for makin me believe and love allah again may allah bless you and sister yvonnes may allah guide u
Hadeel said
preach it sista, preach it!
mashaAllah.
javeriya rafiq said
although i m responsing very late ’cause i have read it yesterday.anyway respected maryam(yvonne)i think you know islam better than us as we are just by name muslims.
you are doing an appreciating work for islam may allah guide you and help you at every step.
i have not yet read your book you have written on taliban but that made me so glad and fond of you.
can i cotact you.
Mazlan Hanafi said
Assalamualaykum. Thank you Sis Yvonne for your view.
I was at your seminar when you were in USM Penang, Malaysia last time.
Concerning this issue, generally people have this Machiavellian belief, that the end justifies the mean. if the intention is good, whatever way you do it should be of no concern.
This is wrong in Islam. Islam is not just a religion, it is a way of life.
Everything that we do in our lives are governed by Islam. The guidelines have been stated in The Quran n Hadith. If in doubt refer n seek understanding from those two sources. There are no two ways about it.
In Islam, all are one, regardless of race/colour, language, social standing and so on.Understand that Islam has an explanation for every problem, and therefore seek solutions from such sources. The Muslims all over need to stand united and need not follow popular culture just to be a part of the ‘in’ crowd. Allah have already blessed us with a crowd of our own.
Sis Yvonne, may Allah’s grace n blessing be with you always. And with the rest of us too.
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Caliph said
I agree with you sister 99.9%
Sami is to commercialised. I am a radio presenter 97.0fm and I have been banned from playing Soldiers of Allah:
#1 They are niggas to the British Asian community
#2 They are nigga black men to the British asian community..
#6 They rap the political truth..
May we spend more time learning Arabic and advancing in our knowledge in science and deen for the re establishment of the state
@husna /
Sophia said
Yvonne’s really got a point. That “Husna” has got a lot of growing up 2 do… 4 god’s sake, your not even supposed to sing about Allah or the prophets, but some people only believe what they want 2 believe. In order to do this they will change and manipulate anything to do with religion purely for their own convenience. Who wouldn’t like 2 believe that what Sami is doing is right? But at the end of the day, everyone should face the facts…
Anjum said
I agree that Husna does really need to grow up. I actually used to like Sami & his music, but nobody can deny what is clearly stated in the Quran and sunnah regarding music and musical instruments. It is so blatent that Sami is doing all this purely for fame, all you have to do is take a look at his videos. Same goes for other pathetic “muslim boybands”. Nobody can say what is in anybody’s hearts, for example what is in Sami Yusuf’s heart, but you can clearly see what is in the hearts of those disgusting “sisters” who decide to wave their hijaabs around just for Sami,(who happens to be a married man). They need to get a life…
abc said
same case here….today i m writing dis jst not to criticse either of them but to jst say that if he is on da wrong track the change will b seen sooner.inSHaAllah and if he is correct then no change….sooner means i dont know my self….but i want all u to pray 4 wat i want i get it….
abc said
one thing i want to say u is that its jst a piece of advice to u..accepting it or not that depends on u..but thats true ur words u use are really very tough..means..they can harsh a person..and i m sure that sami bro will b harshed too 4m these words..leaving abut musik stuff…no one is perfect in this world..all do misdeeds…every one….but wen ever we have a talk wid smone i think we should b polite …and advice the person in a manner that the person accepts it..jst think that u said him abut music…but do u think that it would have any effect on him…may b not..cz the usage of words were according to me harsh…i m not saying to u but i felt it…jst think urself …that were u before accepting islam …not commiting evils..as the same i do though me maself am a born muslim……but then y did u converted to mulim..may b bcoz u find truth in it..means may b u would have not accepted islam still but..Allah Almighty guided u…right?in da same way as he does to all….but me personally considering u as ma sis jst say that wen ever as u r a journalist speak to any 1…say in such a polite words that it calms others…and leave other things on Allah….coz islam is basically not enforcement ….u can advice a person in proper way but u cant force him…u cant use harsh words coz that islam doesnt allows…….u have 2 jst advice..leave other things on Almighty Allah..u ll b thinking that may b i m in hsi favour of sami…nops…coz he is his own point of view but he didnt use such language…but wat i came after reading his article that harsh words can hurt any 1…..may b jst think that if i was in his place..may b same was da case wid me…or may b in nager i would have came and say u such words which u cant tolerate…sis…jst last thing…wenever gossips and conversation b the best u can…coz the world is huge…ppl are different…different skools of thoughts…and smtimes u may meet such ppl who say such a kinds of bad words abut islam which one cant tolerate…talking abut non-muslims….but u have to speak to them in da best way u can…….coz that is wat islam is…and leave the other on Allah…other than that on musik matter i ll not say anything coz in that case i ma self am weaker…so no comments on it…hope so sis u will not mind….smile plz…coz that smile is good for health…and who knws our single smile can make 100 ppl die=)hihi
abc said
sorry to say harsh words…i take it back…saying that they were not harsh but inappropriate….to some extent…i think…..srry 4 using the word harsh…and sorry coz da english i used was bit disgusting….and hope so my words will not hurt u….if u think they did u can say me…and i ll say u 10000 appologies…
wid luv
Brother in Islam said
Salam to you all
Firstly let me start with praising the lyrics in the nasheed of Sami Yusuf which encouraged myself and I am sure many other muslims to strengthen their love for the Prophet
Muhammed Peace be upon him. Sami Yusuf has done this very well. I bought his first album Original! and second one too. ( NOt downlaoded or pirate copy)
I write to you not as a learned scholar of islam but concerned muslim who wishes to be guided and not misguided. I have a heart felt message for you and
Sami Yusuf which you should consider as we are all trying to attain an ultimate goal of entering Jannah. And avoid being a wretched soul and a blessed
soul Inshallah. Although Allah has decreed the outcome of wretched and blessed souls when the souls is blown into the womb after 3 months.
Any how I have seen many interviews were poor Sami Yusuf has encountered the question of music or musical instruments to be unlawful. And Sami Yusuf has done his best to
justify his position as an Artist it is lawful. ( Artist. No I would prefer if one would call himself a Da’ee. One who gives message of Islam and invites us to embrace Islam. As Sami yusuf is not far from this
title of Da’ee). I think in my opinion it would be best if he avoided the question and not comment as he many times does not give reference to the scholars who claim music or musical instruments
are lawful. ( He should know the topic matter and give clear references.) As it only tarnishes your image.
To tackle this negativity I would propose presenting evidence to the fans and those against you that you justify your actions as a Artist or Da’ee using musical instruments. If he presents himself as an artist he causes further problems. As mainstream
artists do not represent the deen of Islam in a good manner. If Sami does not want to represent Islam then he should quote this. That is a choice. But I do not like to see him being attacked on this argument.
If he presents himself as a nasheed singer. He is in the realms of islamic jurisprudence as it is ok. Then the only issue would be the way the nasheed is presented in musical form. I believe
Sami Yusuf has been gifted with a great voice and humble personality and he should position himself as a Nasheed singer and record Nasheeds praising Allah and Prophet Muhammed Peace Be Upon him
without any instruments and use Backing singers to create the pitch of drums, and use a Daf like Ahmed Bukhatir Nasheed Singer. This is my opinion and I give you the following link to ponder on what I
have stated. http://www.islamictube.net/watch/544381287/Sheikh-Yusuf-Estes-on-Music-in-Islam-(part-1
May Allah give you success in this world and the hereafter. ( I have now decided to follow opinion from the above link. As it is clearly proven that the Daf is only the Halal instrument. Use your imagination
and you can add backing singers to create what you need. It will require more talent and hardwork but you have the talent!)
All the best.
tmthatkins2@gmail.com
ahmed said
when will the true come,showing the right path.Why the time doesnt pass,when will the ligth come out of so much darkness,still waiting,but no gaining,hoping the best to happen.
jasminelatreche said
Asalamualaikum,
As far as I am aware Ahmed Bukhatir does not even use the duff.
Mash’Allah he is so talented with his voice that’s all he needs!!
Sami Yusuf too has been blessed with a good voice, and he has proven on an interview that he can sing just as well without music.
Pakistani said
Well if you’re not proud of being British, why don’t you just leave?
The very people you call murderers guarantee a peaceful life for you while you fund the Taliban and cheer them as they unleash terror on us here in Pakistan.
Islam, sharia, the Taliban, jihad, flogging, these things sound holy to you because you’re sitting thousands of miles away being fed and protected by the very people you want to bomb.
If Britain is that bad, why don’t you come to Pakistan and face the Sharia law?
fear Allah said
agreed 100% Yvonne Ridley
Anonymous said
I have enjoyed Sami Yusuf’s music…but I fear she is right. Sure she may have been harsh and sarcastic in her tone….but its likely appropriate for the generation its targeted at.
Sami Yusuf, needs to find his happy medium in his music….as beautiful as some of his songs have been..some are a little to ‘get up and dance’ style…reminds me of Indian qawwali, or other forms of worship music which inspire one into a dance/trance.
Umar said
Salaam,
I feel yvonne ridley is correct about girls going over the top in concerts. You only have to go on to youtube and view some of Sami Yusufs concerts to know what she is talking about. I do listen to Sami Yusuf but I feel when Allah (swt) and Muhammad(saw) are mentioned in a song then only one percussion instrument should be used. This opinion is supported by most sunni scholars. Another thing I find frustrating is Sami Yusufs inability or stubborness to accept the fact that girls do go over the top and that it is a problem. There are ways to show love and admiration- shouting screaming and dancing in some cases is totally un-Islamic. I shall leave with one of the many hadiths regarding music:
`There will be people of my Ummah who will seek to make lawful; fornication, wine-drinking and the use of ma`aazif ( musical instruments ).
Salaam
Mona said
May Allah reward sister Yvonne for keeping it real! Y r u ppl in denial? Y r u letting sami misguide you? The Quran and Sunnah fully state that music is forbidden in Islam! It takes you away from the rememberence of Allah SWT.U cannot mix music and quran.For all u groupies who support sami…wat are u getting out of listening to his songs? Ur getting nuthing but sins! Y cant u listen to the quran instead? Brothers and sisters plzz stop killing ur hearts and ur emaan with music…u may feel good while ur listening to it…but its truly a misguidance.Lets turn to the Quran and Sunnah plzz…Allah has perfected this beautiful religion for us..we cant pick and choose..lets follow it to the best of our abilities inshAllah.