FROM GANG CULTURE TO ISLAM...
Dramatic Change
This week I have decided to draw some attention to music artists who have reverted to Islam, and have now taken a complete different approach to music in their lives. They have adjusted themselves to lead their lives as Muslims and now promote their religion in their music. This youtube video shows how one of these persons mentioned draw their religion into their careers and how it is accessible on the internet.
The internet as a whole broadens the viewpoints and opens one's eyes to what is actually happening out there in the real world.
While researching for this blog I came across a very interesting article in which the writer talks about the influences of society which refrain him from practicing his religion, but he sees other people around him into their deen.
I was amazed how these people changed their lives from gang members who were so lost in their own worlds, and are now dedicated to their deen. They explain how the revelation of Islam to them has influenced their lives. They see rapping about Islam as a positive impact on themselves and their families. These are just a couple of e.gs;
I was amazed how these people changed their lives from gang members who were so lost in their own worlds, and are now dedicated to their deen. They explain how the revelation of Islam to them has influenced their lives. They see rapping about Islam as a positive impact on themselves and their families. These are just a couple of e.gs;
- Dante Terell Smith also known as Mos Def is a Hip Hop star who was exposed to Islam at thirteen years of age, but he took shahada, Islamic declaration of faith at nineteen years. http://insideislam.wisc.edu/2012/01/whats-in-a-name-3/
- Lupe Fiasco also known as Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, has produced a beautiful video, watching it one is definitely moved.
No matter what religion it is we are following, the society around us has a massive impact on the way we live. The story behind these people is a true reflection of each one of us. We all have a inner self which can only be revealed when it is faced with its mirror image in society. Who would have thought these people could change their lives so drastically!
Artists of a different nature
Researching further in to this I came across artists who promoted Islam in their music as a career but did not come from exciting backgrounds. Sami Yousaf and Hamza Fletcher. Although many people would debate there is no visual Islam in what Hamza does, it is youngsters like Hamza Fletcher who try and create a positive Muslim youth culture in todays society.
Many positives are taken from the information I obtained researching this blog. I found myself in complete admiration for the people who once were known as the 'devil's advocate', but now have refrained to the Muslim way of life. This websites were very interesting and informative, as well as very easily accessible.
I also realised the broadness of the information that is obtainable. I have only mentioned a very small number of people who I discovered lead this type of life. The information accessed on the websites clearly opens up tunnels to many other interesting selections.
Researching other websites I came across people who were music artists and now reverted to Islam revealing they had found their true spiritual self's upon discovering Islam.
Hi. Interesting topic you have here. In regards to your final question I think it can be a bit of both. Ofcourse the type of music we listen to is key.. as the content is something you choose to have a particular interest in. For eg music which suggests and promotes violence, illicit sex, drugs, intoxiants being 'cool' etc will all have to some extant an impact on the mind of the listener. However even music without lyrics can have the same sort of negative impact. A friend of mine was a heavy metal music listener..she said the music alone 'egged' her on to commit crimes such as theft etc..like before she'd go out and do such things the music would sort of spur her on. I personally believe music is haram.. if it is unislamic by which i mean there is no relevance to God (and that is just instrumental music too) then it is useless really and can ultimately lead to evil. My life has been so much better without it.. Once an addict, i found my life to be depressing due to it..i gave lyrics so much importance, even believed life panned out as some songs would suggest. I've found without it life is so much more peacefull and real and what's portrayed in songs as such can really have a negative effect on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments hijabpop, I can understand your negativity and you are completley entitled to your opinion. Reading your story just clearly clarifies it is the sort of music we listen to which has effect on our lives. Heavy metal music has nothins in common with the type of music I am referring to. The type of music which is associated with Islam is soft harmonious naats, nasheeds, Qawalis. In addition to this there are other types of songs which are sung in order to spread the message of Islam. I think listening to songs which contain explicit sexual content will corrupt ones mind and take one away from Islam. However if the lyrics contain messages from the Qur'an and hadith then the whole issue can be taken from a positive perspective.
Deleteso...this women wouldnt allow her child to go to a concert or gathering where the dhikr of Allah Subhan Wa Ta'Ala is being Praised And Dhikr of Rasul'Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasalam is being commemorated but she'll allow him to listen to the likes of 2Pac and whoever else promotes this type of behavior?
ReplyDeleteI believe islamic music brings you closer to your deen, especially being teenager living in todays society where everything around me seems to be corrupted and sending out the wrong messages which could easily lead one astray. i dont find anything wrong with the use of musical instruments and the likes of hamza fletcher using beat boxing, Subhan'Allah! i jus see it as modern ways being practised in islam and i find nothing wrong with it. there is a Hadith where Our Beloved Master says Go with your times...and puting that into the context of music and islam i see absolutely nothing wrong with using beat boxing and musical instruments in nasheeds. :)