Anasheed: Spiritual or Commercial?

Whenever the word Anasheed comes up lately, it is usually associated with Sami Yousuf. Sami Yousuf, a British Munshid from Azeri origins, has studied and played music almost all his life. Descending from a family whose members all knew music and from a father who is an internationally renowned composer, a poet, and a multitalented musician, he has entered our lives to send a message. A message that reminds us of God, and promotes Islam in ways that would encourage youth to be proud of their religion and practices.

I saw him on TV, I heard him on radio and I just loved the words and music, so the next step for me was to go and buy his album. While on my way back home from work, I stop by the nearest cassettes shop, and asked for it. The sales man says: “Sorry I’m out of stock, you can come again in two days I will have it by then, mash Allah el 6alab 3aleih kteer!” I let it go and went back home and thought Ok! I’ll just go back later to get one. Now where is this story going? A thought struck me at that moment: a good looking guy, Arabic, English, Turkish, Iranian, and Indian speaker, video clips, interviews, recognized in most part of the world now, mmmmmmmmm A PRODUCT! A perfect differentiated product! At that moment I said to myself okay Reema you are a freak stop this. He has a good cause and you personally love it, so stop!

Later on I listen to the whole album another thought HITS ME! There are many instruments being played, and anasheed usually have no REAL heavy music. To me, music is lovely and I listen to everything, but is this really for the cause of Islam? Is this really to promote Islam, while the songs contain forbidden instruments playing?? I Love Sami Yousuf’s songs, but hey he could have done it without the instruments just like Ahmad Bukhater for instance. Sami Yousuf’s songs can be for sure a replacement to “ el asmarani 6al ya yomma w galli hi!” :) , and they surely get you in the spiritual mood and make you remember God every once in a while, but with instruments!!

Music has always been a controversial issue in Islam, and this seems to be a new phenomenon going on. Oh and by the way.... On music channels Sami Yousuf would be singing “allahu allah” and then directly after it you would see “ ana dana ana dandan bos 3alayya bos!” Where is this going???!!!

Love,

Reema