In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful,

the Most Compassionate

Praise be to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon Muhammad,

and upon his family and companions, and all those who follow him



Out of the many beautiful qualities and attributes of our Prophet, was that he was very focussed on his mission as a Prophet of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala), intent on guiding the people around him, and continuously concentrating on the political situation in Arabia. He wasn’t distracted or allowed his focus to be distorted by the pleasures of this world.
It was reported that when he was with someone, he would be fully engaged with them; turning his full body towards the person and listening to them attentively. When he was with his family, he devoted his attention to them and only when the prayer time came did his focus shift away from them and towards devotion to his salah.
Reflecting on the above, the secret to the Prophet’s achievements in life is that he was focussed on Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) all the time and seeking His pleasures – nobody else’s. This meant the Prophet shaped his priorities around his Hereafter and didn’t let the world distract him.
If you’re with Allah, then there’s nothing that you lose. And if you’re not with Allah, then you’ve lost everything. Focus on being with Allah through acts of worship such as remembrance, salah, sadaqah; seeking His pleasure in everything you do, and watch yourself live a truly focussed life..

credit: ProductiveMuslim.com
Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) says in his famous sermon during the farewell pilgrimage:

‘Allah has relieved you from the burden of ignorance with its pride in the fathers and the ancestors. You are all from Adam, and Adam is from dust. There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab, nor between a black man and a red man except in piety"

He also says:
‘He who calls to tribalism is not one of us, nor is he who fought for it, nor is he who died for it.’ (Abu Dawood)
Allah doesn't like unjustice. He loveth not those who do wrong. If you end up suffering injustice, we do not know what Allah has planned in the bigger picture of things. Allah is The Just; and will bring justice. If not now, then in the hereafter.
Be yourself beautiful, and you will find the world full of beauty
The World is three days: As for yesterday, it has vanished, along with
all that was in it. As for tomorrow, you may never see it. As for today, it
is yours, so work in it.
- Hassan al-Basri

Starry Wish

Stars and moon from heaven
Clouds and sunset above
Comets flying through the air
Look down on me and give hope

Beautiful space, wonderful space
You're here forever for me to see
Here for my daughter to love
Here for more to ponder and voyage

I wish upon you this night
Not to give me something
But give the world new life and dreams
For the earth is old and ragged

This land is torn by hatred and corruption
The sea is flowed with acid and pollution
Save the world before it dies
Save the world before its day

by Gary R. Hess
We will show them our proofs in the horizons, and within themselves, until they realize that this is the truth. Is your Lord not sufficient as a witness of all things?
The Holy Quran 41:53

I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace.
Muhammad Ali

The rise of Islam offers perhaps the most impressive example in world history of the power of words to alter human behavior in sudden, surprising ways.
William H. McNeill

Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one you have.
Emile Chartier

The world is like an eye, a beard, a spot of beauty and eyebrow, Where each thing is neatly in place.
Hafiz

The second painting of the Painter, will come out better than the first one. Hemistich

He who has done an atom's weight of good will receive his rewards, and he who has done an atom's weight of evil will receive his punishments. The Holy Quran, 99:7,8
By ARAB NEWS

Published: Nov 18, 2010 00:15 Updated: Nov 18, 2010 00:40

Abdullah urges Muslims of the world to bury differences

MINA: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has made a passionate call to the Muslims of the world to bury their differences and unite.

“Last Haj season I spoke to you about the importance of interfaith dialogue and Saudi Arabia’s call was received well by the international community. This time we are in need of a dialogue within the ummah to abandon divisions, ignorance and immoderation which are major obstacles in the way of Muslims achieving their aspirations,” said King Abdullah in a message to Haj pilgrims this year.

“The terror that threatens the world is attributed to Muslims while it is caused by extremists who are outside the scope of the tolerant religion of Islam. The perpetrators of terror represent none but themselves even though they appear in the guise of Islam, which is, in fact, far away from them,” he added.

The king called on Arabs and Muslims — both their leaders and people — to hold fast to the rope of Allah and abandon their differences and sectarianism so that no enemy of the ummah can take advantage of their disunity.

The king appealed to the people of different religions, creeds and civilizations to narrow down their differences by reinforcing the common values shared by all.

“On this momentous occasion I call on you and everyone who hears my words, whoever it may be, to look at the common points of different religions, creeds and cultures and to stress the shared principles in order that we sidestep our differences, narrow the distance between us and build a world dominated by peace and understanding, enjoying progress and prosperity,” the king said in a message reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

“The objective of your brothers in Saudi Arabia is to preserve the glory of Islam as well as offering humanitarian service to all. We are optimistic about the outcome of these ideas that stamp out violence and terror,” the king said.

The king also declared that he would not allow anyone to disrupt the security of Haj because “the safety of the pilgrims is the prime responsibility that cannot be slackened or loosened. And we will deal with any threat with firmness and determination. We have made all preparations in terms of men and material to guarantee the security and peace of mind of pilgrims,” the king said.

“I watch with joy and delight the holy sites where pilgrims from the farthest corners of the earth converge despite their diverse cultures and traditions, brought together by their faith, and united by their religion,” the king said.

The king also wished all pilgrims a successful Haj and offered Eid Al-Adha greetings to all Muslims in the world.
Prayers: Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire - Al Quran(2:201)
"O' youth do not disobey the words of the wise. Its better than fortune if the wise-one gives you advice."

— by Mawlana Faizani
The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.

- Kahlil Gibran


RAIHAN means "Fragrance of Heaven". Formally formed in October 1996 by five members with Nazrey Johani, the late Azhari Ahmad as leader, Che Amran, Abu Bakar Md Yatim and Amran Ibrahim. Currently Raihan members remained Four as Che Amran as the leader with Abu Bakar, Amran and Zulfadli. Raihan pioneered contemporary Nasyeed to win many awards and recognition. They now travel the world spreading inspirational words of peace to all people, Muslim or otherwise.

Albums:

01) Puji Pujian
02) Syukur
03) Senyum
04) Koleksi Nasyid Terbaik RAIHAN
05) Maafkan
06) Demi Masa
07) Gema Alam
08) Allahu
09) Ameen
10) Bacalah
11) Tawakkal
12) Salawat (international album)
13) Musafir Perjuangan (mini album)

Singles:
01) Salam Aidilfitri Ayahanda & Bonda (feat. Hujan)
02) Allah is calling
03) Musafir Kelana


http://www.raihan.com.my
http://nasyeedraihan.blogspot.com
Current Location:
Damansara, Kuala Lumpur




Abdallah ibn Amr (radi Allahu anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) was never immoderate or obscene. He used to say, ‘Among those of you who are most beloved to me are those who have the finest character.’” [Sahih Muslim]
Hadiths on Music and Singing
In order to create an atmosphere of joy and happiness, singing is recommended on festive occasions such as the days of 'Eid, weddings and wedding feasts, births, 'aqiqat (the celebration of the birth of a baby by the slaughter of sheep), and on the return of a traveler.

'Aishah narrated that when a woman was married to an Ansari man, the Prophet(peace be on him) said, " 'Aishah, did they have any entertainment? The Ansar are fond of entertainment.'' (Reported by al-Bukhari.)

Ibn 'Abbas said, " 'Aishah gave a girl relative of hers in marriage to a man of the Ansar. The Prophet (peace be on him) came and asked, 'Did you send a singer along with her?' 'No,' said 'Aishah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) then said, The Ansar are a people who love poetry. You should have sent along someone who would sing, 'Here we come, to you we come, greet us as we greet you.' " (Reported by Ibn Majah.)

'Aishah narrated that during the days of Mina, on the day of 'Eid al-Adha, two girls were with her, singing and playing on a hand drum. The Prophet (peace be on him) was present, listening to them with his head under a shawl. Abu Bakr then entered and scolded the girls. The Prophet (peace be on him), uncovering his face, told him, "Let them be, Abu Bakr. These are the days of 'Eid." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

In his book, Ihya ulum al-deen, (In the quarter on "Habits", in the book Listening to Singing.), Imam al-Ghazzali mentions the a hadith about the singing girls, the Abyssinians playing with spears in the Prophet's Mosque, the Prophet's encouraging them by saying, "Carry on, O Bani Arfidah," his asking his wife, 'Aishah, "Would you like to watch?" and standing there with her until she herself became tired and went away, and 'Aishah's playing with dolls with her friends.


In the subject of musical instruments, scholars disagree on the matter. Some of them permit all sorts of singing, be it accompanied with musical instruments or not, and even consider it recommended. A second group of scholars permit singing only when is not accompanied with a musical instrument. A third group declare it to be prohibited whether it be accompanied with a musical instrument or not; they even consider it as a major sin. In supporting their view, they cite the hadith narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari on the authority of Abu Malik or Abu `Amir Al-Ash`ari (doubt from the sub-narrator) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, 'From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk (clothes), the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful.' Although this hadith is in Sahih Al-Bukhari, its chain of transmission is not connected to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and this invalidates its authenticity. Ibn Hazm rejects it for that very reason. Moreover, the sub-narrator, Hisham Ibn `Ammar is declared ‘weak' by many scholars of the Science of Hadith Methodology.

Besides, this hadith does not clearly prohibit the use of musical instruments, for the phrase 'consider as lawful,' according to Ibn Al-`Arabi, has two distinct meanings:

First : Such people think all these (the things mentioned) are lawful.

Second : They exceed the proper limits that should be observed in using these instruments. If the first meaning is intended, such people would be thus disbelievers.

Conclusion on Permissibility of Musical Instruments

In the light of the above, it is clear that the religious texts that stand as a basis for those who maintain that singing is haram are either ambiguous or inauthentic. None of the hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is valid as evidence on the judgment of prohibition. Moreover, all these hadiths are declared ‘weak' by the followers of Ibn Hazm, Malik, Ibn Hanbal, and Ash-Shafi`i.

In his book, Al-Ahkam , Al-Qadi Abu Bakr Ibn Al-`Arabi says, “None of the hadiths maintaining that singing is prohibited are considered authentic (by the scholars of the Science of Hadith Methodology).” The same view is maintained by Al-Ghazali and Ibn An-Nahwi in Al-`Umdah . Ibn Tahir says, “Not even a single letter from all these Hadiths was proved to be authentic.”

Ibn Hazm says, “All the hadiths narrated in this respect were invented and falsified.”

Proofs of Those Who Maintain that Singing is Halal :

First : The Textual Proofs:

They base their argument on some authentic hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). One of these hadiths is the following:

`A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: “Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him, came to my house while two girls were singing beside me the songs of Bu`ath (a story about the pre-Islamic war between the two tribes of the Ansar, the Khazraj and the Awus). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) laid down and turned his face to the other side. Then Abu Bakr came and spoke to me harshly saying, ‘Musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?' Thereupon, Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) turned his face towards him and said, ‘Leave them.' When Abu Bakr became inattentive, I signaled to those girls to go out and they left.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

This indicates that these two girls were not so young as claimed by some scholars. If they were, Abu Bakr would not have been angry with them in such manner. In addition, in this hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to teach the Jews that Islam has room for merriment and that he himself was sent with a moderate and flexible legislation. There is also another important lesson to learn here. It draws our attention to the fact that one needs to introduce Islam to others in a good fashion, along with displaying its moderateness and magnanimity.


,
If we are to delve deeply into this matter, we will find that love for singing and melodic voices are almost a human instinct. We can observe an infant lying in his cradle soothed and sleeping by the sound of a lullaby. Mothers and nannies are always in the habit of singing for babies and children. Moreover, birds and animals respond to nice voices and rhythmic melodies.


`Ali Ibn Abu Talib says, “Amuse yourselves for some time, for if hearts are exposed to too much strain, they turn blind.”

Abu Ad-Darda' said, “I refresh myself with some amusement in order to make myself stronger on the path of right.”

Imam Al-Ghazali answered someone who asked him: “Isn't singing some kind of play and rejoice?” He said, “Yes. But, all that exists in this present life is mere play and rejoice. All that takes place between a husband and his wife is play, except sexual intercourse that is the direct cause of reproducing children. This has been reported from Allah's Messenger and his honorable Companions.”

In addition to this, the people of Madinah, who were very pious and God-fearing, the Zahiriyyah, who were very literal regarding the textual proofs, and the Sufis, who were very strict and rigid, were all quoted to have declared the permissibility of singing.

Imam Ash-Shawkani says in his book “ Nayl Al-Awtar ”, “The people of Madinah and those who agreed with them from among the Zahiriyyah and the Sufis maintain that singing is permissible, even when it is accompanied by a musical instrument such as the lute or the flute. Abu Mansur Al-Bughdadi Ash-Shafi`i narrate that `Abdullah Ibn Ja`far saw nothing wrong in singing, and he, himself, used to compose the music for his own slaves who used to sing these melodies in his presence. This took place during the time of Commander of the Faithful, `Ali Ibn Abi Talib. Abu Ja`far Al-Bughdadi narrates the same after Al-Qadi Shurayh, Sa`id Ibn Al-Musaiyb, `Ata' Ibn Abu Rabah, Az-Zuhri and Ash-Shi`bi.”

Ar-Ruwaiyani narrates on the authority of Al-Qaffal that Malik Ibn Anas maintained that singing with musical instruments is permissible. Also, Abu Mansur Al-Furani quotes Malik as maintaining that playing the flute is permissible.

Abu Al-Fadl Ibn Tahir narrates, “The people of Madinah never disputed over the permissibility of playing the lute.”

Ibn An-Nahwi narrates in his “ Al-`Umdah ”: “Ibn Tahir said, ‘The people of Madinah showed consensus over this (issue). Also, all the Zahiriyyah maintained the same.'”

Al-Mawardi attributes the permissibility of playing the lute to some of the Shafi`i followers and students. This has been narrated also by Abu Al-Fadl Ibn Tahir after Abu Ishaq Ash-Shirazi; and it is narrated by Al-Isnawi after Ar-Ruwaiyani and Al-Mawardi. Again, this is narrated by Al-Adfuwi after Sheikh `Izz Ad-Deen Ibn `Abd As-Salam. It is also narrated after Abu Bakr Ibn Al-`Arabi.

All these scholars consider singing that is accompanied by musical instruments permissible, but as for singing that is not accompanied by musical instruments, Al-Adfuwi says, “In some of his jurisprudence-related books, Al-Ghazali narrates the consensus of the scholars on its permissibility." Also, Ibn Tahir narrates the consensus of the Prophet's Companions and those who succeeded them on this very topic. Ibn An-Nahwi states in Al-`Umdah that singing and listening was deemed permissible by a group of the Companions and the Followers.

Conditions and Terms:

There are some conditions and terms that should be observed regarding listening to singing, as follows:

1. Not all sorts of singing are permissible. Rather, the permissible song should comply with the Islamic teachings and ethics. Therefore, the songs praising the tyrants and corrupt rulers disagree with Islamic teachings. In fact, Islam stands against transgressors and their allies, and those who show indifference to their transgression. So, the same goes for those songs that imply giving praises to such attitude!

2. Also, the way the song is performed weighs so much. The theme of the song may be good, but the performance of the singer – through intending excitement and arousing others' lusts and desires along with trying to seduce them – may move it to the area of prohibition, suspicion or even detest. The Glorious Qur'an addresses the wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, “O you wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft of speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease aspire (to you), but utter customary speech." (Al-Ahzab: 32) So, one has to show caution to music when there is softness of speech accompanied with rhyme, melody, and special effects!

3. Singing should not be accompanied with something that is prohibited such as alcohol, nakedness, mixing of men with women that is common in pubs and nightclubs, etc.

4. Islam has declared excessiveness as prohibited in everything. The same goes for excessiveness in leisure and recreation even though these things are permissible ! This indicates that the emptiness of the mind and heart has to be observed and tackled during man's short-term life. One should know that Allah Almighty will ask every one about his life and his youth in particular.

There are some things in which one is to be his own judge and Mufti. If there is some kind of singing that arouses his own lust or desire, and takes him away from the real life, he should avoid it then and block that very gate from which the winds of trial and seduction may come and erase his religion, morals and heart. If he does this, he will live in peace and tranquility.

Warning against playing with the word “ haram ”

To conclude, we address the respectful scholars who tackle the word “ haram ” easily and set it free in their writings and fatwas that they should observe that Allah is watching over them in all that they say or do. They should also know that this word “ haram ” is very dangerous. It means that Allah's Punishment is due on a certain act or saying, and should not be based upon guessing, whims, weak Hadiths, not even through an old book. It has to be supported by a clear, well-established text or valid consensus. If these last two are not found, then we revert the given act or saying to the original rule: "permissibility governing things". We do have a good example to follow from one of our earlier pious scholars. Imam Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “It was not the habit of those who preceded us, the early pious Muslims, who set good example for the following generations, to say, 'This is halal , and this is haram . But, they would say, ‘I hate such-and-such, and maintain such-and-such, but as for halal and haram , this is what may be called inventing lies concerning Allah. Did not you hear Allah's Statement that reads, 'Say: Have you considered what provision Allah has sent down for you, how you have made of it lawful and unlawful? Say: Has Allah permitted you, or do you invent a lie concerning Allah?” (Yunus: 59) For, the halal is what Allah and His Messenger made lawful, and the haram is what Allah and His Messenger made unlawful

Mesut Kurtis was born in 1981 in Skopje, Macedonia to a family of Turkish origin. He found in himself a deep‐seated connection with music at a very early age. From there he went on to perform with groups in the local social clubs, mosques, and conferences. He went onto study at an College of Skojpe and then traveled to the UK to study for a degree in Human Sciences at the University of Lampeter.

Mesut’s first album “Salawat” was very warmly received by listeners around the world. His uniquely strong voice and soulful songs gave Mesut a large and loyal fan‐base which multiplied manifold after the release of his well‐known and much‐loved music video Al‐Burdah which was filmed on location in the islands off the coast of Turkey.

Mesut would describe his music as having a mix influences of Eastern and Western styles. He sings mainly about putting love into people’s hearts towards Allah and his beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He likes to send out a positive and hope‐filled message despite all the bad things that are happening in the world today. Mesut wants to share with his listeners a message of peace, harmony and love and to always look at the bright side of things.

Mesut has performed to sell out crowds in some of the most prestigious concert halls the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Macedonia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait to mention just a few. His ringtones feature in the top selling ring tones in the GCC. Mesut recently launched his new album at the Virgin Megastore in Jeddah in November 2009 and was a guest artist / performer in the world’s biggest operetta on the Prophet’s life.

It is possible that there are singers alive today with more passion, conviction and beauty than Mesut Kurtis singing nasheeds today, but it's doubtful. Ever since the release of his debut album “Salawat” and his second album “Beloved” the glory‐giving soprano has built for himself a very wide fan‐base, being a favorite of listeners of all ages.

Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/MesutKurtis


Singer & songwriter Maher Zain is the new star of Modern Islamic Music with his meaningful songs that aim to inspire and entertain people and send a message of peace and hope to the world.

Quick Facts & Links:

Name: Maher Zain
Age: 29 years old
Nationality: Swedish (of Lebanese origin)
Education: BA in Aeronautical Engineering
Previous Job: Music Producer
Worked with in the past: RedOne (The Producer behind Lady Gaga, Akon etc)
Album Name: Thank You Allah
Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/MaherZain


sami bio

He was born in July 1980 into a musical family, learning to play several instruments at a very young age and demonstrating a keen interest in singing and composing. He studied music at several institutions and with renowned composers and musicians including composers from the Royal Academy of Music in London, one of the world’s most prestigious music institutions. In addition to his education in Western harmonics and composition, Sami has a solid understanding of the Middle Eastern modes (or Maqams) and is thoroughly acquainted and familiar with both East and Western musical traditions.

Since 2003, Sami’s debut album ‘al-Mu’allim’ and his second album ‘My Ummah’ have sold over five million copies worldwide (with a third album nearing completion). His concerts have attracted huge audiences across the Middle East, Europe and the United States, including a staggering 250,000 attendance in Istanbul. Sami has been featured by Time Magazine and has appeared on the covers of dozens of other mainstream publications around the world. Sami is devoutly spiritual and often uses his art and music as a means of promoting the messages of love, mercy, peace and tolerance, whilst encouraging the youth to be proud of their identity.

credit: www.samiyusufofficial.com




Rabbani is a Malaysian nasyid group. Rabbani's members currently consist of Ahmad Shafie, Zulkiflee Azman, Mohd Loqman Abd. Aziz, Rithauddeen Yaakob, and Azadan Abd Aziz.

In 1997, Rabbani released their self-titled debut album. They have since released eight more albums. They incorporate modern music into their nasyid songs, instead of making music that is merely dominated by the sound of percussion instruments. They have succeeded in creating an interesting fusion of contemporary nasyid music, appealing to a larger (and younger) audience.

www.rabbani.com.my


Below is another of their award winning composition and my favourite Intifada (unable to upload the video)

Rabbani
Song:
Intifada
Lyrics:

Merdu lafaz syahdu
Jiwaku merindu
Merakam rasa kalbu
Gemersiknya lagu
Angin kota cahaya
Bertiup berarak kencang meredah maya
Hanya untuk Dia

Bangkit segar seirama
Meluruskan rentak saf-Nya
Riuh rendah basah lidah
Kalam wahyu mewangi di taman

Chorus:
Oh semerbak harum
Bingkisan an-Nur
Berterbangan tinggi ke Intifada
Merentas misi risalah suci
Mewangikan taman yang dicemari

Gema siang malam
Alunan suara burung turut menyanyi
Zikir tidak henti
Lunak diukir seni halus menghiasi
Persada alam ini hidup tidak mati

Ulang Chorus

Masihkah punya bicara
Menjalinkan yang terpisah
Semarak terus berusaha
Pastikan ia berjaya

Ulang Chorus

Senilagu : Norman/Yusry/Edry (KRU Music Publishing)
Senikata : B Nury (Rabbani Productions (M) Sdn Bhd)
Album: Intifada (2000)

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Modesty is a virtue through and through, or said: Modesty is a goodness complete.” [Muslim]

credit : DailyHadith