The word "Nasheed" is just an Arabic term meaning Islamic songs. Nasheeds aren't just about Allah (swt) and the Prophet
, but they cover all sorts of issues concerning the Ummah today.Nasheeds have been around ever since the time of the Holy Prophet
, yes that is 1400 years ago! In total there were 45 Munshideen (Nasheed artists) at the time of the Holy Prophet with Hassan ibn Thabit (ra) being the favourite.The four rightly guided caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Usmaan and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all)) were also amongst the 45. Two of the most well known Nasheeds amongst the Ummah are "Qasidah Burah" and "Tala Al Badru Alayna".
Here's The Revival's guide to the top Nasheed artists out there today:
Kamal Uddin
What you need to Know…
This talented brother grew up in Manchester and is of the Bangladeshi background. He is not only a Hafiz (by the age of 17!) but also an Imam. He started to compose his own lyrics for his debut album “In the Name of Allah” after being inspired by his Hajj experience. He has Nasheeds in Arabic, Urdu, Bengali and English.
Best Album:
Illalah
Our Favourite Track
It's a hard choice but "His name is Muhammad"
is ace!The Revival Verdict
Excellent! Keep the good work up!
Sami Yusuf
What you need to Know…
Born in Tehran (Iran) but brought up in London, Sami comes from a musical family of the Azeri origin and is now one of the biggest, international Nasheed artists around. Described by Time Magazine as “Islam's Biggest Rock Star” he made his name known in the Nasheed industry with his first album "Al-Mu'allim".
He sings in Arabic, Urdu, English and Turkish and his music offers a great alternative for the youth. He's sung with many other Nasheed stars but we really liked his collaboration with Outlandish on Try Not To Cry.
Best Album:
His debut album "My Ummah" and erm… his follow up too! "Al-Mualim"
Our Favourite Track
A real tough one so we'll go for "Hasbi Rabbi" off "My Ummah" and "Allahu" off "Al-Mualim", but we love them all really!
The Revival Verdict
He's a big hit with Muslims all over the globe… looking forward to his next album!
Native Deen
What you need to Know…
Abdul Malik, Joshua Salaam and Naeem Muhammad from the USA are emerging into one of the leading Islamic hip-hop groups in the world today.
Their sound though isn't identical to mainstream hip-hop coming out of the USA today, they have their own style with some good beats too. They've helped spread the uplifting message of Islam which calls to the remembrance of Allah by performing throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Africa often alongside many other big Nasheed artists.
Best Album:
Their debut, "Deen You Know".
Our Favourite Track
"The upbeat sound of For the Prophets".
The Revival Verdict
They have a good sound and their tracks have some great, simple messages… we'll listen out for their new album which should be out pretty soon.
Dawud Wharnsby-Ali
What you need to Know…
Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist, known to be the best poet of English Language Nasheeds and has worked along side Zain Bhikha, Yusuf Islam and Shaam. You've got it! It's the ever so unique.
Best Album:
Road to Madina
Our Favourite Track
Hmmm… There's such a vast variety to choose from, I say "The Veil". One for the Muslimahs!
The Revival Verdict
Maasha'Allah, brother Dawud is a truly inspirational figure and is loved by many. We think he is great!
Seven8Six
What you need to Know…
Hailing from the USA, Shahaab, Zafar, Saad, Omar and Saeed are 5 guys who are comfortable with their Muslim and Western identities and utilise both cultural influences in their songs. However, they're very often criticised by many, coz of their similarities to Western popstars, what with their boy band looks and sound, coordinated stage outfits and largely female fan-base.
Their sound is a mix of song and rap with a bit of beat box here and there too.
Best Album:
Their last release, "Straight Path".
Our Favourite Track
"Allahu" ain't bad and neither is "Haazir Hain Hum" with its urdu lyrics.
The Revival Verdict
It depends what you like - a lot of their tracks have that distinct "boyband" sound to them, which most people either really like or hate.
Zain Bhikha
What you need to Know…
Coming from South Africa, Zain Bhikha made his name known in the UK when he was invited by Yusuf Islam to work alongside him. He's one of the oldest and most loved Nasheed artists by Muslims all across the world.Best Album:
"Mountains of Makkah" which takes you on the journey to the House of God.
Our Favourite Track
"Mountains of Makkah".
The Revival Verdict
Zain's one of our favourite nasheed artist, he's released some top albums which feature other great nasheed artists. We wish him all the best!
Aa'shiq-al-Rasul
What you need to Know…
All hailing from Birmingham, Amran, Sheraz, Kamran, Tahir and Usman came together to form Aa'shiq-al-Rasul meaning Lovers of the Prophet
in 1998. All classically trained, they perform a mixture of traditional Nasheeds and spiritually uplifting songs in Arabic, Urdu and English.Best Album:
Having been voted by Q-News as one of the best Nasheed albums of 2005 it has to be "The Sultan of Madinah".
Our Favourite Track
Jewel of Creation
The Revival Verdict
More traditional than modern and sing great nasheeds… not everyone's cup of tea but great at what they do.
Yusuf Islam
What you need to Know…
Formerly known as Cat Stevens the huge-selling pop singer of the 60's and 70's, he converted to Islam in 1977. After a 28 year break from the music industry, he's picked up his guitar again and is back with his smooth, mellow sound. His first release as a Muslim "An Other Cup" was a hit worldwide proving his appeal isn't just limited to Muslims.So is he Islam's answer to Cliff Richard? Noooo!! Well we haven't yet spotted Yusuf at Wimbledon and it certainly ain't fashionable to dislike him, which is great coz we think he's an all round top guy.
Best Album:
It has to be his comeback album "An Other Cup".
Our Favourite Track
I think it should be: The chilled out sound of Heaven/Where True Love Goes – his hugely popular first single off "An Other Cup".
The Revival Verdict
He's been around in the music industry for a long time so he knows his stuf. Not only a huge hit with the Ummah, but respected and recognised worldwide by non-Muslims too – we think he's great!
New kid on the block
Newly into the scene Hamza Robertson is from Greater Manchester and is already hitting the big times. He recently performed at the Sami Yusuf concert in Wembley 07 and has just released his first album "Something About Life".
Hamza aims to give dawah through producing songs with a positive message. He feels that too many people know too little about Islam and the beauty of its essential values. So girls and boys; you better watch this space, we have a new talent on the streets.
The Star of the show
Yes, everyone has a favourite and The Revival's favourite is Sami Yusuf! He's released his latest video "Assmau-Allah" which we think is absolutely fantastic! So keep a look out if you wanna get your hands on that album!
So there you have it, The Revival's guide to Nasheeds. Something for everyone, so get hooked on the Islamic alternative to music and songs. All albums can be purchased at your nearest Islamic book shop.
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