Muslim Hip Hop

'HIP WHA?!'

Shh, listen... you can almost hear the haram police wailing their sirens across the land... ♫

There has been recent online discussion (and fiery debate) over this musical genre of 'hip hop' and 'nasheed'. While nasheed is an arabic term and generally means an 'Islamic song' or 'hymn', hip hop is pretty much accepted as the opposite.

The Islamic evolution - note, not revolution but evolution - is such that with developing times, practising muslims are adapting the flexible shariah (Islamic law) to integrate a more wholesome, livable lifestyle. A way of life that embodies spirituality while taking on cultural influences like music, art, poetry and theatre and nothing that didn't exist during the Prophets' times.

Mainstream hip hop formed during the 70s and developed into today's rapping, mc-ing and freestyling genre by real educating artists, by the 'intellectual rapper'. This from the outset does not fit into the Islamic code of expression, where one sits on a rug, makes dhikr (remembrance of God) and murmurs holy words for enlightenment. No. In saying that though, what is Islam's main principle? What does Islam do to people, to nations that nothing have ever been able to accomplish? I'll tell you: Islam cleanses everything like a gushing river washes away impurities.

This is the main argument Muslim artists use to justify their passion for taking something typically associated with street-wannabe-dj's to a poetic and intellectual realm. Islam never has rejected art, poetic words and singing souls. Rather Islam has nourished and guided varying paths to a middle ground where expression and music is in balance with the other pillars of faith. I for one feel it is a valid argument but that's my opinion.

The rejection from our beloved scholars and Muslim leaders, even many youth have is an opposition to 'changing something haram (forbidden) into halal' and the use of musical instruments and of publicly speaking women poets. But let us look into the correct context of their art and of history.

Did you know that over 30% of the African slaves imported on ships were Muslim? Their hymns and singing comforted their dire lives and created unity, a brotherhood. The guitar - an infamous stringed instrument - was invented by the Muslim Malaga people of Spain around the 14-15th century. And the brilliant final Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself listened to poetry, encouraged individuals to use and develop their talents for the good of communities.

Now I put it to you - is this not what our current Muslim rappers, poets and singers are doing? Don't they advocate Islamic principles of truth and integrity? Where in their lyrical melodies is there a love for unholiness or for war? Yes 'Islamic hip hop' does not take priority over reciting Quran, it will never be the greatest weapon a Muslim has but it still is a tool to communicate love for Allah and mankind. The debate of Islamic music will never end such is its nature and greyish boundary of rules, but the influence and effect of it will not cease either. For those who do not accept hip hop, rap, poetry and music are free to not listen, that is a right. And for those who do wish to listen to it, do so, with modesty, learn and pass on knowledge, for that also is a right.