By In a such crazy world, full of hatred, hypocrisy and murdering in the name of religion, we may find it difficult to explain to those who are not of our faith that THIS is not Islam.
As an artist (I’m a photographer), I believe we see that art plays a very important role in expressing ideas, addressing very sensitive issues, and advocating for others in need through creativity.
He explains that this album was created for one specific reason — to provide his response to the atrocities carried out in the name of Islam.
When we come across such an artist that is able to all of the above, it’s a spritual and magical moment of connectivity. Sami Yusuf, the Spiritique, has been accomplishing this though his journey in the music field, as an international peace, love, and beauty advocator and ambassador.
Yusuf, the Islamic British singer and songwriter, who was born in Iran in a musical family, recently launched his new album, Barakah, which by definition means grace. He explains that this album was created for one specific reason — to provide his response to the atrocities carried out in the name of Islam.
He states, “This violence denies 1,400 years of our rich culture, knowledge, and wisdom. It promotes intolerance and hate.”
Sami Yusuf has always been my favorite singer, and each time he never ceases to amaze me by the levels of connectivity he brings to his listeners.
He doesn’t only present art, but real messages. Every song written on this album is a poem originally written by him or contributed by the greats such as Ibn Arabi, Rabeia Al-Adawiya and Hafiz, with the help of his friends who are philosophers at Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.
This album is a museum and a celebration of 1000 years of sacred music. Yusuf states, “to listen to that album, it has more grace, authenticity, and truth in it…more than reading a book written in the 19th century on fundamentals of religion.”
Yusuf’s ability to use such different poems, remixes, and instruments provides me with this mental ability to take this journey back in time — back to your inner self — back to traditions.
He believes that getting immersed in this music will connect us with who we are, with our Islamic traditions, and ultimately, get us to know our heritage.
One of the best ways I find to calm myself down is to listen to Barakah while praising God. It helps me to recharge, filling me with positivity needed to get through my day.
Yusuf’s ability to use such different poems, remixes, and instruments provides me with this mental ability to take this journey back in time — back to your inner self — back to traditions.
Sami invites us all to interact with the whole experience, and Barakah is a real experience of love and longing for the Divine.
“And those who listen to it will find it heavy…because it’s traditional; but when you start training your ears on traditional music, it’ll be very difficult to listen to something else,” Yusuf explains.
According to one source, of review, Barakah will also aid you in exploring the timeless truths and wisdom exuding from the sacred traditions, wherever you may be from.
One day I wish to meet Sami Yusuf — maybe after one of his concerts. I would take that opportunity to wish him all the best in whatever he does — because he’s assisting me and other Muslims in strengthening our relationship with God and navigating our complex identities.
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Written by Muslim Girl Staff Writer from Gaza, Palestine, Asmaa Elkhaldi.
Recently bought this album (on Google Play, but I usually love having the case etc)! Loving it so far! Great manner in which to respond to recent times. And yes, the vibe is much more deep than past releases I must say, though he has had so many great tracks over the years.