Hundreds of young Maldivians descended on Sultans Park on Friday night for the launch of a music album by a young local artist.
Sitting in the dark shade of the trees at night, they cheered loudly as two young ladies strummed guitars to a soft melodic tune.
Music has been closely entwined with cultures around the world, from beyond the mists of time. Soaring orchestras and gentle flutes have enamoured mankind with their ability to convey, wordlessly, their deepest thoughts and most powerful emotions. So majestic is their beauty that, in many cultures, instruments like the lyre, the sitar and the harp have been associated with the divine, the heavenly.
The ancient traditions of song and dance in Dhivehi Raajje have evolved to a point where geographically disparate islands have formed their own subtly distinct styles that allow a keen ear to differentiate between, for instance, the Giraavaru tribe and their neighbouring islanders.
The accelerating beats of bodu beru drums have moved generations of Dhivehin to ecstasy and euphoria as they climaxed in a thrilling crescendo.
As it happens, the centuries old traditions that seem to be infused in the very genes of Maldivians are now facing a new kind of threat – a battle between cultural expression and religious dogmatism that has recently arrived on the Maldivian shores.
In March 2008, a gathering assembled at the Dharubaaruge Conference Centre, organised by Jamiyyathul Salaf, a religiously conservative NGO.
The backdrop on the stage had an image of a burning musical note crossed out with flames.
During the gathering, presumably held in opposition to the government’s support for cultural activities like song and dance, they released a video with 22 local lslamic clerics ruling that song and music were ‘haraam’, or forbidden in Islam.
The gathering was broken up by police, citing concerns over religious radicalisation.
Today, the first cleric to condemn music in that video montage, Adhaalath Party leader Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari, is the country’s cabinet Minister of Islamic Affairs.
Among other clerics in the same video were two members of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, staff members of the Centre for the Holy Qur’an, one member of the Human Rights Commission, and also a member of the MDP religious council.
Immanuel Kant, the 18th century German philosopher, suggested that one’s ability to appreciate beauty was closely tied with one’s ability to make moral judgments.
Grand symphonies of Mozart, Schubert and Bach have endured for centuries on the strength of their sheer brilliance, and the daunting complexity and elegance of their compositions that could evoke romance, passions and dark sorrows in mute observers.
However, during another sermon organised by Jamiyyathul-Salaf in 2010, titled ‘Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll’, preacher Abdur-Raheem Green called the attention of his audience to the music playing from the nearby Carnival stage, and alleged that the musicians playing at the venue were people with empty lives.
In his sermon, he equated music with hedonism and “worship of materialistic culture… the Qur’an of the shaithaan.”
When the Maldivian death metal band Nothnegal returned from a successful tour of Europe, what awaited them in the report of their story were several hostile comments that insisted music was forbidden in Islam, and the group’s activities were akin to ‘devil-worship’.
While the Maldivian music scene hasn’t quite come to a head-on collision with religious dogmatists the way it has in some other Islamic countries, there are some notable incidents where they have crossed paths.
Ali Rameez, arguably the biggest pop-star in the Maldives at the time, famously quit music in a very public manner, reportedly making a symbolic renunciation by dumping a large quantity of his CDs into the sea.
The lead singer of the popular music band Trio, that had recently represented the Maldives at International music events, quit music at the height of the band’s popularity and announced on his Facebook page that his decision was driven by religious considerations, as he was given to understand that music was forbidden to Muslims.
The cultural differences and the attitudes of talented musicians towards their religious duties are a fascinating study in contrast.
The famous Ghazal and Qawwali musical traditions of the subcontinent have a long and rich legacy of talented Muslim artistes, including internationally acclaimed Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
AR Rahman, the double Oscar and Grammy winning Indian musician is also known to be a very devout Muslim.
There appears to be no clear consensus on what is considered acceptable music and what is not.
The late Sheikh Ibn Baz, former grand mufti of Saudi Arabia, rejected all forms of popular music as ‘haram’, except during weddings where it was restricted to women folk.
While many conservative scholars make exemptions for devotional songs accompanied only by the beats of a daf (a frame drum resembling a tambourine), others consider even devotional music to be taboo.
Renowned Lebanese Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Ramadan Al-Mardini rejects such religious restrictions on music, saying no such prohibition existed in the Qur’an.
He also argues that the hadith often used to justify it were “very weak”.
Opposition religious leader, Dr Afrasheem Ali, said on national television in 2008 that the Prophet himself had sung. Former President Gayoom, also a religious scholar, asserted in a speech that singing and dancing were not incompatible with Islam.
Indeed, even the definition of the term ‘singing’ appears to be equally nebulous.
The stirring qualities of rhythm, melody and tenor have been used to great effect by famous qaris like Abdul Basit Abdul Samad – who became internationally known for his spell-binding recitations of that Qur’an that inspires many imitators.
Even after ‘renouncing music’, former pop-star Ali Rameez has sung several devotional songs, many of them quite popular.
So did Rock-star Cat Stevens, who embraced Islam at the peak of his career and gave up music. Upon conversion, he took on the name Yusuf Islam, and auctioned away all his guitars.
Elsewhere, Salman Ahmad, the lead singer of iconic Pakistani rock band Junoon and arguably the greatest rock star to emerge from the Muslim world, is appealing to youth in his terrorism-plagued country to take up the guitar and reject extremism.
Cat Stevens, aka Yusuf Islam, eventually returned to music. On the eve of his album’s re-release, he explained that he had stopped performing due to his misunderstanding of the Islamic faith.
“This issue of music in Islam is not as cut-and-dried as I was led to believe … I relied on hearsay, that was perhaps my mistake”, Yusuf said.
Salman Ahmad, too, pointed out that the verses of celebrated Sufi poet Rumi “promoted harmony, tolerance, peace, self-discovery, simplicity… really, the antithesis of the religious extremists protesting on the street.”
Arguing that both rock musicians and extremists had a common target – the youth, he has vowed to undertake a new kind of ‘jihad’, one that combats what he considers the destructive power of extremism and “murderous thugs masquerading as holy men” by providing the outlet of music.
Indeed, young rock bands in the Maldives have chosen to vent their angst against political violence with powerful thrash music. Judging by the crowds that throng their shows, the message has been received well.
Gentle plucks on guitar strings have in the past summoned millions of anti-war activists, raised millions in charity, and defined entire cultural eras.
Countries everywhere use the strength of music to put together stirring verses set to triumphal tunes played by military brass bands – a shared national anthem, to signify a shared nationhood.
Maldivian bands like Zero Degree Atoll have revived cultural identities by skilfully infusing the sounds of waves and conch shells along with modern guitar riffs and bodu beru percussion, accompanying, of course, their evocative Maldivian poetry.
If the music that mingled with the Maldivian sea breeze for centuries is to survive, one would do well to heed the advice of the young man on the stage at the Sultan Park last night, who exhorted his artist and musician colleagues to defy those who discourage and object to music, and remain steadfastly committed to creating wonderful new melodies; words that would clearly be music to our ancestors’ ears.
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The two cultures have already come to a head long collision. Fundamentalists and conservatives (two distinct groups) target popular musicians as a way of influencein popular Maldivian culture. Telling all singers they are infadels and destined for he'll. It's hard for many to stand up to them.
salman ahmed is the lead guitarist of the band..ali azmath is the vocalist..minivannews really should get their facts right
Great article, the populace should be really concerned about this but instead they turn the blind eye when they came to get the person across the street then the neighbor, next it would be you. Show some solidarity to preserve our culture, way of life.
The wahhabis and conservatives are like a virus - wherever they go, they strip the land and people of their customs, rights, dignity and freedom.
And that is why there is no need to tolerate them.
great article. i share and have pondered on the subjected and couldn't have put so nicely as you did.
Music is a powerful thing and just like any power, we should use it for the good.
Where are all the music-haters? Where are all the comments from fear-mongers? Where are the comments from all the so called religious scholars? Where are you?
Why are you all so silent?
Their time has come to an end. As the wrath of the people is brought upon their paymasters, they know that to speak their lies any more will only serve to incriminate themselves.
This is certainly not reporting. It is a blatant exercise in Marketing a specific artist (no need to go on about her roots and recent appointment to a post at the external ministry)aside from using unsuitable superlatives and ridiculous bombast.
Yameen Rasheed is NOT a journalist and unless he is properly trained or given adequate guidance, his personal rants must be limited to opinion columns and comments.
Nothing personal. I do believe that the populace needs to raise its voice against Wahhabization and suppression of the arts. However, this type of activism usually tends to polarize society and consolidate dissenting opinions to the point of no return. Thank you.
Ey Yaaminuuu! varah fakkaa ingey! By the way thanx for the free ad! If not for you I might not get the chance to watch the lecture. It really opened my eyes. MUSIC IS REALLY HARAM!
The real issue at hand here, I believe, is social marginalization and import of false dichotomies into our culture.
We have to answer some pressing questions before going on tirades as done by the erstwhile Mr. Rasheed above. Questions such as;
- What is the nature of "religious extremism" on our shores.
- How many people have turned to religion and subscribed to the either/or mentality of rejecting music as part of their devotion?
- Why are a certain number of youths turning to "fundamentalist" views? Are there any general similarities which can be drawn from them?
- Who are the people propagating such views and how are they organized and funded?
- Does the current legal and policy framework allow for the silencing of fundamentalist views?
- Is their a political aspect to the rise of Wahhabism?
Without numbers, statistics and credible observations, the above article is purely an exercise in conjecture and guess-work.
Religious extremism or not. Wahhbism or not.
Maldivians enjoy music. For centuries. And we will continue to do so.
If anybody wants to root out their left teeth (cause you should only chew using right teeth), chop the left hand (in case you use it when you are handed over your results on judgement day), cripple your left foot (cause you always should use right foot in front), box you ears (in case you hear music), be in a letter box (in case you tempt the opposite sex), by all means you do it your self. Leave me out.
I will listen to music. Play music. and loud too.
Bait successful.
Many many thnaks for yameen. (The late Sheikh Ibn Baz, former grand mufti of Saudi Arabia, rejected all forms of popular music as ‘haram’, except during weddings where it was restricted to women folk.) ur this words make me cry. I STOP MUSIC NOW>>> I SAY I STOP from NOW>>>thanks for the add.. we must see their CDs n learn more abt our beloved religion ISLAM... Thank GOD..
Salim Waheed once again out of the hybernation..he would wake up when ever some one mocks Islamic values! SALIM AND YAMEEN!! ISLAM IS NEVER AGAINST MUSIC!!! IF YOUR BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB SENSES CAN BE ACTIVATED AND READ QURAN AND SUNNAH..YOU WILL SEE THAT ISLAM CONDEMS MUSIC WERE VOLENCE, SEX, VERBAL ABUSE AND OTHER SOCIAL DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR IS PROMOTED!! For God sake listen to some of these musics specially the heavy metal or rock! MUSIC OF THESE SORTS CREATS ZOMBIES!! PEOPLE LIKE SALIM WAHEED (SON OF DR.WAHEED) WHO HAS NEVER LEARN TRUE ISLAM AND NEVER BE CULTURED IN ISLAMIC VALUES...(BUT RATHER...KNOW ONLY DRINKING ALCOHOL IS COOL..EVEN IN FAMILY)CANNOT BE ACCEPTED TO JUDGE ISLAM! GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT BUDDY!
Another piece of writing to "educate" Islam to the youngsters of Maldives. If someone analyse yameen's articles it’s no surprise to see words like ‘radical’ 'wahaabi' 'extremism' in all his writings. Because although words are different the motive of all his writings are always the same.
And also it is no surprise to see his 'meter of extremism' going just one direction. I mean it’s all about 'wahhabis' but never about 'Atheism'.
Wake up yameen! If radicalism is a concern so is fundamentalism and modernism.(which has come to Maldivian shores more recently) And there are more social issues and concerns related with the latter.
Maldivians have enjoyed the moderate Islam in this country for so long and Insha’Allah will continue to live with it.
And my dear friends do not curse yameen for his words. Believe me, He’s an innocent boy and a good writer although not a professional journalist. To my understanding he's carried away...and lost because of his 'devil' friends and now minivan is using him as an ambassador or mouth piece to sell off their thoughts.
May Allah bless this boy and show him the right pathway to walk in.
music ekani tha haraan vanee, koba tha emeehun e kuraaa vagu viyafaari thah, koba tha emeehun ekuraaa vagu ziney thah!!! ammila meeehaa kuh thah rangalhu kohffa dhen musikey nooneey ehen ekchekey kiyaaa...
dhivehin nakee kureeega ves music kulhegen ves nukulheves hama varah hama himeyn adi varah ufaave thibhi baeh..
mihaaru mi hurihaaa duhpaanakaa hedi noavey mageh mathin hingaalevekah ves ...
I am perplexed.
While all the grand vizio's say that music is NOT allowed, why do some other idiots say, 'Read QUran and Hadith' and see that Music is allowed in Religion?
So what is it. Either Music is haraam or Not. One or the other. Do not sit on a fence here.
Annnnddd there they are, taking the bait so reliably. New names, new mercenaries, maybe - same old, used arguments.
In their eyes, speaking out against the slow erosion of our rights, dignity and liberty becomes an 'attack against islam'.
Which compels me to ask this question; what is islam?. Is it a religion of peace, or is it a totalitarian system of oppression?
Music is not allowed. Photography is not allowed. Current Banking system is not allowed. Videos and film industry is not allowed. democracy is not allowed.
Yet world wide, the biggest industry is media/movies. All and every one in the world views and sees, enjoys media.
So exactly, why do I want be in this religion? For what we are going to get in afterlife? I am not a gambler. I would rather enjoy whats available on earth.
Trying to be smarter then religious scholers by writing this articale will may do the trick among some but go and look the real meaning of wahhabi.. You cant make something forbidden is islam to halaal no matter how hard you try except that few will be with you.. Music is haraam as said by religious scholers in the video, you cant change the Fathwa
... and there it is.
The issue of whether music is haraam or halaal is not clearly revealed in Quruan.
Neither is there any mention in prophet's sayings on the subject. This makes it possible for the scholars to come up with weak saying which too don't handout clear cut ruling on the subject, to forbid music. The Hadhis which is meant to forbid music, when translated literally doesn't relate to music.
Unfortunately our country is under a relentless attack from extremists and their ranks are growing by the day.
Truly it is a challenge to be a singer these days and I applaud the singers and musicians for their bravery to face off religiously motivated intimidation from all directions.
If music is "haram" as the wahhabis put it, then why is it being played and listened to on every single island, by a majority of Maldivians whereas it's a 100% muslim country.
Studying enemy tactics...
Study complete.
Enemy argument#1: "BAWWWW YOURE NOT A JOURNALIST! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO PREACH TO US!. LEARN ABOUT ATHEISM FIRST!. YOUR DEVIL FRIENDS ARE USING YOU!"
This to someone who wrote about the golden age of islam is ludicrious at worst, hilarious at best.
Enemy argument#2: I know who this guy is, I know him very well.
And then they started threatening some guy who is completely unrelated to the author. This goes on to say that they do not tolerate dissent against their brand of tyranny, and that they must silence all opposition, no matter what the cost.
Enemy argument #3: Don't try to be smarter than religious scholars!. It's not to be extra smart.
For an unknown reason, these so-called religious scholars have become demigods as the bloody trinity of fake hadith, heroin and religious scholars used to enforce this so-called islam.
This fills me with much mirth as islam was originally a monotheistic religion.
We know who and what the wahhabis are. There's no need to try and misdirect this debate.
dont blame the tool. music or movies or anything it depends on how you use it. 🙂
"Renowned Lebanese Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Ramadan Al-Mardini rejects such religious restrictions on music, saying no such prohibition existed in the Qur’an.
He also argues that the hadith often used to justify it were “very weak”.
Opposition religious leader, Dr Afrasheem Ali, said on national television in 2008 that the Prophet himself had sung. Former President Gayoom, also a religious scholar, asserted in a speech that singing and dancing were not incompatible with Islam."
its easy to provoke faith heads. specially dumb Muslims like the one commenting defensively.
dear god save ur peeps before they pee their pants. hehe.
In heaven everything forbidden on earth by mullahs is available according to the word of god al Quran- music, wine , houris...
It saddens me to say, but these 'muslims' are amongst the most gullible people I have ever seen.
Shoop Paris Hilton's face on a burugaa and claim that she's become a muslim - and BANG, those people take it as fact.
What gives?. Islam wasn't anything like this back in my day.
There was music and singing at Ibrahim alaihissalam's walimah. Here's proof:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AedTdzjTxE8&feature=related