Today’s Track from Youssou Ndour’s “Egypt”

Assalamu alaikum, today’s track is another one of my favorites called “Mahdiyu Laye”, very pretty… Not sure if I’ll sure anymore or not, will have to check the feedback and stats, and see if the interest is there, or if I feel like sharing anymore.

We’ll see.

Eid Khutbahs (Videos!) by Shaykh Hamza and Imam Zaid

Assalamu alaikum, from Haseeb.

Imam Zaid Shakir: Misunderstanding Not Treachery

Assalamu alaikum, a clarification from Haseeb’s blog. This was left in the comments but I didn’t want it to get lost/buried there.

Re-Visiting Youssou Ndour’s “Egypt”

Assalamu alaikum, I’d wanted to do a post like this for a long time, just never gotten around to it.

“Egypt” was released back in 2004, and is a departure from Ndour’s other material, employing Arab influences in the music (as well as the use of some African instruments too), instead of a more “Western” sound.

The tracks are as follows:

Track listing: Allah (6:10); Shukran Bamba (5:30); Mahdiyu Laye (4:58); Tijaniyya (5: 45); Baay Niasse (5:18); Bamba the Poet (3:51); Cheikh Ibra Fall (3:35); Touba – Daru Salaam (5:50).
And an apt description of the album (as I’m trying to formulate one myself and can’t) found here, is as follows:

A few years ago N’Dour decided to put together a collection of music devoted to his faith, and the resulting Egypt sat around for five years before it finally saw release this spring. One need only look to current events to see the storm that swirls around the Muslim world; when September 11 happened, this record was placed back on the shelf for a better time. The powers that be have determined that this year is the year of Egypt , and thus the recording must be looked upon from contemporary terms.

The vagaries of the record business took their toll on the title of the record. Instead of being called Sant Allah (Thanks Allah), as it was in Senegal, the international release picked up a more neutral heading. But N’Dour, who praises the tolerance of his religion, makes no compromises in bringing a uniquely Senegalese view of Islam to the world. The lyrics (sung in Wolof and also printed in English in the liner notes) are dedicated to important figures in Senegalese Sufism.

In putting together the music for Egypt , Youssou N’Dour worked with Egypt’s Fathy Salama, who arranged and conducted his fourteen-musician group of violins, reeds, flutes, and percussion. The orchestral sound that resulted from the sessions in Dakar and Cairo is entirely distinct from anything N’Dour has ever recorded. The lilting melodies signal Arab influence; the interlocking percussion brings North African styles to mind; the tapestry of sound flows with raw West African momentum; and the vocals have a reverent focus that’s at once meditational and forthright.

This record might not move hips and feet like some of the singer’s earlier efforts, but it’s guaranteed to move hearts and minds. This music is bigger than one man, one country, or one religion: it’s the pulse of the world. Enough to make you believe in these marabouts.

A related story to this was, when I first heard the album profiled on Afropop, I’d briefly changed the station and had landed on a news story about a beheading in Iraq. Unfortunately, I don’t remember who it was, but I seem to recall they had video of it, and the juxtoposition of Youssou Ndour’s effort to show Islam’s “more peaceful side” and the beheading of this person was enough to send me into tears, though I can be pretty emotional anyway. But these two things put together, this beautiful album on one hand, and the beheading and other violence committed in the name of Islam on the other, was a contrast that has never been lost on me!

I was telling this story the other night to a dear sister on the phone and almost broke down again, and this was four years after first hearing the album. I’ve actually not listened to it since just before the house fire in 2005. Because not only does the album remind me of the juxtoposition noted above, it also brings back memories of getting out of abusive marriages, of emotional and spiritual healing, and the hurt, pain, anger, etc., associated with putting yourself back together after a painful/traumatic event. Oddly enough, I think I’m afraid to listen to the album again, because it always stirred up such raw emotion in me, and I’m emotional enough as it is, and embarrassed about it too.

But anyway, the track from the album that I want to profile today is the track I heard after flipping back to Afropop Worldwide, just after hearing the news story of the beheading. The track is called “Tijaniyya”, and if anyone can find the English translation of the liner notes (I’m trying to find them myself), or would like to translate, that would be much appreciated. I tried to find it online but have not been able to do so.

Anyway, enjoy…

Early Voting :: Lori Edwards, Polk County Supervisor of Elections

Assalamu alaikum, Well, I can actually take the bus on Saturday, when this starts anyway, to vote! I’ll need to call the supervisor of elections to confirm this, but if that’s the case, then I’m voting the first chance I can. According to this link, Early voting starts October 20th, in Florida, that is. I’ll also need to make sure I’ll get assistance at the early voting location, just in case my husband is not able to come with me.

Early Voting :: Lori Edwards, Polk County Supervisor of Elections

Thione Seck Vs. Youssou Ndour

Assalamu alaikum, I know that I’ve posted something with a similar title before. However, perhaps “vs.” is not the way to describe these two luminaries of Senegalese music.

Both of them, imho, are incredibly gifted and talented artists, and both have amazing voices that are instantly recognizable if you’re in any way familiar with their music.

I’d describe Seck’s voice as mellow, relaxed, Ndour’s voice as phrenetic, it just grabs you. But both of their voices have qualities that just defy description.

And I’d not say I like one more than the other. I absolutely love live Youssou Ndour, and I prefer live Youssou Ndour to a lot of his studio work, especially the stuff he releases for his “international”, “Western”, “world music-listening” audience. And I prefer the “grand bal”-esque concerts, put on for Senegalese/West African consumption, to, say, the NPR/Carnegie Hall type appearances. Not that those aren’t good, but there’s something watered-down, not quite, well, I don’t want to use the terms “real” or “authentic”, but there’s an energy that is missing from the music that he puts out for the “Western” audience. I prefer the stuff he makes for the “back home”/Senegalese audience.

I’ve not heard as much live Thione Seck, as there doesn’t seem to be as much out there. Heck, there isn’t much Thione Seck internationally available, and it’s only on online Senegalese radio that I even get to hear any of his recent stuff, minus the “Orientation” album released a couple or so years ago. I’m telling you, if I could, I’d go to any proprietor of any online Senegambian media and beg them to send me some Thione Seck, as much as they have! And if I ever find myself in Dakar again, best believe I’m buyin’ out the stores!

I have actually tried sending out emails/inquiries but have heard nothing back, perhaps my messages got lost in cyberspace or translation or both. One Recommendation I’d make would be to put up an online music store, where people could buy/download the music they wanted, I don’t know call it MbalaxMusic.com, or SenegaleseMusic.com or something like that. Or, so as to Include the Gambian component, Senegambianmp3.com or something. I know there are online sites to listen to or buy African music. I’m talking about a way to make this music available online, much like a Rhapsody or a Napster. But that would not only include music released internationally, but music released for the “local market” as well. I’m not sure if this idea has already been tried, if it would even be successful, or if someone’s already done this and I’m not aware of it.

But I’d just like a way, that if I hear a song I like on say, Radio TamTam Online, Badou.com, Radio Wazapon, Chez Badou, Seneweb Radio, or RFM, and that’s just the stations I can find right now, that I could then go to a site, download the music that I wanted, burn it onto CD or put it on my mp3 player, and take it wherever I wanted.

I don’t always, well, I almost never understand the majority of what they’re saying, and my resident translator/interpretor isn’t always around to tell me. And perhaps this is more motivation for me to learn both French and Wolof, but that’s going to go on my long list of things that I’d like to do but probably will not be able to get done any time soon. Suffice it to say, though, that I really enjoy their music, and it’d just be nice if I could have greater access to the wealth of music that is out there by these and other artists.

One More Thing…

Assalamu alaikum, CrescentWatch has updated their page with a couple moon sighting reports (and I’d imagine pictures also).

I’ve been consulting this site, and others, for about a year now, or at least since CrescentWatch has been online, and they are one of the best sites for getting moon sighting information for North America.

Not only do they have pics and reports, but they also have articles detailing meritorious actions for the particular islamic month that we are in. As I mentioned before, Inshallah, I’ll be posting moon sighting info *for every month* from the following sites (unless anyone provides me with additional sites which I’d be happy to include as well):
MoonSighting.com

CrescentWatch.org

HilalSighting.org

ChicagoHilal.com

Inshallah, this information will be helpful.

Getting sanctimonious about early moon sightings

Assalamu alaikum, from Indogo Jo.

I would add though that the second post, in defense of the sighting in Philly, was from a seemingly named “Ahmed Hannah”. And it seems that he, among others, witnessed the sighting. The contention I have is not so much the early sighting, but the fact that those of us who question it, given that there have been sighting errors in the past, are told that we are “weak in faith” or “need to check our Aqeedah”. And while some of the reactions on the Yahoo group to the initial sighting claim may have been lacking in adab, questioning people’s faith/Islam because they don’t agree with you, or perhaps have reservations about what you are saying ranks pretty low on the adab scale as well.

As Yusuf points out, there were numerous negative sightings of the moon on the 29th, and Allah knows best whether or not the moon was seen, I don’t want to go as far as saying anyone was lying, however, a lot of things could be mistaken for the moon, especially by inexperienced moon sighters, and also since we have so much pollution, etc.

But assuming the moon was seen by the group of Muslims in Philly, I’m not sure if it gave the rest of us enough certainty, given the concurrent numerous negative reports, for us to end Ramadan and begin Shawwal. And our faith and trust in Allah and His Miracles shouldn’t be questioned over it.

Breaking News: What Is Yahya Jammeh Up To? > The Gambia Echo > The Gambia Echo – Online Newspaper

Assalamu alaikum,

Unimpeachable sources from The Gambia’s State House reveal that a top-notch American security professional with years of international security expertise has sealed a deal with the autocratic regime of President Yahya Jammeh, to train a cadre of presidential guards exclusively from Jammeh’s Jola ethnic group who will henceforth, be tasked with targeted assassinations of political enemies, dissident journalists and economic saboteurs both in and out of the mini-West African state.

Breaking News: What Is Yahya Jammeh Up To? > The Gambia Echo > The Gambia Echo – Online Newspaper

This is pretty darn scary, imho, if this pans out. And this is coming from a man who supposedly just returned from Umra? Allahu Akbar!

Storms That Missed Fla. Pulled Plug On Rain

Storms That Missed Fla. Pulled Plug On Rain | theledger.com | The Ledger | Lakeland, FL

Thousands Set to Protest “Blindness” « cripchick’s weblog

Assalamu alaikum, was sent this by Aaminah and I think someone else might have sent this to me too, and I didn’t have time to look at it until today.

The account of this movie I read via CripChick’s blog is awful! Not the account itself, but the story told in the movie! I find it ironic the scenes of “filthy buildings” etc., when well, uh, I just cleaned my house today! And it’s fine! In fact, I would dare say that I do a better job of cleaning than my perfectly sighted husband (who’s told me as much lol).

Blind and visually impaired people have found an enumerable amount of ways to cope with their lack of sight. And we’ve not sunk to the depths that this movie portrays of us.

Things like this make me very angry! I, personally, and many others in organizations like the ACB and the NFB work tirelessly for the rights of the blind and visually impaired. As the above-linked post mentions, many of us lead full and productive lives, and even those who lose their vision later on in life learn to cope with that and continue to lead full, productive, and independent lives.

I don’t get offended very easily, but from what I hear of this movie, I find it offensive, and it’s a slap in the face to not only those who work tirelessly for the rights of the blind and visually impaired community, but the blind and visually impaired themselves. And to think, all the education, the attempts to let “the sighted world” know that we are quite capable, all seem to be for naught.

*sigh*.

Today’s Tracks

Assalamu alaikum, today we have the following

Baba Maal – Allah Addu Jam (translated by my faithful interpretor as “May Allah bring peace”.

Thione Seck – Papa

I have no idea what’s going on here, but live (very live) Youssou Ndour here, and whatever he’s saying, whatever that song is (it’s Wendelu per the filename), the crowd loves it! Talk about the phrase “and the crowd goes wild!” And talk about a way to get motivated for work/come off of a lunch break/get ready to go home for the night. Listen to this and you’ll know why I absolutely love live Youssou Ndour so much.

Shawwal 1429 pictures

Assalamu alaikum, from the Hilal Sighting Committee

I’m having one of those “I wish I could see this” moments.

What’s New in JAWS 10 Public Beta with JAWS Tandem!

What’s New in JAWS 10 Public Beta with JAWS Tandem!
What’s New in JAWS 10 Public Beta with JAWS Tandem!

So Where Do We Go From Here?

Assalamu alaikum, now that it *really* is Eid, well in most of the world anyway, what do we do now? I mean, IMHO, something has to be done, though I don’t know exactly what at the moment. Yusuf has some good ideas, and there are some good ideas here, however, how is dialogue going to work when those of us who continue to question the early sightings which almost always come out of Saudi Arabia, year after year, and where, as a result of this, it is later determined in many cases (1, 2, 3, 4), though pretty quietly it seems, to have been a “mistake”, are told we are “weak in faith”?

IMHO, if the same people keep making the same mistakes, many years in a row, shouldn’t we question them? Shouldn’t they be considered as unreliable? Especially if this issue has been brought to their attention and the best they can say is “if you question us you’re weak in faith”, or your Islam is deficient, or whatever. How many times does one have to make a mistake before their testimony for moon sighting can be rejected?

As uncomfortable as I am with the announcements coming out of Saudi Arabia and other places, I’m most certainly not going to question the faith, the very Islam, of the people who choose to follow those sightings. Just as I don’t want my faith to be questioned if I *don’t* follow those sightings and choose to follow people that seem to be more reliable.

The issue for me is not so much that people follow Saudi Arabia, it’s just that Saudi gets it wrong almost every year! And until either people start realizing this, or until Saudi changes their criteria somehow, and until people who follow something different aren’t told their “deficient in faith”, we’re all going to go through this year after year.

I’m trying to figure out a way to follow what I feel, based on my knowledge and comfort level, to be correct, yet not causing fitna for the rest of the community, which would be attending the Eid prayers, for example, yet still continuing to fast. But it’s kinda hard to be discreet if people are pushing plates into your hands *smile*. Perhaps having stomach issues is a blessing in this case as I can’t really eat terribly early in the mornings anyway.

I just feel hurt, angry, and offended that my very faith in Allah and His Will has been questioned (not to mention the implied accusations by some of having some sort of agenda), because of my incredulity at being told midafternoon on Monday that “Eid was tomorrow”. And no, I did not, nor would I, go screaming to my community that they were “wrong” for doing Eid on Tuesday. I shared my discomfort with a select few, at least 2,878 to be exact, if this blog stat thing is anything to go by. So I guess it’s not a select few, but I’m talking about offline, I only spoke of this to some people.

I mean, is it so bad to have a difference of opinion and not be accused of “not using the Qur’an and Sunnah as your guide”, etc., or “relying too much on science”.

So I say something has to be done, I say that more people need to be educated regarding this issue, but how far are you going to get when your aqeedah is called into question if you don’t take every moon sighting report you hear as credible?

What I’m planning to do, Inshallah, is try to make moon sighting possibilities/projections available on this blog, from whatever various organizations I can find, shortly before the 29th day of every month, keeping in mind that the current month could have started on at least two different days. Then, once the moon has been sighted, I will post those reports again from the various organizations who collect and make available this information. I will also try to post any relevant articles, links, etc., regarding this issue, including but by no means not limited to any reports of “errors” or “mistakes” in the beginning or ending of certain Islamic months.

The little best I can do, regarding this issue, is to make as much information available to people, in one place, as I can, and let people read and make up their own mind. That is the best I can do., Inshallah