Muslamics shared with you the story of Punk Rockers who were Muslim. It was an article in Newsweek, and for me the Muslims had some serious issues when it came to understanding what Islam is and is not. Like prayering in the bathroom after getting stoned and drunk at a Punk concert. Not exactly Islamic. You can read the original post here.
What I want to share is this Metal rock band from Jeddah, Saudia Arabia. Most people can not stomach metal rock. Its an acquired taste. In fact, I am still trying to "acquire" it. Now before you stuff your panties and start huffing and puffing at me- you must understand, I am not a "music is haram" advocate. So inherently there is a huge world of difference on this issue and leaving comments condeming me to hell or telling me why music is haram, is not going to deter me from my position. I believe that this has come to me after much research and soul searching.
What I admit is that yes, we should be able to live without music. But I guess its like living without happiness, we have to have others to share our happiness. Music really is a "shared" experience, one that is human. I am in awe to those who can and do live without it. I work tiresly to limit my intake of music. Limiting it to when I drive long distances, or while I am cleaning the house, running several miles.
Now, metal band in Suadi Arabia- here is the link- it amazes me that this is taking root in the Middle East. I always thought gansta rap would go well with the bling bling, but I guess the psychological extremes of the Gulf just seem to create this enviornment for ruminating, psychadelic, screaming and yelling to get out one's frustration music.
I also think this is a response to the strictures of a moral code that can not be imposed. It has to be invested in and accepted by each generation. The sad thing is when you have such imposition, everyone looks for a way out. There is always a way out.
To say that "globalization"- the forces of media, internet, easy travel, influx of capital and development- has "created" this "obsinity" is really taking the responsibility of social cohesion and throwing it out with the baby in the bath tub.
No matter how hard social conservatives and moral authoritorians spin it, these sorts of underground movements continue to exist. I think we can agree that they won't get one-hundred percent conformity. To mitigate would be the best possible way to sustain the type of moral code and structure one wants in society. Yet, we know historically, that is not possible.
One of the reasons given for the demise of the Muslim caliphate was that "western influences" and Muslims desire to assimilate and incorporate those influences as there own, in opposition to Islam lead to the downfall of the Muslims. I agrue contrary to this. Islamic civilization is at the place it is becuase it stopped being relevent to Muslims.
We need to make Islam relevent and we need to do this by understanding that social imposition is not a process that is sustainable. We need to elevate the level of education in Islam from ritual and mere copycatism to that of intellectual engagment and social relevency.
These punk, rap, and metal rock alternatives exist not because Islam was not offered to them. No they exist in response to the loss of relevence. Music becomes an alternative life style with its own culture becuase the dominate cultural norm has ceased to show relevence to the younger generation. There will always be opposition and rebellion, but these social changes occur when strong undercurrent of opposition builds up to the social norms that have stopped to explain the changing society we live in.
What I want to share is this Metal rock band from Jeddah, Saudia Arabia. Most people can not stomach metal rock. Its an acquired taste. In fact, I am still trying to "acquire" it. Now before you stuff your panties and start huffing and puffing at me- you must understand, I am not a "music is haram" advocate. So inherently there is a huge world of difference on this issue and leaving comments condeming me to hell or telling me why music is haram, is not going to deter me from my position. I believe that this has come to me after much research and soul searching.
What I admit is that yes, we should be able to live without music. But I guess its like living without happiness, we have to have others to share our happiness. Music really is a "shared" experience, one that is human. I am in awe to those who can and do live without it. I work tiresly to limit my intake of music. Limiting it to when I drive long distances, or while I am cleaning the house, running several miles.
Now, metal band in Suadi Arabia- here is the link- it amazes me that this is taking root in the Middle East. I always thought gansta rap would go well with the bling bling, but I guess the psychological extremes of the Gulf just seem to create this enviornment for ruminating, psychadelic, screaming and yelling to get out one's frustration music.
I also think this is a response to the strictures of a moral code that can not be imposed. It has to be invested in and accepted by each generation. The sad thing is when you have such imposition, everyone looks for a way out. There is always a way out.
To say that "globalization"- the forces of media, internet, easy travel, influx of capital and development- has "created" this "obsinity" is really taking the responsibility of social cohesion and throwing it out with the baby in the bath tub.
No matter how hard social conservatives and moral authoritorians spin it, these sorts of underground movements continue to exist. I think we can agree that they won't get one-hundred percent conformity. To mitigate would be the best possible way to sustain the type of moral code and structure one wants in society. Yet, we know historically, that is not possible.
One of the reasons given for the demise of the Muslim caliphate was that "western influences" and Muslims desire to assimilate and incorporate those influences as there own, in opposition to Islam lead to the downfall of the Muslims. I agrue contrary to this. Islamic civilization is at the place it is becuase it stopped being relevent to Muslims.
We need to make Islam relevent and we need to do this by understanding that social imposition is not a process that is sustainable. We need to elevate the level of education in Islam from ritual and mere copycatism to that of intellectual engagment and social relevency.
These punk, rap, and metal rock alternatives exist not because Islam was not offered to them. No they exist in response to the loss of relevence. Music becomes an alternative life style with its own culture becuase the dominate cultural norm has ceased to show relevence to the younger generation. There will always be opposition and rebellion, but these social changes occur when strong undercurrent of opposition builds up to the social norms that have stopped to explain the changing society we live in.
Posts
