2013 Uswah Conference Muhammad Islamic Center Of Greater Hartford, CT

1. 2013 Uswah ConferenceMuhammad Islamic Center Of Greater Hartford, CT The Qur’anicUswah On Music Presented By Jesse Hameen II May 11, 2013

2. Imam W.D. Muhammad • We must develop an intelligencia for our community’s intellectual and total development. • This should be done by us, from us, for us. • It should speak from our experience. • We should not look for outside help.

3. بِسۡمِٱللهِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِٱلرَّحِيمِBelief In Revelation • What is the Qur’anicUswah on Earlier revealed scripture?

4. بِسۡمِٱللهِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِٱلرَّحِيمِبِسۡمِٱللهِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِٱلرَّحِيمِ • سُوۡرَةُالبَقَرَةذَٲلِكَٱلۡڪِتَـٰبُلَارَيۡبَ‌ۛفِيهِ‌ۛهُدً۬ىلِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ (٢) ٱلَّذِينَيُؤۡمِنُونَبِٱلۡغَيۡبِوَيُقِيمُونَٱلصَّلَوٰةَوَمِمَّارَزَقۡنَـٰهُمۡيُنفِقُونَ (٣) وَٱلَّذِينَيُؤۡمِنُونَبِمَآأُنزِلَإِلَيۡكَوَمَآأُنزِلَمِنقَبۡلِكَوَبِٱلۡأَخِرَةِهُمۡيُوقِنُونَ (٤) أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَعَلَىٰهُدً۬ىمِّنرَّبِّهِمۡ‌ۖوَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَهُمُٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ (٥) • Surah Al-BaqaraThis is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil). (2) Who believe in the Unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them; (3) And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are certain of the Hereafter. (4) These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful. (5)

5. ءَامَنَٱلرَّسُولُبِمَآأُنزِلَإِلَيۡهِمِنرَّبِّهِۦوَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ‌ۚكُلٌّءَامَنَبِٱللَّهِوَمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَتِهِۦوَكُتُبِهِۦوَرُسُلِهِۦلَانُفَرِّقُبَيۡنَأَحَدٍ۬مِّنرُّسُلِهِۦ‌ۚوَقَالُواْسَمِعۡنَاوَأَطَعۡنَا‌ۖغُفۡرَانَكَرَبَّنَاوَإِلَيۡكَٱلۡمَصِيرُ(٢٨٥)ءَامَنَٱلرَّسُولُبِمَآأُنزِلَإِلَيۡهِمِنرَّبِّهِۦوَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ‌ۚكُلٌّءَامَنَبِٱللَّهِوَمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَتِهِۦوَكُتُبِهِۦوَرُسُلِهِۦلَانُفَرِّقُبَيۡنَأَحَدٍ۬مِّنرُّسُلِهِۦ‌ۚوَقَالُواْسَمِعۡنَاوَأَطَعۡنَا‌ۖغُفۡرَانَكَرَبَّنَاوَإِلَيۡكَٱلۡمَصِيرُ(٢٨٥) • Surah Al-Baqara 2:285 The messenger believeth in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) believers. Each one believeth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers - We make no distinction between any of His messengers - and they say: We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying. (285)

6. Who was the Qur’an sent to? • The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBU) • The Qur’an was sent to humanity in general and specifically as a guide for those who believe in it.

7. سُوۡرَةُ البَقَرَةٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ يَتۡلُونَهُ ۥ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِۦۤ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِهِۦ‌ۗ وَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِهِۦ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ (١٢١) • Surah Al-Baqara Those unto whom We have given the Scripture, who read it with the right reading, those believe in it. And whoso disbelieveth in it, those are they who are the losers. 2:121

8. ARABIC! Allah (SWA) the Lord of all the systems of knowledge sent a message to us in a the Arabic language. If we strive as a community and as individuals to learn the Arabic language, we can cut the chains of translation dependency. We will better equipped to understand for ourselves what he is saying to us. • I heard that if you want to talk to Allah (SWA), pray. • If you want Allah (SWA) to talk to you read Qur’an. • We know that Allah (SWA) speaks to us in many ways through his numerous signs.

9. سُوۡرَةُ یُوسُفإِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ قُرۡءَٲنًا عَرَبِيًّ۬ا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ (٢) • Surah Yusuf 12:2 Lo! We have revealed it, a Lecture in Arabic, that ye may understand.

10. مُخۡلِصُونَ • Sincere, form four, causative, active noun. • One who follows logic to it’s logical conclusion

11. أُسۡوَةٌَ • (60:4)us'watun: an example, pattern

12. سُوۡرَةُالاٴنعَاموَمَالَكُمۡأَلَّاتَأۡڪُلُواْمِمَّاذُكِرَٱسۡمُٱللَّهِعَلَيۡهِوَقَدۡفَصَّلَلَكُممَّاحَرَّمَعَلَيۡكُمۡإِلَّامَاٱضۡطُرِرۡتُمۡإِلَيۡهِ‌ۗوَإِنَّكَثِيرً۬الَّيُضِلُّونَبِأَهۡوَآٮِٕهِمبِغَيۡرِعِلۡمٍ‌ۗإِنَّرَبَّكَهُوَأَعۡلَمُبِٱلۡمُعۡتَدِينَ (١١٩) • Surah Al-AnaamHow 6:119 should ye not eat of that over which the name of Allah hath been mentioned, when He hath explained unto you that which is forbidden unto you unless ye are compelled thereto. But lo! many are led astray by their own lusts through ignorance. Lo! thy Lord, He is Best Aware of the transgressors. (119)

13. I have not found anyone who has found where Allah (SWA) in his glorious book has mentioned music is haram • Music as a body of knowledge or a system of knowledge is not specifically mention by name. • The Uswah of the Qur’an should lead you to come to a logical conclusion.

14. Prophet Dawud • What does the Qur’an mention about Prophet Dawud (PBUH)?

15. سُوۡرَةُالنِّسَاء۞إِنَّآأَوۡحَيۡنَآإِلَيۡكَكَمَآأَوۡحَيۡنَآإِلَىٰنُوحٍ۬وَٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَمِنۢبَعۡدِهِۦ‌ۚوَأَوۡحَيۡنَآإِلَىٰٓإِبۡرَٲهِيمَوَإِسۡمَـٰعِيلَوَإِسۡحَـٰقَوَيَعۡقُوبَوَٱلۡأَسۡبَاطِوَعِيسَىٰوَأَيُّوبَوَيُونُسَوَهَـٰرُونَوَسُلَيۡمَـٰنَ‌ۚوَءَاتَيۡنَادَاوُۥدَزَبُورً۬ا (١٦٣) • Surah An-Nisa: Lo! We inspire thee as We inspired Noah and the prophets after him, as We inspired Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonah and Aaron and Solomon, and as We imparted unto David the Psalms; 4:163

16. سُوۡرَةُالاٴنبیَاءفَفَهَّمۡنَـٰهَاسُلَيۡمَـٰنَ‌ۚوَڪُلاًّءَاتَيۡنَاحُكۡمً۬اوَعِلۡمً۬ا‌ۚوَسَخَّرۡنَامَعَدَاوُۥدَٱلۡجِبَالَيُسَبِّحۡنَوَٱلطَّيۡرَ‌ۚوَڪُنَّافَـٰعِلِينَ (٧٩) • Surah Al-Anbiya: And We made Solomon to understand (the case); and unto each of them We gave judgment and knowledge. And we subdued the hills and the birds to hymn (His) praise along with David. We were the doers (thereof). 21:79

17. سُوۡرَةُالنَّملوَلَقَدۡءَاتَيۡنَادَاوُۥدَوَسُلَيۡمَـٰنَعِلۡمً۬ا‌ۖوَقَالَاٱلۡحَمۡدُلِلَّهِٱلَّذِىفَضَّلَنَاعَلَىٰكَثِيرٍ۬مِّنۡعِبَادِهِٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ (١٥) وَوَرِثَسُلَيۡمَـٰنُدَاوُۥدَ‌ۖوَقَالَيَـٰٓأَيُّهَاٱلنَّاسُعُلِّمۡنَامَنطِقَٱلطَّيۡرِوَأُوتِينَامِنكُلِّشَىۡءٍ‌ۖإِنَّهَـٰذَالَهُوَٱلۡفَضۡلُٱلۡمُبِينُ (١٦) • Surah Al-Naml: And We verily gave knowledge unto David and Solomon, and they said: Praise be to Allah, Who hath preferred us above many of His believing slaves! (15) And Solomon was David's heir. And he said: O mankind! Lo! we have been taught the language of birds, and have been given (abundance) of all things. This surely is evident favour. (16) • 27:15 & 16

18. سُوۡرَةُسَبَإ۞وَلَقَدۡءَاتَيۡنَادَاوُۥدَمِنَّافَضۡلاً۬ۖيَـٰجِبَالُأَوِّبِىمَعَهُۥوَٱلطَّيۡرَۖوَأَلَنَّالَهُٱلۡحَدِيدَ (١٠) • Surah Saba: And assuredly We gave David grace from Us, (saying): O ye hills and birds, echo his psalms of praise! And We made the iron supple unto him, 34:10

19. سُوۡرَةُصٓإِنَّاسَخَّرۡنَاٱلۡجِبَالَمَعَهُۥيُسَبِّحۡنَبِٱلۡعَشِىِّوَٱلۡإِشۡرَاقِ (١٨) • Surah Sad: Lo! We subdued the hills to hymn the praises (of their Lord) with him at nightfall and sunrise, 38:18

20. What does Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) say about Prophet Dawud (PBUH)? • Who was Prophet Dawud (PBUH)? • What is the Zabur?

21. Definitions • Hans Wehr: Page 372= (Book of Psalms) • Abdul Mannan Omar: Page 228 (Psalms Scriptures) • Lanes Lexicon: Same

22. Psalms • The Book of Psalms • Traditional & modern views of the Book of Psalms, and the role of Psalms in Jewish liturgy • By Rabbi Louis Jacobs

23. More on Psalms • Some Very Ancient Liturgy • The Book of Psalms, Hebrew Tehillim, ("Praises"), is the first book of the third section of the Bible, the Ketuvim or Sacred Writings, and comprises 150 psalms. Many of the psalms have superscrip­tions, describing their contents, their author, and, it is generally assumed, in some cases, the melodies to which they were sung in the Temple. In the Jewish tradition, but not in the King James Version, these superscriptions are counted as separate verses. (The New English Bible translation omits the superscriptions altogether: an extremely odd procedure, since, even if the superscriptions are later additions, they became part of the book at a very early period, and one would have thought that the aim of any translation should be to convey the book as it has come down though the ages.) • Many of the psalms are obviously liturgical compositions. The Levites [in the Temple] sang a psalm for each day of the week and on the Sabbaths and festivals, accompanying the song with instru­mental music.

24. Psalms Continued • Are They All King David's? • It has long been noted that the first Psalm appears to be an introduction to the book as a whole, as Psalm 150 appears to be an epilogue. There is a concluding note at the end of Psalms 41, 72, 89, and106, which suggests that the book is in five separate sections. The rabbinic midrash [rabbinic interpretation from the period of the rabbis of the Mishnah and the Talmud] to Psalms states that David com­posed his Psalms in five books, just as Moses wrote the five books of the Pentateuch.  In this Midrash, and very frequently in the Rabbinic literature, David is assumed to be the author of the book of Psalms.

25. More On Psalms • But in the famous Talmudic passage (BavaBatra14b) on the authorship of the biblical books, it is said that David included in his book psalms written by some who preceded him. The superscription to Psalm 90, for instance, is: "A prayer of Moses, the man of God." In fact, while seventy-two of the psalms are attributed to David, this one is attributed to Moses, and some to other authors.  Some of the psalms are attributed to no par­ticular author and are known, in the tradition, as 'orphan psalms'. Itis incorrect, therefore, to say that in the traditional view David is the author of all the psalms in the book. Neverthe­less, the tradition still sees David as the final author of the book, although he is said to have included the works of others in his final compo­sition.  In 2 Samuel 23:1 David is described as 'the sweet singer in Israel'. 

26. Psalms Definition • First let us define what the word "Psalm" or "Psalms" mean: • A collection of sacred poems forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture.

 Often capitalized [Middle English, from Old English psalm, from Late Latin psalmus, from Greek psalmos, literally, twanging of a harp, from psallein to pluck, play a stringed instrument]
First appeared before 12th Century

A sacred song or poem used in worship; especially : one of the biblical hymns collected in the Book of Psalms

From the America Online Dictionary.  

27. ProhetDawud (PBUH) • David - Biblical Jewish KingByShiraSchoenbergAncient Jewish History: Table of Contents | Kings of Israel | Twelve Tribes • The biblical King David of Israel was known for his diverse skills as both a warrior and a writer of psalms. In his 40 years as ruler, between approximately 1010 and 970 B.C.E., he united the people of Israel, led them to victory in battle, conquered land and paved the way for his son, Solomon, to build the Holy Temple. Almost all knowledge of him is derived from the books of the Prophets and Writings: Samuel I and II, Kings I and Chronicles I.

28. . • David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse from the kingly tribe of Judah. He was also a direct descendent of Ruth the Moabite. David began his life as a shepherd in Bethlehem. One day, the prophet Samuel called him out of the field and anointed him without the knowledge of the current king, Saul. David simply returned to his sheep. His first interaction with Saul came when the king was looking for someone to play music for him, and the king’s attendant summoned the skilled David to play for him. Saul was pleased with David and kept him in his service as a musician.

29. ProhpetDawud (PBUH) was a musician! • This is a historical fact! • It cannot be denied! • Logical conclusions again!

30. سُوۡرَةُالمُزمّلأَو: زِدۡعَلَيۡهِوَرَتِّلِٱلۡقُرۡءَانَتَرۡتِيلاً (٤) • Surah Al-Muzzammil: • and recite the Qur’an clearly with tartil (in a distinct and measured tone). 73:4

31. We Must Look at the Logical Conclusion! • Allah (SWA) did not leave anything out of his Sacred Book, The Glorious Qur’an! • Music, rhythm and harmony are very important issue in the lives of humans and in creation. • We must use our intelligence!

32. سُوۡرَةُ یُوسُفإِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ قُرۡءَٲنًا عَرَبِيًّ۬ا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ (٢) • Surah Yusuf 12:2 Lo! We have revealed it, a Lecture in Arabic, that ye may understand.

33. What Did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Say About Prophet Dawud (PBUH)? • Narrated Abu Musa:  "That the Prophet said to him 'O Abu Musa! You have been given one of the musical wind-instruments of the family of David.'    (Translation of SahihBukhari, Virtues of the Qur'an, Volume 6, Book 61, Number 568)" 

34. . • Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him allowed music: • From Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 70: 

Narrated Aisha: 
Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) came to my house while two girls were singing beside me the songs of Buath (a story about the war between the two tribes of the Ansar, the Khazraj and the Aus, before Islam). The Prophet (p.b.u.h) lay down and turned his face to the other side. Then Abu Bakr came and spoke to me harshly saying, "Musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet (p.b.u.h) ? " Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) turned his face towards him and said, "Leave them." When Abu Bakr became inattentive, I signaled to those girls to go out and they left.

35. . • It was the day of 'Id, and the Black people were playing with shields and spears; so either I requested the Prophet (p.b.u.h) or he asked me whether I would like to see the display. I replied in the affirmative. Then the Prophet (p.b.u.h) made me stand behind him and my cheek was touching his cheek and he was saying, "Carry on! O BaniArfida," till I got tired. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) asked me, "Are you satisfied (Is that sufficient for you)?" I replied in the affirmative and he told me to leave.

36. . • This same Hadith is reported to us again in SahihMuslim:

Book 004, Number 1942: 

'A'isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) came (in my apartment) while there were two girls with me singing the song of the Battle of Bu'ath. He lay down on the bed and turned away his face. Then came Abu Bakr and he scolded me and said: Oh! this musical instrument of the devil in the house of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him)! The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) turned towards him and said: Leave them alone. And when he (the Holy Prophet) became inattentive, I hinted them and they went out, and it was the day of 'Id and negroes were playing with shields and spears. (I do not remember) whether I asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) or whether he said to me if I desired to see (that sport). I said: Yes. I stood behind him with his face parallel to my face, and he said: O BanuArfada, be busy (in your sports) till I was satiated. He said (to me): Is that enough? I said: Yes. Upon this he asked me to go.

37. . • 

Once again in Bukhari, this event is recorded:

Volume 5, Book 58, Number 268: 

Narrated Aisha: 
That once Abu Bakr came to her on the day of 'Id-ul-Fitr or 'Id ulAdha while the Prophet was with her and there were two girl singers with her, singing songs of the Ansar about the day of Buath. Abu Bakr said twice. "Musical instrument of Satan!" But the Prophet said, "Leave them Abu Bakr, for every nation has an 'Id (i.e. festival) and this day is our 'Id." 

And then in Bukhari, another Hadith relates a connection between musical instruments and the family of David (saw). Further evidence that, indeed, the Psalms were musical in nature: 

Volume 6, Book 61, Number 568: 

Narrated Abu Musa: 
That the Prophet said to him' "O Abu Musa! You have been given one of the musical wind-instruments of the family of David .

38. . • Muslim Vol 1: • Page 380 (1735) Footnotes 1070, 1071, 1072 Sweet voice like David. • Muslim Vol 2: • Page 565 (2595) (2596) (2597) (2598) Best fast is that of David. Fast on one day, break on the other day. • Page 420 (1938) (1939) (1940) Two girls playing tambourines and singing.

39. . • There is a report that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Was giving a lecture and some people were passing by playing music and the audiences attention went towards the parade. • The Prophet (PBUH) told them to keep their attention on him and not on the people passing by. He didn’t say what they were doing was haram. I have to find that hadith again.

40. The Adhan • From Muslim Book 004, Number 0735: 

IbnUmar reported: When the Muslims came to Medina, they gathered and sought to know the time of prayer but no one summoned them. One day they discussed the matter, and some of them said: Use something like the bell of the Christians and some of them said: Use horn like that of the Jews. Umar said: Why may not a be appointed who should call (people) to prayer? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: O Bilal, get up and summon (the people) to prayer

41. The Suggestion Of A Call To Prayer With a Horn • From Muslim Book 004, Number 0735: 

IbnUmar reported: When the Muslims came to Medina, they gathered and sought to know the time of prayer but no one summoned them. One day they discussed the matter, and some of them said: Use something like the bell of the Christians and some of them said: Use horn like that of the Jews. Umar said: Why may not a be appointed who should call (people) to prayer? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: O Bilal, get up and summon (the people) to prayer

43. Same notes used in Gospel, field hollers, blues, etc. • The melody of Adhan was in the genes of the Muslim West African slaves.

44. The Concept Of Hadith in The Qur’an • How the word is used according to the Qur’an

45. سُوۡرَةُالزُّمَر:ٱللَّهُنَزَّلَأَحۡسَنَٱلۡحَدِيثِكِتَـٰبً۬امُّتَشَـٰبِهً۬امَّثَانِىَتَقۡشَعِرُّمِنۡهُجُلُودُٱلَّذِينَيَخۡشَوۡنَرَبَّہُمۡثُمَّتَلِينُجُلُودُهُمۡوَقُلُوبُهُمۡإِلَىٰذِكۡرِٱللَّهِ‌ۚذَٲلِكَهُدَىٱللَّهِيَہۡدِىبِهِۦمَنيَشَآءُ‌ۚوَمَنيُضۡلِلِٱللَّهُفَمَالَهُۥمِنۡهَادٍ (٢٣) • SurahAz-ZumarAllah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (Yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide. (23)

46. ..