The Music of Islam [Box set]

Amazon.com
From remote areas of Indonesia to southern Spain, this 17-CD box set is comprehensive in its scope of music made by those following the Islamic faith. The discs include Quran recitations, Sufi qawwali, the music of whirling dervishes, the folk music of Egypt, Andalusian sounds of Morocco, and recordings from Yemen, Tunisia, Turkey, Iran, and several other countries, some of which you may not have thought housed Muslim populations. In short, the collection is sublime, recorded and researched lovingly by producer David Parsons, who managed to cover the full range of Islamic music. If a nearly $200 price tag frightens you, consider the sampler or Volume Four: Music of the Arabian Peninsula for starters. Consider the entire box after the sacred voices and ancient instruments melt your heart into this music rich in tradition, sanctity, and musical complexity. --Karen K. Hugg

The Music of Islam,Various Artists,Celestial Harmonies,Ambient,Box Sets (Audio Only),Contemporary Instrumental,Ethnic Fusion,Int'l & World Music,International,Islam,Pop,Progressive Electronic,World Music

Average customer rating: Varied, but the Highs are Very High What a treat Footsteps in the Light - Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens)

Footsteps in the Light Yusuf Islam Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: An Other Cup Night of Remembrance: Live at the Royal Albert Hall An Other Cup Prayers of the Last Prophet Life of the Last Prophet ASIN: B000LAZDF6 Release Date: 2006-12-25

Tracks:

1. Wind
2. White Moon - Ben Ammi, , Yusuf Islam
3. If You Ask Me
4. I Look, I See
5. Tala'al Badru Alayna
6. Seal of the Prophets
7. Wild World (Bana, Bana)
8. Angel of War
9. In'nilta
10. Salli ala Muhammad
11. God Is the Light
12. Peace Train
13. Is for Allah
14. Adhan (Call to Prayer)

Album Description

2006 release from the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. Essentially the third volume of his Greatest Hits, this 14 track compilation features tracks recorded under his Muslim name spanning the years 1981-2006. Includes a spectacular 24 page song booklet of lyrics along with comments from Yusuf about each track. EMI.

Album Details

2006 Issued Third Anthology of Recordings the Reclusive Singer Made Between 1981 and 2006.

Customer Reviews:

Varied, but the Highs are Very High.......2007-05-10

It's natural for a compilation like this one to be a bit all over the map. So here there are highs and lows. But the highs make this well worth having.

Yusuf's reworking of old material in several songs is interesting, but please know that this is Yusuf Islam covering Cat Stevens, not Cat Stevens himself. We all change and grow; please listen for the changed man.

That said, my favorite cuts here are all new. Yusuf's modernizations of traditional material are always fresh and his recording of the Adhan, the call to prayer is simply haunting. But the song that stays with me most is "God is the Light," which, to my ears, combines the tuneful beauty of old material with the humble spirituality of the new.

Note: the booklet accompanying the CD is one of the nicest and most informative I've ever seen. It adds a whole new dimension to the music.

What a treat.......2007-02-09

Despite this album not having the complete flavor of the "old cat," this album has an amazing sound and transports you to another world and time. After hearing Another Cup I wondered if there were any more albums that had been put out before and was pleased to find that he had. The songs I liked best in the newest album were more rooted in the foundations of the arab culture and I was so excited to hear this album had even more to offer in that area.

Footsteps in the Light - Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens).......2007-02-07

I bought this after purchasing "Another Cup". (which I thoroughly enjoyed) With the exception of maybe two tracks, this is a journey into the heart of Islam. I guess that's ok if you're into that sort of thing, but if you're looking for the old "Cat" you won't find him here.

Average customer rating: A trip from the terrestrial to the celestial. First rate Pure Bliss Hindu-Persian Beauty it sends me

The Rain Ghazal Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lost Songs Of The Silk Road As Night Falls On The Silk Road Night Silence Desert Without You Moon Rise Over the Silk Road ASIN: B00008UAGA Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

1. Fire
2. Dawn
3. Eternity

Amazon.com

As on their previous releases, this much-admired Persian/Indian crossover duo have created a separate yet spacious universe that is tranquility incarnate. The musicans, who have named themselves after an ancient form of romantic poetry, perform on sitar (a multi-stringed Indian plucked instrument with a tall fretboard attached to a resonating gourd) and kamancheh (a sonorous but gutty-sounding spike fiddle) and voice, accompanied by a tabla virtuoso (a tuned skin drum commonly played in India and Pakistan). They wander hither and yon, seemingly traveling between dimensions of time, thought, and feeling. People who find Indian classical music too demanding for a beginner and/or have no idea what Persian music sounds like need have no fear. These three extended pieces, called "Fire," "Dawn," and "Eternity," may be somewhat rarified but they are also utterly accessible. Performing live before a respectfully rapt audience, Ghazal is at once sensuous, austere, fiery, and spiritual. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

A trip from the terrestrial to the celestial........2007-03-24

"Gazal": An Urdu word, to me it means: a delicate poem of love and passion.

Pl let me share a few known things. Ustaad Shujaat is a maestro of Sitar, a seven string Indian music instrument, with a big echo box made from a shell of a gourd. He excels in "Gayaki" style where strings are plucked and intonations made to emulate vocal chords. He hums along and renders the words with Sitar as a fiddle, to follow up. He has a deep commitment to the tradition, at the same time is fearless to experiment and improvise. Please listen to his other CD "Lajo" where pristine folk tunes from Punjab, India have been given a rebirth. Amazing, indeed.

Kayhan Kalhor, for me has been an amazing find and gift to Indians; from Persia With Love. I have no words to write about him, but admire his art, vision, virtuosity.

Together they in this CD will enthrall anybody. If you can follow the words, this is ecstatic. Otherwise it is sublime. Listen and enjoy these to take a flight to another planet.

This is very inspiring music, to go on a trip, from the terrestrial to the celestial.

ENJOY.

Anil, Iselin, NJ.

First rate.......2007-01-03

During a cab ride I took in New York, the driver played a CD of some Indian music which included a male voice as well as sitar, tabla and tambura. I asked him what it was and he wrote the name "Ghazal" as well as some other words that didn't show up on the Amazon search. The Rain is not the same CD and I'm not sure if it's even the same artist. The cab driver's CD was pure classical Indian and The Rain is a sort of fusion of Indian and Persian. If I made a mistake buying this CD it was a very lucky mistake because the quality of the music is very high. The interaction among the players is of a very high calibre, like that of the very best jazz combos as they take a motif and work it as if it were composed but with such a feel of spontaneity which is so much the excitment of improvisational music. I suppose that many people would like to find a piece of music like this if they only knew where to look. I got lucky with this one and I recommend it highly.

Pure Bliss.......2006-05-28

I own so many cd's of virtually every genre you could imagine among my favorites being indian classical, gypsy jazz, fusion, and flamenco. This cd is one of the few that i would rank among my very favorites. Shujaat Khan and Kayhan Kalhor play in complete sympathy with one another and are provided great tabla playing by the up and coming tabla virtuoso, Sandeep Das. The interesting thing about this group is that they combine effortlessly the two traditions of Indian Raga of North India and Persian Dastgah. These traditions are very different but you would never realize by listening to this music. They each uphold their tradition but welcome the other with open arms and mutual understanding. In short, If you should only buy one album this year, I would probably choose this one. All of the songs are great and long. The last track "Eternity" is probably my favorite clocking in at about 20 minutes and taking you to a place you could never imagine. Shujaatji really proves his remarkable since of music and his astonishing control over the sitar on this one. Also to check out would be Ustad Sultan Khan's album with Ustad Zakir Hussain of Raga Bhupali and Ali Akbar Khan's duet with Pandit Nikhil Banerjee on the Signature Series. ESSENTIAL TO ANY HUMAN BEING!

Hindu-Persian Beauty.......2005-12-18

Few CDs from my 4000 collection of CDs get into my car for a long ride as frequently as The Rain. I just cannot have enough of Kalhor's kamancheh sound and the peaceful Hindu-Persian feeling that it evokes. The sound brings back for me the memories of my younger days at my aunt's Safavid era house in the Northern Iran city of Rasht and the peaceful Zoroastrian temples of Iran and India where I spent a lifetime of happy hours. This is a keeper.

it sends me.......2005-12-09

My music staples are blues and rock, but I like all kinds. Whether it's blues or classical or Persian/Indian the masters of the genre put me in a zone that makes me forget about the cowboys looting our country. THis cd does that. These guys make great music.

Average customer rating: Lost Songs of the Silk Road Opened my eyes again Seductive and mesmerizing...a welcome escape!

Lost Songs Of The Silk Road Ghazal Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: As Night Falls On The Silk Road The Rain Moon Rise Over the Silk Road Night Silence Desert Without You ASIN: B000000E4I Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

1. The Saga Of The Rising Sun
2. Come With Me
3. You Are My Moon
4. Safar/Journey

Amazon.com

The word ghazal means a type of Persian (Iranian) poetry and also describes an old style of romantic ballad often sung in India. The classical music traditions of Iran and India both feature complex scales and rhythms that demand a lifetime of study. However, they are highly compatible with each other, and combining them allows for fresh insights and deeper pleasures. Shujaat Hussain Kahn is the son of the legendary sitarist Ustad Vilayat Khan, and his own command of the multistringed instrument is a wondrous thing. He is joined by Iran's Kayhan Kalhor, a master of the kamancheh, a spiked violin with a woodsy tone, and the setar, a small lute thought to be a prototype of the sitar. The brilliant tabla drummer Swapan Chaudhuri rounds out an all-star trio. Together they make exciting, accessible, richly melodic music that will delight listeners of all tastes and backgrounds. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Lost Songs of the Silk Road.......2007-02-24

It came on time in great conditon. I have listened to it several times.

Opened my eyes again.......2003-11-09

This music openned my eyes again. After hearing part of it on Public Radio while driving on the highway, I had to stop in an Indian music store in Chicago to get it.

Seductive and mesmerizing...a welcome escape!.......1998-10-17

I found that this music grows on you with repeated listening. It ebbs and flows, and before you know it you're transported to another time and place, not readily found in today's world. The fusion of Indian and Persian influences works surprisingly well. The vocal is an enchanting complement to the two exotic instruments. Not to be missed!

Average customer rating:

Dear Mr. Fantasy Featuring the Music of Jim Capaldi and Traffic Manufacturer: Eagle Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968 ASIN: B000TE8BO4 Release Date: 2007-08-21

Tracks:

1. Paper Sun - Paul Weller
2. Lost Inside Your Love - Stevie Lange
3. Living On The Outside - Joe Walsh, Bill Wyman & Jon Lord
4. Elixir Of Life - Dennis Locorriere
5. Whale Meat Again - Simon Kirke
6. Love's Got A Hold On Me - The Storys
7. Forty Thousand Headman - Joe Walsh
8. Man With No Country - Yusuf Islam
9. Light Up Or Leave Me Alone - Steve Winwood
10. Dear Mr Fantasy - Steve Winwood

Tracks:

1. Evil Love - Gary Moore
2. Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush - Paul Weller
3. Let Me Make Something In Your Life - Stevie Lange & Jon Lord
4. Gifts Of Unknown Things - Phil Capaldi & Jon Lord
5. Love You Till The Day I Die - Margo Buchanan
6. No Face, No Name, No Number - Pete Townshend
7. John Barleycorn Must Die - Joe Walsh
8. Pearly Queen - Paul Weller
9. Rock And Roll stew - Dennis Locorriere, Margo Buchanan & Stevie Lange
10. Love Will Keep Us Alive - Steve Winwood, Joe Walsh & the ensemble

Album Description

In January 2007 a fantastic line-up of guests gathered at the Roundhouse in London to pay tribute to the late Jim Capaldi of Traffic and to raise money for his children's charity The Landmark Trust. Old friends such as Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens), Pete Townshend of The Who, Joe Walsh of The Eagles, Jon Lord of Deep Purple, Gary Moore, Dennis Locorriere of Dr Hook and of course his Traffic colleague Steve Winwood, were joined by younger admirers such as Paul Weller and The Storys to perform their favorite Traffic and Jim Capaldi tracks in front of a sell out audience. The evening was hosted by broadcasting legend "Whispering" Bob Harris.

Album Description

In January 2007 a fantastic line-up of guests gathered at the Roundhouse in London to pay tribute to the late Jim Capaldi of Traffic and to raise money for his children's charity The Landmark Trust. Old friends such as Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens), Pete Townshend of The Who, Joe Walsh of The Eagles, Jon Lord of Deep Purple, Gary Moore, Dennis Locorriere of Dr Hook and of course his Traffic colleague Steve Winwood, were joined by younger admirers such as Paul Weller and The Storys to perform their favorite Traffic and Jim Capaldi tracks in front of a sell out audience. The evening was hosted by broadcasting legend Whispering Bob Harris.

Average customer rating: a Musical spiritual Gathering -casual yet resonant

Night of Remembrance: Live at the Royal Albert Hall Yusuf Islam Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Footsteps in the Light I Look, I See An Other Cup Prayers of the Last Prophet The Life of the Last Prophet ASIN: B000LAZDFG Release Date: 2006-12-18

Tracks:

1. Introduction - Sarah Rhalem
2. I Look, I See - Yusuf Islam
3. Praise to the Prophet (Pbuh) - Zain Bhikha
4. Selawat - Khalid Belrhouzi
5. Al Fatiha - Sarah Rhalem
6. God Is the Light - Yusuf Islam
7. Children's Ideas for Peace
8. Native Deen Introduction
9. Intentions
10. Madad - Khalid Belrhouzi
11. Nkosi Sikeleli' Afrika - Zain Bhikha
12. Our World - Zain Bhikha
13. Tala 'Al-Badru 'Alayna - Faeeza Malinga
14. Drug Free
15. Save Me
16. Word of Thanks - Yusuf Islam
17. Peace Train '03 - Yusuf Islam
18. Tala 'Al-Badru 'Alayna

Tracks:

1. Al Fatiha - Imad El-Deen Halawi
2. Thankfulness - Abdal Hakim Murad
3. People of Hope - Hamza Yusuf Hanson

Album Description

Two CD live recording from the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens and friends. Night Of Remembrance commemorated 20 years of Islamia Schools. Held at the Royal Albert Hall in October, 2003, Yusuf Islam was joined by friends from around the world to celebrate the anniversary and share the universal message of peace. Disc One features the songs performed that evening while Disc Two contains the speeches and prayers.

Customer Reviews:

a Musical spiritual Gathering -casual yet resonant.......2007-03-19

Rememberance of our higher Spirit, which resides within and expands outwardly in Song

Average customer rating:

Anthology Of World Music: The Music Of Islam And Sufism In Morocco Various Artists Manufacturer: Rounder Select ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Morocco | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Middle East & North Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sufi Chants From Cairo Arabo-Andalusian Sufi Songs Music of Islam, Vol. 5: Aissaoua Sufi Ceremony Sufi Anthology Of World Music: Africa - Music From Rwanda ASIN: B00000G5T8 Release Date: 1999-01-26

Tracks:

1. Call To Prayer - Moulay Abdeslam Ben Mohamed El Idrissi
2. Chant - El Hajj Mohamed El Hakim Bennani
3. Qur' anic Chant - Omar Ben Hmad Ben Ali/Yahya Ben Abderrahmane/Mbarek Ben Mohamed Bel Hajj...
4. Mystical Brotherhood - Ma'alem Tonio
5. Music During Ramadan - El Qasimi Mohamed Ben Hsin
6. Religious Brotherhood - Ma'alem Abdnnabi
7. Milhun - Hsika Mohamed Dallal

Amazon.com

This beautifully laid out program of music displays both the ambiguity and power that music expresses in Muslim society in Morocco. Starting with a call to prayer and a singing from the Quran (the two types of music sanctioned by the fundamentalist branches of Islam), the seven tracks in this set trace orthodox works and the mystical musical brotherhoods that gave birth to the familiar gnawa music. Perhaps the prize of the set is an art music called al-milhun. This sung poetry, accompanied by string instruments and percussion, best shows how folk and classical music become almost inseparable genres in many cultures, allowing both secular growth and religious devotion to the past to thrive side-by-side. This is yet another well-documented recording from the UNESCO Anthology of World Music being reissued on Rounder. --Louis Gibson

Average customer rating:

I Look, I See Friends & Children Yusuf Islam Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Night of Remembrance: Live at the Royal Albert Hall Footsteps in the Light I Have No Cannons That Roar Life of the Last Prophet Prayers of the Last Prophet ASIN: B000LAZDEM Release Date: 2006-12-18

Tracks:

1. I Look, I See - Yusuf Islam
2. Al-Khaliq
3. Allahu Allahu
4. Bismillah (I Am a Muslim)
5. Months in Islam [Extended]
6. Sing Children of the World
7. Our Guide Is the Qur'an
8. Your Mother
9. Tala'a Al-Badru 'Alayna - Faeeza Malinga

Album Description

2003 release from the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. Features children's music from Yusuf as well as many of his Muslim musician friends and, of course, children from Islamia schools. Nine tracks. EMI.

Album Details

Featuring Nine Lively and Inspirational Songs for Children. With Short Teaching Inserts Between Songs in a New and Melodic Approach to Helping Children Learn Good Morals and Love for God and his Final Messenger Muhammad.

Average customer rating: Meditative reflective music repetitious-repertoire.... Soothing to the soul... Kayhan Kalhor/Shujaat Husain Khan masters of improvisation Amazing

As Night Falls On The Silk Road Ghazal Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lost Songs Of The Silk Road The Rain Moon Rise Over the Silk Road Night Silence Desert Without You ASIN: B00000AFQ3 Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

1. My Eyes, My Heart
2. Between Dawn And Dawn A New Truth
3. Snowy Mountains
4. Traces Of The Beloved

Amazon.com

This is the second release to feature the exceptional collaboration between Persian and Indian musical masters and it is every bit as good. Kayhan Kalhor is a consummate player of the kamancheh (Persian spike fiddle). In Kalhor's hands this instrument has a range of expression from gentle melancholy to fiery passion. Shujaat Hussain Khan is the masterful sitarist of this musical meeting. His pure tone and technique create watery cascades of notes, and at other times, eruptions of bright sparks of sound. Swapan Chaudhuri, tabla virtuoso, provides the rhythmic foundation and deft percussive ornamentation. The four long pieces on this title are rich treasure troves of classical technique and dazzling improvisation. The marvelous interplay between the bowed kamancheh, the plucked sitar, the struck tabla, and the warm vocals, exemplify not only the meeting of the remarkable minds of the musicians, but also the joining of two rich musical traditions finding harmonious common ground. --Jeff Grubb

Customer Reviews:

Meditative reflective music.......2007-03-27

I got this disc on the recomendation and result of reading some of the reviews here, most notably by "peperflower." As a result I was very satisfied and play this disc whenever I need that break from reality to ease into another state of mind;it always works. The colloboration of Persian and Indian music that is meditative is an experience that should be experienced by all world music lovers. The peaceful harmonies are foreign but familiar. If you read the names of the songs you get the picture. The improvisation by the musicians and mesmerizing vocals is perfect music for reflection. The tablas and sitar couple beautifully with the kamancheh(spike fiddle) to create an ancient sound that is timeless. This music takes you on a journey; on a soujourn of the soul and it's inner workings. Somehow peace comes through all the surrounding chaos of our existence when you listen to your heartbeat and the music of Kayhan Kalhor & Shujarat Husain Khan. This is a masterpiece of improvisation that rivlaies the greatest jazz and blues musicians of the western world. Listen to this disc and find your peace. Peace be with you.

repetitious-repertoire...........2005-08-18

I found Ghazal's live recording -The Rain- to be a mesmerizing fusion of Persian music with Indian Raga(5-stars). But I have been disappointed with other recordings that I have sought out,for the simple reason that I find Ghazal's repertoire to be surprisingly limited.This disc for example has only the 3rd track that is "new",the other 3 tracks are variations of what is on the live recording. Same melodic lines with fresh improvised structures.Sure,this is a fine recording with outstanding musicianship and thus will serve to treat the first time listener with a delightful experience. however, Iam sad to say that one only needs to own any one of their recordings and that is all. It is a repetitious-repertoire...on disc,however,this music really lives on the stage,it is a living-tradition that perhaps was never meant to be "recorded".

Soothing to the soul..........2005-07-26

Ghazal keeps a beautiful flow of music floating around your mind.

Kayhan Kalhor/Shujaat Husain Khan masters of improvisation.......2004-09-23

I have got many CDs of Persian music but I consider this one the most beatiful among them.
The sound experience of the players and the mastery of instruments show through the whole album but it's in "Traces of the Beloved" (4th track) that you can find confirmation of that.
If I were in everyone of you fans of persian music, I'd buy this CD with no hesitation at all. It lasts almost 75 minutes and you enjoy every moment.
You can clearly notice how well Kalhor and Husain Khan play their improvisations with one mind and one heart. There are moments in which one player leaves way to the other and viceversa.
Tip: the first time you listen to this CD, don't be envolved in other mansions. Just list to the music and let your mind fly hand in hand with the setar of Sujaat Husain Khan.

Amazing.......2003-02-20

This is one of the most fantastic, relaxing, dreamy CD's you will ever own...I plan on buying the other 2 as soon as possible.
I have a wide range of musical favorites, from Godflesh to old school punk to The Chemical Brothers...Ghazal seems to speak to me for some reason. You can put this CD in and just float through the whole set mesmerized. I have no other way to describe it.
awesome

Average customer rating: A Is for Allah Wait for the Live Show Done Well, could be better Beautifully done. A fine introduction to Islam for English-speaking people

A Is for Allah Yusuf Islam Manufacturer: Resurgence UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Children's Music | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Prayers of the Last Prophet Life of the Last Prophet Footsteps in the Light An Other Cup ASIN: B00004TTFY Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. A: Allah
3. Ayat Al-Kursi (2: 255)
4. Say He Is Allah
5. B: Bismillah
6. Bismillah
7. T: Taqwa
8. Th: Thawab
9. J: Jannah
10. Surah Al-Kahf (18: 31)
11. H: Hajj
12. Kh: Khatam
13. D: Deen
14. Our Guide To The Qur'an
15. Dh: Dhikr
16. R: Ramadan
17. Z: Zakah
18. Surah Al-Tawbah
19. S: Salam
20. Salam, Salam
21. Sh: Shams
22. Surah Al-An'am
23. S: Salah
24. D: Duha
25. Surah Ad-Duha (93: 1-11)
26. T: Tareeq

Tracks:

1. Turn To Allah
2. Z: Zill
3. 'I: Ilm
4. Gh: Ghayb
5. F: Fatihah
6. Surah Al-Fatihah (1: 1-7)
7. Q: Qur'an
8. Surah Al-Qadr (97: 1-5)
9. Qur'anu Rabbee
10. K: Kalimah
11. L: La Ilaha Illa-Allah
12. M: Muhammad Rasul-Allah
13. Seal Of The Prophets
14. N: Nawm
15. Surah Al-Sajdah
16. H: Hijrah
17. W: Wu'du
18. Surah Al-Muddaththir (74: 1-5)
19. Y: Yawm Ad-Deen
20. Surah Al-Infitar
21. A Is For Allah
22. Last Word

Album Description

20 Years in the Making YUSUF ISLAM's LATEST RELEASE. With 8 songs - most of which he wrote and 1 he performs, he explains the basics of his faith through the vehicle of the 28 letter Arabic alphabet. The album takes its name from the title track written by Yusuf after the birth of his first child back in 1980 but never officially released. Read about why Yusuf decided to resume his career in production 17 years after accepting Islam. "A is for Allah" also introduces Zain Bhikha, a young up-and-coming artist from South Africa, part of Yusuf's efforts to encourage and work with talented artists. Zain, who flew in especially to record, loved the experience. " I'm not too sure if I can ever express in words what it felt like to work with Yusuf Islam. It was something I've dreamt of doing since I started singing in 1994". This album will accompany the 68 page full colour hardback book of the same name- which contains the complete text as well as all the lyrics - that was released in the UK in November 19! 99. Some trivia-- apparently a pirate copy of the song A is for Allah was bootlegged all around the world and amazingly hit the top of the charts in Turkey in the 1980s; a decade later he was to achieve the same with Tala'a al-Badru 'Alayna from the album The Life of the Last Prophet (1995). Double CD and Book.

Customer Reviews:

A Is for Allah.......2006-11-05

Peace and Blessings,
I truly enjoyed both CDs, A is for Allah and Bismillah.
I found myself playing them over and over.
Yusuf Islam did excellent on these CDs... makes me proud to me a Muslim.

Unfortunately my wonderful CDs were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina and are no longer available through Amazon.

If anyone can direct me to where I can purchase these CDs, A is for Allah and Bismillah, please post a message to this site.

Thanks,
Suez

Wait for the Live Show.......2004-09-29

Needless to say there are no future plans for a US tour.

Done Well, could be better.......2004-01-31

As a Muslim, I was pleased that an ENglish language Muslim album had been put out, but was less plesed when I actually heard it. This very much a children's album; not what it had been made out to be. Oh well.

For Muslim music in English that is for adults, I recommend "Soldiers of Allah", a group that has performed with Yusuf. You probably can't find their Cd outside of the Middle East, so I'd advise you to download it(even if it illegal, it's the only way).

Beautifully done........2002-08-22

I purchased this CD after having listened to some of Yusuf Islam's music, although, I am ashamed to admit, after my sister dowloaded some of his songs from the internet for my newborn son.
I was immediately enchanted and wanted to listen to more.
This CD is so beautifully put together that when you are listening to it in the car you don't want to shut it off even after you have reached your destination.
The Surah and songs are used to explain and support the his narration of the alphabet. For example, after A is for Allah, AyatulKursi is recited to explain the Power and Abilities of Allah.
The song lyrics are simple enough for any child to understand and at the same time very meaningful. I find myself constantly singing them.
My only suggestions to you when listening to this CD is to listen to it carefully and in the order it is presented.
Then the last song, A is Allah, will be so much more meaningful.After that you can go back to any thing you liked out of the CD.
I hope this helps.

A fine introduction to Islam for English-speaking people.......2001-11-04

By means of the 28 character Arabic alphabet, in order, Yusuf Islam, a Britisher, a convert and the author and narrator, associates each letter with an Arabic word representing an Arabic concept.

Interspersed with the explanation of each word/concept are Arabic song and/or phrases. The concepts are given context and are shown to demonstrate the connection to Allah as revealed in the Qu'ran.

Those new to Islam are introduced to the basic tenets of the faith and basic doctrines, such as the Five Pillars of Islam, Ramadan (ninth month of a holy moon), Al-Salat (the way of prayer set by the rising and falling of the sun), fasting, generosity in wealth, purification and cleansing, salaam (peace and safety), hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, the importance of education through reading and gaining wisdom with proper guidance (most importantly, the Qu'ran), believing in unseen things (faith), supreme relevance of the prophet and messenger Mohammed and the Day of Judgment. In sum and over both CDs, Yusuf Islam is demonstrating that Islam is a way of life as he has come to know it.

This is a double album and is a production of the Mountain of Light organization based in London. The first CD is color-coded red, the second, sky blue. It is appropriate for all age groups. Yusuf Islam's voice is calm and pleasing, measured and soothing. The musical interludes are brief and appropriate. There is a children's choir that sings some of the songs which are done in English. Certain songs are done with women's voices unlike the voices in "Prayers of the Last Prophet" produced by the same organization.

Do not be dissuaded by those who say "A is for Allah" is for children for it is a tenet that we are all children of Allah.

Average customer rating: Remembering Rumi Beautiful, calming, and almost hypnotic music

Music of Islam, Vol. 9: Mawlawiyah Music of the Whirling Dervishes Galata Mevlevi & Sema Ensemble Manufacturer: Celestial Harmonies ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Turkey | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Music of Islam, Vol. 10: Qur'an Recitation 3 The Music of Islam, Volume 14: Mystic Music Through the Ages Sufi Chants From Cairo Music of Islam, Vol. 4: The Arabian Peninsula ASIN: B0000007Z4 Release Date: 1997-12-02

Tracks:

1. Na'T-i Sherif - Hasan Semerkantli
2. Nay Improvisation - Mahmut Bilki
3. Prelude - Music Of Islam
4. Sazidilara Ayin - Music Of Islam
5. Kamanche Improvisation - Sedat Altinoz
6. Wherever You Turn You See God's Presence - Music Of Islam
7. Suite In Segah Part 1, Peshrev/Part 2, Sol Cennetin Irmaklari.../Part 3, Ey Allahim Beni Senden... - Music Of Islam
8. Bowed Tanbour Improvistion - A. Nuri Benli
9. Suite In Rast Part 1, Ka' Benin Yollari/Part 2, Ey Asik-I Dildade - Hasan Semerkantli

Album Description

Ten years in the making, The Music of Islam series recorded in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Yemen, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iran and Qatar represents the most comprehensive sound documentation available to Westerners today, of a world religion dating back to 1/622. Although governed by strict rules for fourteen centuries, contact with other cultures has radically affected Islamic music throughout history. As the world enters the XV/21st century the timing of this collection serves an even larger purpose, documenting the traditions that have survived and will continue to survive for centuries to come. Today, one fifth of the world's population, one billion people, are Muslims, occupying a large territory stretching from the Atlantic shore of north and west Africa, through west, central, and south Asia to island southeast Asia, and attracting an increasing following in India, western Europe, north America, east Asia, and southern Africa. This is a global presence which cannot be ignored.

Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, has long had a tradition of art music, and one of the most celebrated mystical traditions in the world, that of the Mevlevi dervishes, evolved in Turkey. Mevlevi or Mawlawiyah music, developed in the VII/13th century and nurtured by several centuries of sultans, poets, and musicians, remains arguably the greatest Turkish contribution to the music of Islam. Although this music is the focus of this volume its influence is also strongly felt in volume 14.

Tracks 1-6 in this volume represent a complete sema ritual, and other rituals of mystic Mevlevi music are included as well. As a branch of Sufism, the Mevlevis practice the ritual called zikr (Arabic dhikr) - an ecstatic ceremony of invocation and remembrance of God through, among other things, the repeated chanting of his many names. The zikr is practiced by Sufis throughout the Islamic world, and it has been noted that even the Turkish sema is a specific subdivision of this genre of ritual. The Mevlevis also present their mystical music in what might be viewed as a kind of concert suite (tracks 7 and 9). Track 8 is a prelude of sorts that introduces the mode used in the final suite. Each suite is united by a different mode. In every case, the music draws its inspiration from the text, and its structure from a sophisticated set of modes, rhythms, and traditional forms.

Customer Reviews:

Remembering Rumi.......2007-01-13

When you hear the Mawlawiyah Music, your memory will go to the Rumi's Wedding with God. It is very exciting music.

Beautiful, calming, and almost hypnotic music.......2001-12-05

I am uninitiated in the music of Islam, and decided today to purchase two albums. After sampling a few tracks from this particular album, I bought it. The other was "Lalezar - Music of the Sultans, Sufis & Seraglio" also found here at Amazon.

Now that I heard more of it on my home stereo system, I am intrigued and amazed by the beautiful music on this particular CD.

This is volume 9 of the 17 volumes comprising the set. I've been fortunate enough to have seen a live performance of Mawlawiyah music and the Whirling Dervishes, and from that experience I naturally gravitated to this CD in particular.

The Mawlawiyah music are composed and performed for the purpose of bringing all participants, including the listeners, closer to God. The music serves as a vehicle to a spiritual world.

I understood nary a word uttered on this CD, but it didn't matter. I found it strangely relaxing, and I was left longing for more.

If you are interested in world music, I believe you will enjoy this CD greatly.

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