Hussein

Music for Introducing Islam

I often give talks along the theme of introducing Islam for non-Muslims. I have a great deal of fun at these events because they are usually full of interesting, intelligent people looking to learn. My basic approach follows from the belief that “Islam doesn’t speak, Muslims do.” I try to emphasize the living traditions of Muslims. I’ve had my greatest success with music, and invariably I am asked for a list of the music I used. Below is the basic play list I rely on, with occasional additions depending on the audience and focus of my talk. Where possible, I have tried to link to the source on Amazon, otherwise you should be able to get the music on the iTunes music store.

  1. Adhan. Radio and Television Orchestra of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Bismillah: Highlights from the Fes Festival
  2. Surah al-Fatihah. Yusuf Islam. A is for Allah.
  3. Recitation of Verses from the Qur’an. Various. Voices and Lutes: Music in the World of Islam.
  4. Rakan Selawat. Raihan. Puji-Pujian.
  5. Bismillah. Turkish Sufi. Ocean of Remembrance.
  6. Dhamal Qalandar. Sindhi Music Ensemble. Sufi Music from Sindh.
  7. Mahdiyu Laye. Youssou N’Dour. Egypt.
  8. Tala’a Al Badru Alayna. Yusuf Islam. Life of the Last Prophet.
  9. Sultan of Madina. Aashiq al-Rasul. Sultan of Medina.

Quoted: HuffPo on Political Islam

Is Political Islam a Threat to the West?

As Hussein Rashid, a PhD candidate in Harvard University’s Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, remarked, “One thing to keep in mind is that ‘Islam doesn’t speak, Muslims do.’ It is Muslims who define what Islam says and does, within broad parameters. The new generation is engaged, informed, and articulate. It scares the Islamists, because [the new generation] won’t fall for the ideologues.”

Previous Talks

This is a representative list of talks, and is not meant to be exhaustive. I hope it gives you some sense of the type of material I cover.

Media Appearances

June 4, 2009
CNN Newshour with Kyra Phillps
Reactions to Pres. Obama’s Cairo Speech





May 7, 2009
The Daily Dish
American Muslims And Torture


April 22, 2009
HuffPo
Why No Muslim Response to Torture?


March 12, 2009
Change the Story
A Response to Fareed Zakaria


January 25, 2009
HuffPo
Is Political Islam a Threat to the West?


January 24, 2009
AltMuslim
Is Political Islam a Threat to the West?


Feb. 2, 2009 (from Sept. 25, 2008)

Highlights from a panel I was on in Sept. 2008 on “Muslims in the Media,” part of a series called “The Cost of War.” The full audio of the panel is available on this page.


Jan. 8, 2009

UN Press Conference

Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow


Nov. 8, 2008

The Journal News (New York)

Hussein is not a Slur


Sep. 11, 2008

Russia Today (New York)

Being Muslim in New York


Jul. 17, 2008

Shariah TV (UK)

Muslims and the 2008 Presidential Election


May 30, 2008

HuffPo

Swiftboating Obama: Renowned Muslim Scholar Couldn’t Publish Apostasy Response


May 2008

Iqra TV (Saudi Arabia)

Young Muslim Leaders in Cairo


Sept. 30, 2007

CBS Evening News

Talking about the intersection of religion and politics.



Oct. 25, 2006

Oxford University Press Blog

Ingrid Mattson named Head of ISNA


Aug. 13, 2006

State of Belief – Air America Radio

Progressive Faith Blog Con


July 2006

New Jersey Jewish News

Progressive Faith Blog Con