Too Much Beatbox Or Not Too Much Beatbox
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I got an email today about a recent article written on MuslimMatters.org.
Salaam alaykum all,
I wrote an article on MM about voice only music, my experiences with it, and how I’m personally dealing with the different issues that come up as there are at times unclear answers. I also mention the AlMaghrib trailers because one of them was a turning point in what I did and didn’t listen to.
There’s no condemnation here, simply the going over milestones and how I’ve dealt with them, and looking for feedback from others.
- Siraaj Muhammad
You can check out the article by clicking the image below.
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The issue of beat-boxing, vocal play and a capella in Islamic media has been an issue of some controversy. I think this is mainly due to the confusion on many people’s part as to whether it’s really permissible or not.
You can get the gist by the article linked above.
When I produced the last AlMaghrib promo – the one that features the instructors, student body locations and what AlMaghrib is – a lot of concern came about.
Several months back, Yaser Birjas and I had a talk addressing the concern and the discussions that were taking place. The following points were made:
The objective and purpose of sound in a video is like the objective of a carpet in a room.
It’s suppose to add warmth, pull you in and at the same time bring forth a specific emotion. The carpet enhances the room and increases the overall impact and impression it has on you many folds.
There is of course the potential to choose the wrong carpet for a room and at times putting a carpet in a room where there isn’t suppose to be any.
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Assuming you got the analogy -
What’s the solution to people’s perception of vocal play and beat-boxing being looked upon as music” when in truth, by standards this society – “if its got rhythm then its music”?
Personally I think the solution is branding.
Fact is that the videos don’t use musical instruments and from my understanding its the instruments that are prohibited. Not the rhythm or sounds.
I think market education is a big part of solving the Muslim student’s concerns. Also pushing the bar on professionalism is also key.
A professional sound designer will deliver so long as the framework to work within is made clear.
I know for a fact that some of the non-Muslim film makers and producers I know love the sound scores of the AlMaghrib trailers, and they especially love the fact that it’s made from no musical instruments.
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I think the fact AlMaghrib videos don’t have musical instruments needs to be made more clear.
The only way I think it can be made clearer is in addition to the “No Musical Instruments” screen at the beginning of the videos, add a “no musical instruments were used in this score” as part of the “ending credits” of all future videos.
This way perhaps others who miss the beginning screen can catch it in the end.
Another solution is to teach a seminar about – or include the subject in a seminar of sort. Many people are unclear on the issue.
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As a follow up to Siraaj’s email, there was another email sent today via AlMaghrib’s HQ saying:
Recently our senior shyookhs and management team had this discussion. After going back n forth, we’ve decided that we will not use beat-boxing in our trailers anymore.
More importantly as time permits, we will be editing the past trailers in sha Allah.
It begs me to question, what will the stance be on the use of non beat-boxing sounds that are also non instrumental used in a rhythm? The effect is the same.
I guess time will tell.
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Posts in the past that address this issue:
My house is...
Shuaib Mansoori Says: 19.10.09 at 11:29 pm
Assalamu Alaikum Akhi,
Loved Siraaj’s post, Masha Allah brought back memories of my own journey towards leaving music.
With regards to beat-boxing, Alhamdulillah the issue became clear to me after listening to Shk. Kamal El-Mekki’s “End of Music” lecture series. Definitely recommend listening to it, I wonder how he gave such a lecture amongst college going youth in NYC of all places!
Akhi, I was wondering about an example of “non beat-boxing sounds that are also non instrumental” as you mentioned in your article above. Never knew that there’s a possibility of making such sounds…will be interesting to know.
JazakAllah Khair.
Aarif Subzposh Says: 20.10.09 at 10:31 am
i personally dont like the beat boxing too much. Its too imitative of real music; its almost respecting the past beats of rappers etc. Uniqueness is key when dealing with Islamic media.
And Allah knows best.
Abu Zayd Says: 21.10.09 at 12:04 am
I am a big fan of your work Belal. Your work has taken the ummah to another level of professionalism and dawah, and charted the course for Muslim organizations and institutions. I think your decision not to use instruments is to be commended. I don’t see the big deal with all the fuss over that last Almaghrib trailer. Anyone who saw it has to admit it that it was a fine piece of work that very few can replicate, and it definitely encapsulates what AlMaghrib is about to a wider audience.
Frankly, I feel part of the controversy has to do with cultural preferences, as most people don’t have issues with Bakhater/Alafasy/etc. who use sad, wailing background humming tones since those are associated with the East, but the same people have problems with “beatboxing” which sounds more Western.
If these audio options become more and more restricted, the videos are likely to get less and less interesting.
Keep up the work. May Allah accept our intentions in all that we do.
Holly Garza Says: 21.10.09 at 5:16 pm
Salaam Alaikum I think you’re work is very good and enjoy the promo
miss Says: 28.10.09 at 12:30 am
Assalamu alaikum wrwb bro…
Just wondering, what if, using the aforementioned analogy, the carpet gives off the vibe of club music/rhythm? I think beatboxing sounds really good and attractive and all…but it truly tempts people to start moving…and some of the beats remind me of disco beats. I think the musical instruments are not wrong solely for being instruments, its about the effect they can have on the soul.
AlBaraa Says: 28.10.09 at 2:34 pm
@MISS -
Speaking from a TECHNICAL perspective:
If the “vibe” of club, music or rhythm is what is intended, then that sound designer did a good job. If it wasn’t intended, then the sound designer needs to be replaced.
Speaking from a SPIRITUAL perspective:
From what I follow and understand based on what my teachers have taught me, MUSICAL Instruments ARE wrong solely for being MUSICAL instruments mainly because of the understanding of the word “ma’aazif” translates into Musical Instruments.
Ma’aazif are on of the things that according to RasulAllah-swt people will try to make halaal, along with the wearing of slik for men, fornication and wine. The hadeeth is saheeh – look it up if you wish.
I suggest it’s best to seek out your local imam and teacher and have them clear up the issue for you personally.
What effect does it have on the soul? I believe it varies from person to person. Allahu alam.
Adbul Says: 29.10.09 at 4:40 pm
Alhumdhulillah, you seem have tremendous talent. However, on this issue, a story comes to mind of the Yahood fishing laying nets on Saturday, when they prohibited from fishing. Allah knows best. It is the intent that counts, not technicalities, which the lawyers can argue till the cows come home. However it is spun, if the intent is replace the void filled by “sound” produced by musical instruments, it just doesn’t work for me.
Siraaj Says: 30.10.09 at 12:38 am
It’s an interesting question – what if one wears fake silk instead of real silk? fake gold instead of real gold? Is it the material, or the feel of the material? different scholars come down on these issues with opposing conclusions based on legitimate differences.
In the end, we each will have to face Allah, and the most important point is that we make the decision of what we follow based on the desire to please Allah, or that we don’t believe what we are doing will harm our relationship with Allah. If we can keep these two in mind priorities in mind while asking for guidance, I’m confident that even if we are wrong, so long as we strove our best to please Allah, in the end, this is what matters most.
Siraaj
AlBaraa Says: 30.10.09 at 4:48 pm
@Siraaj -
Ditto
elfatih Says: 11.11.09 at 6:39 am
Salaam alaikom brother bilal
i have had a strong fight with myself because i used to think that music is so beautiful and fun, but when time passed by and i got more attached to it – and that is what usually happens when you listen to music – i started to prefer it over the Qur’an. And then, only then i stopped it before i knew what is the ruling of it in Islam. but i really thank Allah for following my fitra before i took lines with my mood and followed music.
It is a hard battle indeed, and yes, it is a faster way to reach people, but the problem with people who listen to music is that they get bored easily and that is why they need to be mesmerized every now and then with a new vibe, it is an unending series of reaction bro. but my advice to you is first do Istikhara, and really think of the pleasure of Allah {swt} because that is what counts most. believe me.
and keep up this fantastic work of yours because you …. have enormous talent my dear brother.
but always remember Allah like you use to.
and here is an article that can help you look at it from a different perspective
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/5011/musical%20instruments