Muslim Youth of North America

[Ages 10 & Up] The newest contemporary Islamic expression from the young artists who know the struggles of growing up Muslim. Their first two albums already define a generation of American youth. Songs: 'Is My Intention Alright', 'I Forgive You', 'Wings of the Deen', 'The Eternal One', 'Istikhara', Raps: 'Only Fear Allah', 'Deening', 'Hua (He)', Chants: Inna Lillah wa inna ilayhi rajioon, 'Astaghfirullah' (w/instruments).

Who is MYNA Raps?

Basically MYNA Raps is just a bunch of youth who write songs about Islam and the struggle as young Muslims in America. We are not really a group or anything. Anyone who has talent and writes Islamic lyrics on specific aspects of life as a young Muslim in America is welcome to represent on the tape.We try not to be superficial and just say good things about Muslims and Islam but rather go in depth into what really concerns Muslim youth in this country. Our main goal is not to please the people but to please Allah (SWA).

Where is MYNA Raps located?

MYNA Raps has no real location. A couple of brothers and sisters in the D.C. Metropolitan area have spearheaded the project for the last several years. But talent can come from anywhere. The very first MYNA Raps was produced by brothers in Indiana. The tapes themselves have been sold internationally.

Who gets the money from MYNA Raps?

Since the work we do is only for the sake of Allah, we give the money made from the sales of the tapes to MYNA (Muslim Youth of North America). The money goes into funding camps and conferences in order to develop a higher awareness of Islam in Muslim youth.

Why does MYNA Raps use no wind or string instruments?

There is a very big debate over the use of musical instruments. Some scholars such as Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi say that if the lyrics of the music is Islamic, then any type of musical instrument is permissible. However there are others that say that wind and string instruments must be avoided and only percussion (drums) instruments can be used. There other scholars that say that only the duff (tambourine) can be used. Even other say no instruments at all are allowed. Since this is such a hot debate, we tried to use the least amount of instruments possible and still give the sound most American Muslim youth are used to. All the sounds are produced electronically and we try to pick only the sounds that resemble a percussion sound. Some songs on the tapes use no instruments at all while some are limited to just basic drum sounds. Others use a array of different percussion sounds including electronically produced sounds of the marimba, log drum, and other percussion. We pray to Allah that our intentions are accepted in this matter and we have made a correct decision.

Why do all MYNA Raps have a similar format?

If you listen to any MYNA Raps, you will notice a similar format in each tape. This is done so that the youth can be exposed to Quranic ayats and Arabic nasheeds in addition to the songs. We try to preface each tape with Arabic nasheeds (songs/chants) and have an ayat of the Qur'an before each song. This way the listener will be able to understand the song better after hearing the verse that precedes it.

What style of songs are on MYNA Raps?

Despite the name MYNA Raps, we try to be as diverse as possible when producing an album. On the tapes currently available, we have a variety of styles including rap, reggae, and regular songs. We always include a song/chant that repeats an Arabic phrase like "La illaha illlah" (There is no God but Allah).

How can I be on MYNA Raps?

We are always looking for new people to be on MYNA Raps. Although we are not looking for a specific style, we are looking for specific content in the song. The songs on MYNA Raps are geared to Muslim youth in this country. So the content of the song should be geared toward them. This means that songs overly childish are not encouraged. But if you have a song, rap or even a poem, please send it to the address below:

Bro. Abdul-Malik Ahmad. 11216 Cherry Hill Rd #T3 - Beltsville, Maryland 20705.

Who were the people who worked on the last tape?

Here is a list of the people who worked on the latest edition of MYNA Raps entitled "THE NEXT LEVEL":

Producer: Abdul-Malik Ahmad

Advisors: Amer Ahmad, Naeem Muhammad

Lyrics:

Intentions alright - Naeem Muhammad, Abdul-Malik Ahmad

Istikhara - Abdul-Malik Ahmad

Deening - North Star, (beat courtesy of Scientific Sounds) Karim Amin, Naeem Muhammad

Worldly Satisfaction - Abdul-Malik Ahmad

The Eternal One - Navid Rasheed

Only Fear Allah - Abdul-Malik Ahmad

Huwa - North Star, Shaheed of SCU, beat courtesy of Scientific Sounds,Karim Amin, Naeem Muhammad, Aymen Shaheed, Jahar

The Next Level - Mu'minah Ahmad, Intisar Rabb

Wings of the Deen - Abdul-Malik Ahmad

Voices:

Nada Unus, Hanna Unus, Masumeh Farchtchi, Sara Haq, Amina Chaudary, Intisar Rabb.