From its inception, hip-hop artists have been greatly influenced by the principles of Islam. During the 1980s, many emcees referenced the Holy Qur’an and speeches by Malcom X, Clarence 13X, and Minister Louis Farrakhan in their songs. Several prominent artists in hip-hop are currently observing the holy month of Ramadan. Here are their top Islamic-inspired lyrics.-amir shaw
Lupe Fiasco-“Muhammad Walks”“And to the sisters and the mothers of ours Who cover theyselves cause they’re lovers of God The Creator of the worlds, Sculptor of the stars, During Hajj we walk, through Ramadan we starve Though you not eatin, there’s a feedin of the mind A defeatin of the demons, a seein’ of the signs”
Mos Def-“Love”“After us, I see most proceed to be treesSproutin leaves, given breeze to the we who believeI MC, which means I Must Cultivate the earthBack straight backs, hard beats and hard workI be the funky drummer to soften the hard earth(Amin) Pray Allah keep my soul and heart clean(Amin) Pray the same thing again for all my team”
Freeway-“Got Nowhere” I can’t lie, wish life would just open its handcuffsand let me go, I feel like I’m doin a bidI can’t slide, so what I’m a rapper?I can’t escape the wrath of Allah
What is Ramadan?Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims must refrain from food, sex, negative thoughts and renew a devotion to God from dawn to sunset. Muslims greet each other by saying Ramadan Mubarak [have a blessed Ramadan] and celebrate the end of the holy month with a three-day festival of fast-breaking known as Eid ul-Fitr.
Reasons Why non-Muslims may want to participate-To develop self-control and discipline-To purify the body and the mind-To gain closeness to a higher being-To demonstrate a commitment and sacrifice
