Legendary tenor saxophonist, oboist, flutist and composer Yusef Lateef, whose 75-year odyssey in music took him from the bebop clubs of Detroit to the fields of Africa, the world of classical music and the halls of academia as a tenured professor, died Monday at his home in Amherst, Mass. He was 93.
Courtesy of Qasim Rashid
Activist and author Qasim Rashid (pictured) knew Lateef personally and shared the following thoughts on his Facebook page Tuesday:
Today is a day of sorrow for many including me, but also one of celebration for a brilliant life lived. One of my near and dear mentors died today. From God we are and to God must we return. His name was al-Hajj Abdul Yusef Lateef. He was 93.
Dr. Lateef accepted Islam in 1948 and is one of American history's premier Jazz Musicians. He played at Clinton's inauguration and received Jazz's highest honor in 2010, named 2010 American Jazz Master by The National Endowment for the Arts. He also won a Grammy in 1988. May he rest in peace.http://www.allmusic.com/artist/yusef-lateef-mn0000596922
Lateef's wife, Ayesha, confirmed his death to the press and conveyed to the public that her husband had passed away after a short illness that took hold in September. Lateef is survived by his wife and son, also named Yusef Lateef.
To learn more about the late legendary jazz musician, Yusef Lateef, visit his official webpagehere.
Perhaps she is one the millions of individuals moved by Beyonce's songs -- or maybe she is just a clever Muslim songwriter. Whatever the motivation, tumblr blogger 'This American Muslim Life' has taken it upon herself to re-write the lyrics to 'Grown Woman', a popular Beyonce song to better suit her faith community.
Such a thing isn't exactly new for Muslims online who use words and phrases such as, "Islamicizing this outfit (etc.)" and "halal music lyrics" in social media to communicate their endeavors to make religion mesh nicely with what's popular at the moment.
While currently there does not seem to be a revival of the once trending 'HalalLyrics' hashtag on twitter, the blogger's Islamic rendition of a Beyonce's song comes right on time for the megastar's world tour. Take a look at the 'Islamified' lyrics in full below!
I remember being young 'n salafi *He knew what I needed I was spending all my nights & days Laid back, straight dhikring Look at me, I'm a big girl now Said I'm gonna do sumthin Told the Lord imma read al Quran Now listen, I wrote this (Aaah)
Cus I pray it Sajood's down like that, go down like that And I'm fasting all like that, all like that And I'm deening sound like that, it's sound like that When I do it I don't be whack, don't be whack
I'm a Glowing Woman I will do whatever I can I'm a Glowing Woman I will do whatever I can
I wear hijab cuz I want, will practice Islam if I want I could eat or fast if I want, I could qi-yam all night long I'm a Glowing Woman
He loves it when we talk, when we talk with remembrance And they look at we when we walk cuz we aint show offin' Took awhile now I understand Just where I'm going I know the world think they know who we are It's bout time truth show it (Aah)
Cus I pray it Sajood's down like that, go down like that And I'm fasting all like that, all like that And I'm deening sound like that, it's sound like that When I do it I don't be whack, don't be whack
I'm a Glowing Woman (chorus)
I wear hijab cuz I want, will practice Islam if I want I could eat or fast if I want, I could qi-yam all night long
I'm a Glowing Woman I do whatever I can Whatever it issss
I'm a Glowing Woman So I know to abide it I'm a Glowing Woman And I'm no ascetic I'm a Glowing Woman Bow Down, Got you so compliant I'm a Glowing Woman Transient body
If it aint halal-al-al muslimah wont haaave none You really wanna know how I got it like that I'm in a race of good deeds and I cry in my salat Oh gurrl, you got salaam salaam That girl pray for whatever she wants Go girl, she got that might, that might 10 deeds, for whatever she recite
(Mandinka language chorus)
I'm a Glowing Woman (chorus)
(Mandinka language chorus)
I'm a Glowing Woman 2x I do whatever I can Habeeb I'm Glowing Habeeb. I'm Glowing.
It is something of a shock that Yuna Zarai is not yet a household name in the US. I'd garner a guess that there are more non-Muslims that know of this indie pop crooner than do Muslims -- which is intriguing when you consider the fact that Yuna wears an Islamic headwrap at concerts and press appearances. Yuna is truly something else!
Yuna's 5th album is out in stores this Tuesday Oct. 29th. 'Nocturnal' is sure to please loves or indie-pop fusion and effortless vocals.
The 26-year-old Malaysian beauty's music draws you in with ease using her soothing voice characterized by stability and lightness. On camera and in concerts onlookers witness Yuna's mellow and sophisticated personality which only adds to the sincerity in her songs and song lyrics.
Read the full interview to learn of Yuna's career and family plans and all that went in to her latest album 'Nocturnal' due out in stores October 29th.
Welcome to the USA! Your move from Malaysia to the US was a big deal, how are you adjusting to life in America? It was a little bit difficult for me in the beginning being away from my family and friends, but I actually appreciate having some room to myself to be creative and I met a lot of wonderful people out here who are so inspiring. The working environment here is great. People are so passionate and focused. It's good.
How does it feel to be a hijabi (covered) performance artist and so successful?I mean, working with Pharrell, singing on the soundtrack to The Croods, signing with Verve, whoa! I don't think I'm successful yet, I still have a long way to go. But yeah I feel like any other musician I guess, I feel blessed to be able to work with a lot of talented people and on a lot of different projects. It's been going really great for me Alhamdulillah.
These days are you still writing most, if not all, of your own songs? Not lately! Been so busy with shows and promo stuff for the new album. But I was writing a lot earlier this year which was perfect because I went straight into recording after that.
Do you write songs for other artists? I mainly write for myself but sometimes some of the stuff I wrote didn't make it on the album, I like to share them with other artistes to see if they would like to have one song on their album. Maybe in the future, that's the plan. I'm not trying to be a performer forever, at some point I'd like to have a normal life, have a family, work from home, not being on tour. So writing would be a great career path for me in the future.
Who would you most like to duet with, living or dead? Michael Jackson.
Who are some of your life and music inspirations?
I love Norah Jones and Adele. I like watching their music career grow, and they're so successful and they make great music. But they're so simple and so chill.
My friends and family and I want to bestow you a title, would it be alright to call you 'America's Malaysian Sweetheart?' in press and in daily conversation? Haha I'm very humbled by this! Thank you!
No, thank YOU! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In a park somewhere with my husband and kids painting!
Tell us about your latest album 'Nocturnal' and where metro-Detroiters can purchase it? Nocturnal is such a special project to me. I feel like in this album I really did give it my all, no holding back. I wanted to be creative, I wanted to be happy, I wanted to be sad, I wanted to be angry, I wanted to be brave. And its all in it and you can feel it. It will be out October 29th and you get it almost anywhere!
I'll definitely be getting the album for myself and one additional as a gift. We want to thank Yuna so much for agreeing to this interview when she is incredibly busy with prepping for her new album release. DME readers are forever fans of America's Malaysian Sweetheart:Yuna
Amanda Quraishi is kind of a big deal. Chances are, if you're a progressive minded Muslim who is active on any of the most popular social media platforms, you've heard of her.
Hey there. That's Amanda with Rachel Maddow last month. Whoa.
Quraishi tells it likes it is and has been gracious enough to allow us this interview, an Examiner.com exclusive. Discover the woman behind the awards, popularity and Islamic themed endeavors.
Who are you, woman? And why do so many American Muslims know your name? I'm just your average, everyday American Muslim wife, mother, technology professional, interfaith activist, blogger and internet aficionado. I like people--all kinds--and try to make it a point to know as many of them as possible!
How did you come to Islam (chants, "Conversion Story, Conversion Story")? What brought me to Islam was a very long (and sometimes difficult) journey that involved renouncing the religion of my youth and seeking out a new tradition. At one point I was actively searching for a new religion and studied lots of different ones. Islam ended up being the religion that made the most sense to me as far as how I view God (tawhid). I also fell in love with the social justice aspect of Islam. It is a very practical way of life that helps me to do good in my own family, my own community, and in the world.
Recently you were invited to participate in an interfaith forum that brings together religious people that are making change (Faith in America 2030 Challenge), how did that come about? I went to Garrison, NY to work with a group of interfaith leaders for something called the Faith in America 2030 Challenge. It was a program I had to apply for. More than 200 people applied and 50 were selected. It was an honor to be one of the Muslims representing our national community there. We got together to work on some of the 'big questions' facing people of faith in America today. In addition to having built an amazing network of colleagues at this gathering, we all left with some really solid ideas we could take back to our local communities. Here's a blog post I wrote about the trip: http://muslimahmerican.com/2013/10/faith-in-america-2030-challenge/
You were featured in the American Muslims in Texas segment on Youtube this year, do you think it accomplished its goal? My passion is using technology to accomplish faith-based social justice work. The short video that was produced captured that well, I think.
How do you do it all as a working mother, wife, practicing Muslim, and businesswoman? Well, I don't always do it all. Sometimes things get missed or overlooked even when I'm trying my best. But most of the time, I just try to stay focused on the stuff I've committed to. I have a very strong support network of friends and family who make it possible for me to travel and take advantage of cool opportunities that come my way. My husband, Junaid, is absolutely my rock, and without him I wouldn't be able to do even half of the stuff I do right now.
Being a non-Muslim who was drawn to Islam, hat do you think the biggest misconception that non-Muslims have about Muslims? Contrastingly, what do you think the biggest issue Muslims have with non-Muslims? Biggest misconception that non-Muslims have about Muslims is that there is just one kind of Muslim. Islam is a global religion that spans hundreds of cultures and within those cultures are sects, groups, and individuals with unique ways of doing things. This is actually my favorite thing about being Muslim. I love the diversity we have WITHIN our tradition. I think the biggest misconception that Muslims have of non-Muslims, I think, is that non-Muslims are more likely to be loose morally. Not all non-Muslim people are like the people we see on bad reality TV shows.
What are the plans for the future, your end goal (professional, spiritual, and otherwise)? I try not to make *too* many plans. I do have a few goals that I want to accomplish but I keep those flexible...you never know what the future holds and I've found that being open to things that aren't necessarily on my 'agenda' has allowed me to have some amazing experiences that I would have missed if I had been too tied to a single plan. That being said, I want to develop my own interfaith initiative here in Austin through InterfaithActivism.org. I also want to commit to more writing. I tend to back-burner my writing too often and it's a shame because I have some stuff I really need to get out there!
Can you share with readers any initiatives you think people don't know about and would want to get involved in. I'd like to invite everyone, regardless of where they live, to participate in the Holiday Project for 2014: http://interfaithactivism.org/about/the-holiday-project
There's also a couple GREAT interfaith organizations here in Texas that I think everyone needs to know about. They both have different aims, but depending on your personal area of interest, they are both well worth being involved with: Interfaith Action of Central Texas (interfaithtexas.org) - They have a Refugee Assistance Program (many of the refugees they serve are Muslim), and a Hands on Housing program that lets faith communities work on houses for low-income elderly folks.
The other is Texas Impact (texasimpact.org) which lobbies the Texas State Legislature on behalf of faith communities. They do training on working with your elected officials to get your voice as a person of faith heard. They also write bills and try to get legislation passed that can help faith committees flourish in Texas. (They were responsible for helping pass the Halal Food bill passed in 2003.)
It's a small but very successful initiative which provides financial assistance, educational supplies, and equipment to a large high school in Senegal, Africa. It was started by my friend Yasmin Turk, and she goes over every year to help them implement the stuff we collect here for them. It is truly a labor of love, and it is a perfect example of how a small group of people can make a positive impact on the world. Also, my friend Lila Igram has a small non-profit called Connecther:http://www.connecther.org It provides micro-financing for non-profit initiatives that are improving the lives of girls and women in developing countries. You can select a part of the world that you are most interested in developing, and choose a project to support from a list. All of these are verified 501c3 organizations and you can make small donations toward to help them meet their goals.
Since it's launch in 2009 SoulPancake has done a plethora of projects in the spirituality, creativity, religion, arts, and philosophy arenas. Although not affiliated with any particular religion or religious organization, the media company, co-founded by Rainn Wilson, has created an enviable platform to share spiritual ideas (without beating a person over the head with it) in some unique and exceptional ways.
One of SoulPancake's latest endeavors is the Have a Little Faith video series hosted byZach Anner; Anner being "a self-proclaimed religious idiot" coming to learn more about faith, and different religions.
Have A Little Faith premiered Friday with its first episode featuring a Muslim community in Los Angeles! The description of SoulPancake webisode entitled Take Your Shoes Off, Pray Awhile, published Oct 4, 2013:
In this first episode of Have a Little Faith, self-proclaimed religious idiot Zach Anner heads to the Islamic center of Southern California, to visit with 19 year old Marwa, and join her afternoon prayer.
In the 10 minute episode, Marwa gives a wonderful explanation of her religious views and upbringing and after only a few moments, it is easy to see why she was chosen for the featurette.
At around the 3:20 mark when Anner asks if she was raised in Islam, Marwa's only response was that her parents brought her up in the "Arab culture" which, in actuality, does not answer the posed question and generates confusion as evidenced by the comments (Arab culture includes the Chaldeans, Copts, and Druze communities, all of which are not aligned with Islamic theology). But the slight snafu may just be the preference of the show's directors or editors.
Of course it was an excellent decision to debut the show with a Muslim themed episode, considering Islam is arguably the most controversial religion in this political age.
With already over 15,000 views in two days, the series seems to be fairing well for theSoulPancake Youtube Channel. We certainly want to give SoulPancake a pat on the back for a job well done! #RockOn
Take a look at some of the most interesting places that Muslims worship God. The featuredmosques, or masajid, showcase the design and aesthetics of each country and location in which they are found.
Comment to let us know which is your favorite 'kooky mosque'!
Nuraddeen Zangi MosqueIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
Nuraddeen Zangi Mosque
It would appear Muslim congregants at the Nuraddeen Zangi Mosque need to ferry themselves to the masjid via al-Asi River! (Hama, Syria)
#Pray4Syria #SyriaSolidarity
Toube MosqueIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
Toube Mosque
Whoa...if there is a mosque of the future, this could be it. The Touba Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan looks industrial and high techy, and we aren't even up close and personal.
One thing's for sure, she's a beauty!
Great Mosque of SamarraIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
Great Mosque of Samarra
If the minaret is impressive, wait until you see the entire thing. We introduce: The Malwiya Minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra (Samarra, Iraq)
Who else is getting dizzy now...
Mashkhur Jusup Central MosqueIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
Mashkhur Jusup Central Mosque
If I had my own spaceship in which I could offer prayers in, it would look like the Mashkhur Jusup Central Mosque in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan.
Ahlan wa sahlan to the enterprise. #StarTrek
City Mosque of Kota KinabaluIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
City Mosque of Kota Kinabalu
Malaysia isn't just known for forward thinking Muslima fashion but also some of the most exquisite mosques EVAR!
Case in point the pink City Mosque (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia). We're betting this is a favorite of the women of Malaysia.
Muslims are perhaps the most diverse group of followers on the planet with large populations in Africa, Asia, and the west. Yet when Muslims come together, the questions we ask amongst ourselves tend to be fairly similar.
The featured list comprised of 10 of the most common questions that Muslims ask their fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.
The 'Are You Sufi?' QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The 'Are You Sufi?' Question
Sometimes this question comes after a Muslim sees another Muslim shake hands with a member of the opposite gender or when one Muslim talks about dhikr circle or drops the name of a tariqah. Or just when one a person lays down the mysticism aspect of Islam real nice.
#SufismFTW
The "Did you revert/convert?" QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The "Did you revert/convert?" Question
What's your reversion / conversion story? is a good ice-breaking question when you know that someone was not born Muslim (side note: please do make sure, don't assume!).
Most converts/reverts are more than willing to share the story of how they came to embrace Islam. They know it serves as an inspiration and testament to the deen.
The "Who is the best qari?" QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The "Who is the best qari?" Question
Usually friends asking friends bring this topic up and they compare audio 'notes'. Maybe students at Islamic or Quran memorization school want to do a recitation battle of sorts.
It basically boils down to, when listening to the Quran, who does it for you, takes you to that spiritual high? #ShaykhMuhammadJibreelFTW
The "Are you hafiz?" QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The "Are you hafiz?" Question
Memorize the Quran much?!
Sometimes when a Muslim quotes Quran verses from memory in normal speech, other Muslims wonder if he or she has memorized the whole book or has become a hafiz (hafiza for females).
There are schools for this purpose alone and many children and adults endeavor to put the whole thing to memory.
The "What's the best prayer app?" Question
With 5 prayers needing observing everyday at different times of the day, for every day of the year a timetable is needed! Guess what, there's an app for that...
Which do you recommend for your respective smartphone?
The "Have you ever done Hajj?" QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The "Have you ever done Hajj?" Question
Or it's close second, Have you ever done umrah?
It's all Muslims lifetime goal to endeavor to trek to Saudi Arabia to circumambulate the ka'abah. For those who have already done it, Muslims want to know how it was, how it felt, if that person cried etc. So, did you go?
The "Did you meet through MSA?" QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The "Did you meet through MSA?" Question
You see two young lovebirds who have just tied the knot. You wanna know the story behind recent nuptials so you ask coyly, "Did you guys meet in MSA?"
The Muslim Students' Association also known as the Muslim Singles Association... lol.
The "Are you shia?" QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The "Are you shia?" Question
Mostly shia Muslims do the asking of this question, I've learned. As the minority group, it matters more to them then it would to 'mainstream Muslims' or people who identify as "just Muslims". Of course there's some privilege involved in that.
The "When did you start to wear hijab?" QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The "When did you start to wear hijab?" Question
When Muslim women decide to cover, if they do at all, somehow remains of profound interest to many people. Most hijabis don't mind answering this question at all though because it's just whatevs yo.
Is the male equivalent, When did you start growing your beard out? Could be.
The "Where are you from?" QuestionIslamic Art Database via iiadb.com
The "Where are you from?" Question
Sometimes Muslim groups lead the pack in assuming that if you are a visible Muslim (i.e. wearing the hijab for females) in the US, you or your family must have immigrated.
When I tell Arabs and Indo-Pakistani Muslims that I don't have a 'back home' they don't get it. They think I am teasing them. Like, I have to be from Saudi Arabia to be Muslim #GetWithTheProgram
Having an overabundance of information and resources can get a little overwhelming. That's why we deemed it a good idea to compile a list of the top most beneficial websites for the average American Muslim.
We've put together 5 online spots that appeal to the users' spiritual, creative, news and media consumerism needs.
Check them out!
Reddit at r/islamGetty Images
Reddit at r/islam
Reddit is considered the front page of the internet and it hundreds of pages and 'sub reddits'. One such page is the Islam sub reddit.
Visit reddit.com/r/islam to find the latest from Muslims all over with questions, issues, interesting news, and knowledge.
We'd recommend visiting this sub reddit a few times a week.
Islamic Art DatabaseGetty Images
Islamic Art Database
The Islamic Art Database is just what it sounds like: A (massive) database of Islamic art in every genre.
Users would go to IIADB to see what's the newest Arabic calligraphy pieces, anime characters in hijab, Quran ayat, quotes by Muslim figures and much, much more.
The website is updated daily but subscribing to the newsletter is good if you want to get the good stuff delivered to your inbox every morning.www.iiadb.com
Illume MagazineGetty Images
Illume Magazine
Illume is an online Muslim magazine that everyonecan enjoy.
These guys cover the news stories and issues that others may shy away from or avoid altogether. An added bonus is that contributors come from different walks of life, providing a number of different perspectives for readers.
Visit illumemagazine.com today!
Party Til Fajr, yoGetty Images
Party Til Fajr, yo
So, please tell us you've heard about the Tumblr ummah?
If not, you'll want to check out tesident tumblr scholar and lecturer, Osama, or better known by his handle, PartyTilFajr.
You can ask him fiqh, shariah, and personal questions, in addition to requesting dua (for exams or family members, etc.). Beware though, he has an index page where he's archived past questions, so check here first before typing out your first question: http://partytilfajr.tumblr.com/index
Productive MuslimVisitBritain / Rod Edwards
Productive Muslim
Productive Muslim just keeps getting better everyday!
The website is a huge resource for productivity tips and ways to improve one's spirituality and faith.
They've recently added a Dawah Series that teaches subscribers how to talk about the deen. Check 'em:http://productivemuslim.com/
