Don't talk to me about Muhammad

A few weeks ago I performed a musical number to an audience of about 150 people. I sang... a song. It was my first (and only) public vocal performance, to an entirely female audience--so please, nobody leave a comment about how I was using my voice to attract any men. There were none, and that was conditional. I sing a lot, though--in the shower, in the car, in the apartment by myself... typical places. Never figured I was cut out for singing in public--especially since all prior public performances for me were instrumental: I played the clarinet. I also used to play piano to accompany my brother and sister who would sing along, at family gatherings now and again. More for fun... I always figured they sang better anyway. (And hey, they couldn't play the piano, so..!)

Anyway, I was part of the group planning a party for new muslimahs shortly after the last Eid, and they were looking for different kinds of entertainment and I sort of volunteered--even though I was already MC-ing and had been interviewed for a video shown during the program. (Oh yes, lots of people recognized me after the party... I made lots of quick friends.) I thought this song would be nice for the audience to hear... and at least from the reviews I've heard, people did like it.

In fact, over half the audience was crying when I was done. (Haha, not because I was so bad. Ever hear the Tiki Room Song? "I should sing solo!" "Si! So low that no one can hear you!") I think the tears were a result of the very powerful lyrics. In fact, I cry sometimes when I listen to it. So I wanted to post the lyrics which I sang (and I didn't sing the entire song, by the way,) and clear up any confusion for those who mistakenly thought I wrote it.

The nasheed is called About Muhammad, by Dawud Wharnsby.

It would be such a pleasure to have you come along with me,
I accept your gracious offer of kindness and company.
But as we walk along young man and as you help me with my load,
I’ve only one request as we travel down this road,

Don’t talk to me about Muhammad.
Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind,
so don’t talk to me about Muhammad
and as we walk along together we will get along just fine,

That man upsets me so, and so much more than you could know,
I hear of his name and reputation everywhere I go.
Though his family and his clan once knew him as an honest man,
he’s dividing everyone with his claim that “God is One”

So don’t talk to me about Muhammad.
Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind,
so don’t talk to me about Muhammad
and as we walk along together we will get along just fine,

He’s misled all the weak ones and the poor ones and the slaves,
They think they’ve all found wealth and freedom following his ways.
He’s corrupted all the youth with his twisted brand of truth
convinced them they all are strong, given them somewhere to belong.

So don’t talk to me about Muhammad.
Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind,
so don’t talk to me about Muhammad
and as we walk along together we will get along just fine,

Now before we part and go, if it’s alright just the same,
may I ask, my dear young man, who are you? What is your name?

Forgive me - what was that? Your words weren’t very clear,
my ears are getting old - sometimes its difficult to hear.
It is truly rather funny, though I’m sure I must be wrong,
but I thought I heard you said that your name is Muhammad......

Muhammad?

Ash hadu allaa ilaha illa Allah wa Ash hadu anna Muhammad ur-Rasulullah.

Oh talk to me Muhammad!
Because of you I now have peace for you have eased my troubled mind!
Oh talk to me Muhammad
and as we walk along together we will get along just fine,
and as I travel down life’s road I will get along just fine.

For a video of the artist performing it himself: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zKv3Vi46Fac

Or if this works for you: