You Are What You Listen To

Have you or your kids ever woken up in the morning humming or singing a song that has been stuck in your heads for several days? I know I have, and unfortunately it hasn’t been a very meaningful song. It’s been something I’ve heard at the grocery store, the department store, okay… or maybe even on YouTube. The point is, there are lots of songs out there that are very catchy, but yet so meaningless. You know what I’m talking about, right? 

Now let me ask you, have you or your kids ever woken up in the morning humming or singing a meaningful song or a Nasheed, something that has Allah’s name in it or has salawat on our beloved Prophet (pbuh)? See the difference? The former is empty, meaningless words that do nothing for your heart or spirit, while the latter is actually a form of worship.

You’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat” – well I say “You are what you listen to.” Don’t you agree?

Who is Bassem Rashidi

I began singing in the elementary school choir in Syria at the age 7. I moved to the U.S at the age of 12, and made my singing debut at an Islamic school event in front of hundreds of people. I was very nervous, because it was my first time performing by myself, but I mustered up the courage and I did it. As I was singing, I saw some people with tears in their eyes, most likely because of the words of the song, but I felt really good that I had the ability to touch people’s hearts. From that moment, I knew my purpose; to inspire humanity with the tool that God has given me, my voice. I also hope to inspire our younger generation to do the same. The voice is a powerful tool, a powerful gift, one that should not be taken for granted.

As a founding member of the Nasheed group Noor, I’ve been privileged to tour around the world and share the stage with international artists like Sami Yusuf, Maher Zain, Native Deen,  Zain Bhikha, Outlandish, Seven8Six, Kareem Salama, Sound of Reason, Ehab Tawfiq, Junaid Jamshed, RAIHAN, Abu Ratib, Yahya Hawa, and more. Being part of the band, I have helped produce 2 great albums “All for You” and “A New Day Begins”. For over 10 years our goal has been to provide wholesome, moral music to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. We strived to provide an alternative to what we normally hear in the mainstream world. We have been performing at Islamic and non-Islamic (interfaith) concerts, and Alhamdulilah we have touched many hearts. We once received an email from a sister saying that she had been so inspired that she reverted to Islam after hearing our music. Alhamdulilah!

My First Solo Album

Although I’m still an active member of Noor, I have been wanting to fully produce and record an album on my own for many years now. At this particular moment in time, I feel that everything is aligned and it’s the right time for me to take my music, songs, and ideas to the next level. I’ve been in my studio for the last few months writing material for this album, and inshallah I’m going to be working with a couple of great producers. I also have some excellent singers and artists that are going to be joining me in the studio, so I’m really excited to get in there to record and share what’s been brewing for me creatively.

My Heaven

The album’s name will be “My Heaven”. It will have songs praising and remembering God, expressing love and appreciation for our final Prophet (PBUH) and his message, the struggle in Syria and the Middle East, teachings of the prophet (PBUH) about forgiveness, the importance of being clean and neat as Muslims, and a few melodic supplications. 

For Children, By Children

For those of you who have children, have you ever noticed how your kids’ eyes light up when they hear songs with children’s voices and they instantly show interest? Inshallah, the album will have a few songs featuring the beautiful, angelic voices of our community’s talented children.

Musical Instrument-free Option

For those of you who don’t feel comfortable with listening to musical instruments, I have decided to also produce a vocals-only version of the album inshallah (digital download only).

My Goal

This campaign is a request for funding to help me pay for some of the things that this project is going to require, from producers, musicians, singers, and engineers, to studio time, design, production, and manufacturing. Of course a fair portion of the cost will be personally funded but I can’t do it alone and I need your support.

Help me plant the seed of love for our Creator, our prophet (PBUH), and our way of life in the hearts of people. Help me inspire our brothers and sisters in humanity and build bridges through what they enjoy and love most, MUSIC!

With your help, let’s replace the noise we’re constantly bombarded with, with something that will not tarnish your heart, but uplift it.

My Gifts to You

I have worked hard to create and offer a range of gifts, perks, services, AND instruments that I have picked up on my travels around the world in the past 10 years, hoping to make this something where everybody gets to give and everybody gets to receive.  Please take a moment to read through the rewards on the right.