Labbayk

For the Muslim prayer invoked by Hajj pilgrims before and during the pilgrimage, see Talbiyah.
Labbayk

Labbayk performing at Eid in the Square in Trafalgar Square, London in August 2009. From left to right: Ehsaan Tahmid, Masum and Imran
Background information
Native name লাব্বায়িক
Origin London, England
Genres Islamic, a cappella, Nasheed, hamd, na'at
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2004–present
Labels Safar Media
Website www.labbayknasheeds.com
Members Masum
Ehsaan Tahmid
Imran

Labbayk (Bengali: লাব্বায়িক; Arabic: لبيك‎) are an English Nasheed vocal group of Bangladeshi descent formed in London, England in 2004, comprising singers Masum, Ehsaan Tahmid and Imran.

History

In May 2004, Labbayk were formed within the Muslim society of a secondary school in London, England. Masum (born 1987), Imran (born 1991) and other students showed an interest in the idea and sang at Islamic events for the school.[1][2][3] In 2006, Ehsaan Tahmid (born 1987) joined the group.[1][4] The group members are all of Bangladeshi descent.[2][3]

Labbayk are represented by Gloucester-based record label Safar Media.[5]

Style

Musical instruments are not utilised in composing the vocal harmonies in Labbayk's nasheeds.[3] The style of their nasheeds is Islamic a cappella, using their voices only. Their singing styles originate from Indian, Arab and Western melodies. Their aim is to give dawah (inviting others to Islam) through melodies and lyrics.

Labbayk ensure that the lyrics and content are verified by independent Islamic scholars including, Dr. Shaykh Hussain Ahmed (UK), Mufti ‘Umair Zulfiqar (UK), Imam Tahir Anwar (U.S), Shaykh Muhammad Sibbini (UK/Syria) and Shaykh Sulayman Ghani (UK).[2]

Recording

In August 2008, Labbayk's debut album Rhymes of Praise was released by Safar Media. It also features Qur'an recitation by Shaykh Shah Mizanul Hoque. The lyrics and content were verified by Muslim scholars in order to maintain the limits and boundaries of Shari’ah (Islamic law).[2][3] In May 2010, a charity album in aid of Ebrahim College titled O' My Lord was released, credited under 'Ehsaan and Friends' featuring Labbayk, Muhammad Islam, Ali Gulam, Mahdud, Sayed, Ridwan and RepDaDeen.[6] In August 2012, Labbayk's second album The Greatest Gift was released on an Internet Based radio station called Al Mubarak Radio hosted by Umar Faruk Dhorat and digital downloads were available the following week.[5]

In August 2009, a collaborative charity single "Feed the World, Feed the Fasting" was released by Muslim Aid. The song featured Labbayk along with artists Rizwan Hussain, Abdullah Rolle, Muslim Belal, Khaleel Muhammad and Mecca2Medina.[7]

Performances

Labbayk have performed at international events including; Global Peace and Unity in ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London (2008),[8] Eid in the Square in Trafalgar Square, London (2009),[6] Mahdin in Kerala, India (2009), Youth Tarbiyah Conference in Toronto, Canada (2010), Souk in Durban, South Africa (2010), Fanar Expo in Doha, Qatar (2011), Islamic Central Council Switzerland (ICCS) Annual Conference in Bern, Switzerland (2011),[9] and Day Against Islamophobia and Racism in Bern, Switzerland (2012).[10][11]

The group also perform at private events such as weddings, Iftar gatherings, Eid parties, charity fundraisers and conferences across the UK.[4]

Media appearances

In March 2013, Labbayk appeared on Channel 4's 4thought.tv.[12] In October of the same year, Masum was interviewed by Nadia Ali on BBC Asian Network.[13]

Discography

Year Title Credit Label
2008 Rhymes of Praise Labbayk Safar Media
2010 O' My Lord Ehsaan and Friends
2012 The Greatest Gift Labbayk

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Labbayk". Last.fm. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Rhymes of Praise". The Nasheed Shop. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Labbayk". Nasheed Bay. 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Labbayk". My Nasheeds. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Labbayk Release “The Greatest Gift” Album"". Blessed Islam. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Saeed, Heba (30 November 2011). "British Nasheed Artists Labbayk Deserve Praise". Muslimness. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  7. ↑ "Muslim Aid’s Exclusive Charity Nasheed Single". Muslim Aid. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  8. ↑ "Nasheed Music Video Contestants". Global Peace and Unity Event 2008. 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
  9. ↑ "Labbayk Lyrics". Islamic Lyrics. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  10. ↑ "Swiss Muslims Stand Against Islamophobia". OnIslam. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  11. ↑ Aboalenin, Tamer (21 October 2011). "Muslims in Switzerland rise up against islamophobia". Kuwait: Kuwait News Agency. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  12. ↑ "Labbayk - Does God really care what we eat?". 4thought.tv. Channel4.com. 23 March 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  13. ↑ "Brit-Bengali Nasheed group Labbayk". BBC Asian Network. 20 October 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2014.

External links