BBC Documentary featuring 786 & Native Deen; 786 GOT SCREWED
Published by Haseeb November 17th, 2006 in MusicHere’s a great documentary (source: MR) that follows Native Deen and 786’s trip to the UK this past summer where they were invited to perform for some huge concert. It’s a great look into what goes on behind the scenes when our favorite artists are touring around the world. It also follows two fans looking forward to the concert.
However, unlike Amir, I believe 786 got screwed. In this documentary you also get to see how the organizers of the concert, at the last second, AFTER they already flew into the UK, cancelled 786’s performance at the venue - and also barred them from the concert! Their excuse was that their performance didnt coincide with Islamic values, or as Amir wrote on his blog, that “they would bring more fitna then good to the concert”. I wholeheartedly disagree. The songs they sing dont create fitnah, and the audience response they get was not any worse than what other Muslim artists (especially Sami Yusuf) would get. I saw 786 perform live 2 weeks ago at Eidfest, and the female response they got from the audience, was much less ‘vocal’ than what i heard at either of the two Sami Yusuf concerts I attended this past year (in NJ and Toronto).
As far as what they may have done in the past in terms of their behavior; first of all, in Islam, we should always conceal the past sins of our brothers, especially if they have repented for them. Even in this documentary they mention how they are trying to change their image (peforming in traditional clothing, etc.) I think we should always give our brothers the benefit of the doubt and make 70 excuses as the prophet advised us to do.
And the other argument I hear is that they are single, and are thus more fitnah for the female audience compared to Native Deen or Sami Yusuf (who are married). Wow, i have never heard such a more pathetic excuse in my life. How and why that matters - Im not even going to speculate - in fact, I’m not gonna even warrant such an immature and stupid reason with any further response.
Moreover, I (i dont know if i should admit this) own both of 786’s CDs (available on Nasheeds.com), and neither their live performances, or any of their songs, promote fitnah. I really like some of their songs and am proud of the values and messages they promote. Their Nasheed Medleys, Dosti, Haazir Hain Hum, and yes, even Dua, are great songs!
If i were in the UK I would do whatever i could to speak out against the organizers of that concert and spread awareness of this injustice towards 786. And this goes not only against how 786 were treated (and the backbiting against them), but how all their fans were let down. Watch the documentary… poor 11-year-old Jinan 
. How can you not feel bad for her?
We definitely push the limit in alot of areas and make people thing - and right now, Muslims dont like to think. - Shahaab (from 786)
Thanks Haseeb. As you can see in my comments to the original post on MR’s blog that I agree with you. It is more of a sin in my opinion to fly 786 to England and false advertise to the public that are buying tickets! I also found it absurd that men must be married before they can perform in front of the public. What nonsense! Also MR questioned if I ever went to a Sami Yusef concert, which I haven’t but I am glad you have and in come ways are veryifying Yvonne Ridley’s article on the matter. ( Not about it being good or bad but bc screaming hijabis exist at his concerts)
Sami Yusuf doesn’t holla at sisters.
I didnt bring up Sami Yusuf in response to his interaction with his fans; I mentioned him with respect to the response invoked by the (largely female) audience.
ok u win i lose
786 boys still are wack
:-D haha
Haseeb,
This post just gave you the winning edge over MR.com…I wanna see that Brass Crescent Award in ur hands
the politics, the drama, 786 being accused of being unislamic– some of the organizers do live in a bubble.
i’m not a fan of 786 just ’cause they are a lil too boyband for my liking, but those organizers were unprofessional and extremely rude! y do we push ppl to the margins just cause we don’t agree with their opinions
that’s ridiculous!
bc they r single!!
OMG this s disgustin.
single and they pimpinnn
sisters holla at meeeee
my number is 786-LOVE-YOU
holla at ya 786 boy baby
btw 786 boys flew in for the other event also. so stop whining about “oohhh they flew them in”
i agree with most of whatse been said here.
what the organisers did was totally out of order. what they said about the kind of attention 786 get can also be (and has been) said about sami yusuf, but now that sami yusufs married he’s less of a fitna??! (btw one member of 786 is married).
the artitsts can’t be held responsible for the way certain members of the audience show their appreciation
I agree that the organizers should have acted better. You know I think we all need to understand what backbiting is really all about. MR and others who agree with him are not backbiting. The ulema are very clear about this. When you say something critical of someone else, it doesn’t automatically make it gheeba. This is about a public event and it’s ok to talk about things if you feel 786 boys is causing fitnah. MR is trying to warn people about the pitfalls of such bands. This does NOT fall under the category of backbiting. I would like to remind people to be more civil in their discourse. If you disagree with MR, ok, but you don’t have to say his arguments are immature and stupid. I just don’t think that is right.
guide all of us.
About this … “poor 11-year-old Jinan . How can you not feel bad for her? ” Give me a break ! Look, I’m sorry she was dissapointed, but hey it’s not that bad, really. This is the whole point. Your lives and your happiness should not revolve around these nasheed performances. I don’t have anything against nasheed or the artists that perform these concerts, but again, it’s entertainment, don’t get so wrapped up in it that you lose focus. These singers are trying to present some islamic messages and it seems people focus on the performers and the music more than the message. Poor Jinan? I do feel sorry for her though, I feel sorry for her and others like her that get so wrapped up into boy bands and music that they lose sight of what is really important. May Allah
I agree that the word “backbiting” shouldn’t have been raised. However people used inconsiderate words on both sides. We should exercise restraint.
Maybe you REALLY should give poor Jinan a break? She was looking forward to this and her hope was dashed by spurious reasons of SOME of the organizers. Maybe if you were not so wrapped up in your self-righteousness then you could have had some compassion for her and the band. Maybe then you wouldn’t have seen her love for the band as an indictment against her relationship with Allah
.
Oh come now, you don’t have to be so melodramatic about it all. Jinan wanted to see 786 boys perform really badly, they weren’t allowed to perform, ok, life goes on, no biggie. “Her hope was dashed”. Come on, it’s really not the end of the world. Look I’m sure Jinan is a sweet young muslimah, I’m not saying she is a bad muslim, let’s just not lose focus. Yes the band should have been treated with more respect, but at the same time I see MR’s point about the fitnah that is caused by such performances. The fact that some of you continue to reinforce this image of a poor young muslim teen not being able to see her favorite band perform shows a mixup in priorities. There is a scene in the documentary where this young boy is about to meet one of the bands, native deen or 786 boys, I can’t remember which one. The boy says “it’s a dream come true, the best day ever!” I just think that’s sad. If your dream is to meet a singer, if that’s the best day of your life, well I just think you have your priorities mixed up. Now granted he’s just a boy, but it’s still sad just the same.
If you want to continue to argue with me, ok, I’m just going to keep my mouth shut now because I really don’t want this to break out into a big argument.
I don’t understand the fascination with concerts. Now before all of you get out your swords to attack me, I’m not saying concerts are wrong. I don’t have anything against nasheed or concerts, but I just don’t understand. What’s the big deal about going to a concert? Don’t the singers just perform songs that are available on their cds? I’ve never been to a concert of any kind so maybe some of you can enlighten me. Do the singers perform new songs? If they don’t, then I don’t get it. What’s the big deal? This girl, Jinan, if she is so broken up about not seeing 786 boys live in concert, can’t she just go home and pop in one of their cds, or tune into them on her ipod? Wouldn’t that calm her aching heart? I heard in the documentary how people love their songs, they love it for the message. Well if you really love the song, if you love the message, if you love what the song teaches you, does it really matter that you can’t listen to it live in concert? If you say its all about the song, the islamic message, that it’s not about the singers, then why does it matter so much to see them perform live in concert? If your “hope is dashed” and your dreams are crushed because you couldn’t see the singer live in concert then it seems to me that you are more interested in the singer rather than the “beautiful islamic lyrics”.
^dude, calm down, theyre just kids. At that age theyre just looking for role models. I think its better for them to look up to musicians who promote good morals than the multitude of other possible role models in the media that dont.
and just b/c someones married doesnt mean there’s less fitnah. theres always hope for that 2-4 slot.
I just want to add this last thing then I will shut up. I don’t understand the fascination with concerts? I’m not against concerts or nasheed, but I just don’t understand what’s so great about concerts? Don’t the singers just perform songs that are available on their cds? I’ve never been to a concert of any kind so maybe some of you can enlighten me, do they perform new songs? If they don’t, then I don’t understand what’s so great about concerts. If Jinan is so broken up about not being able to see her favorite band perform live in concert then can’t she go home and pop in their cd or tune into them on her ipod? Wouldn’t that calm her aching heart? If you say you love the song, you love what the song teaches people, you love the islamic lyrics then why is it necessary to see them live in concert? If you are crushed because you couldn’t see your favorite band perform live in concert then it seems to me you love the singers more than the song.
Amir: They didnt fly all the way to the UK for some small event at an Islamic School. They flew in for that huge event - that bumped them.
My Two Sense: Accusing people of macking it to sisters (even if it is true - if they dont it said about them behind their back - is backbiting). Saying something critical vs. exposing sins are different matters. And I called the argument about “that they arent married being an issue’ immature & stupid. I did NOT say his arguments otherwise were stupid or immature. Besides Amir knows me and loves me and knows i wouldnt say something so offensive or mean towards him like that. It seems as if u already had a preconceived bias in reading my post for making such an unwarranted claim.
And have some compassion and mercy for the poor little girl - (she’s 11 - not even a teen) . 786 is one band she likes - and wanted to see - thats all. What else do u think she enjoys and has for fun. She lives in the west, where all her other friends have interests which probably are unislamic (music about love, promiscuity, sex, etc.). She likes 786 - who sing about praising God, friendship, making dua, etc. The organization advertised that 786 was going to come and perform - and she was happy and looked forward to it! It didnt look like she was wrapped up into boybands the way people in the west were about Nsync or BSB back in the day. Theres a big difference! Have some mercy for the poor little 11 year old girl.
And about it being a dream come true to meet the bands - oh please! WOuldnt be excited if u met Michael Jordan or Lebron James or Derek Jeter, or even a Jon Stewart or some other celebrity. Or - what about if u met ur favorite scholar! Look how many scholars are treated today - in many eyes they are todays pop-icons in the Muslim world. Im not gonna lie, i was excited when i got my books by Shaykh Hamza and Dr. Jackson signed
. But you wouldnt believe how other people responded to meeting these scholars. You can make the same aguments along those lines. Relax with the hating on the musicians.
ZS - Obviously u have no appreciation for live performances. Whats the difference between watching a sports game live vs. on TV. Whats the difference between reading a play or watching a live performance of the play. Or reading a book and watching the movie. C’mon. People have different interests - just beacuse u dont appreciate live performances that doesnt mean others cant.
Akhan - lol. good point
I’d rather read a book than watch the movie (Shaykh Hamza Yusuf will back me up on that one because I heard him say this very thing during ramadan). I’d rather stay away from sporting events since they serve alcohol there and people get drunk left and right, the whole atmosphere is awful, people shouting and yelling profanities etc. Plus it’s better to play a sport rather than sitting there for 3 hours wasting time watching other people playing sports (Imam Zaid Shakir will back me up on that since he was talking about this very idea of muslims wasting time watching sports several weeks ago). I would not be excited to meet Michael Jordan or any other athelete, most of them make bad role models anyway. Getting excited about meeting scholars is entirely different. Why? Shaykh Hamza often says scholars are the inheritors of the prophets. I would most certainly be excited to meet a prophet. so I am excited to meet their inheritors as well. Plus seeing a scholar talk in person is different because they talk about different things, its not the same talk every single time, and you can talk to them and ask questions. With nasheed artists, their songs are on cd so you can listen to them anytime, you don’t have to go to the concert. Scholars have their lectures on cd, but not all of their lectures are the same so you gain something by listening to all of their talks and not all of their lectures are on cd.
Fair enough. To each his/her own. But that still doesnt give any1 the right to look down those who choose to watch a movie, or go to a sporting event, or meet some1 famous, etc.
well said “sehven ate sikhs.”
Too many posts are individuals’ attempt to universalize their religious experience. There is not enough discussion on ethics of differing but accommodating (in the social sense but not necessarily in the moral sense) those difference.
i think this bears quoting
unprofessional ummah
that is our problem
I agree, it was unprofessional.
Muslims are two faced, they are professional around non-muslims and otherwise around muslims.
You advertised, you invited, when they are here you cannot cancel the event.
You should have figured out the legality or the social ramification weeks if not months before staging the show and inviting them.
It was not like a huge protest of people were asking the organizers to ban 786 before teh actual show and I am presuming that was not the case.
I totally agree that the organizers did not behave properly. Some people on these forums (me included) sometimes come across as self righteous. I don’t think thats fair. A couple of months ago I wrote something about how we should waste less time engaging in useless activites such as watching sports. I got attacked. Now I heard Imam Zaid Shakir said exactly the same thing several weeks ago in a lecture he gave. No one said he was self righteous. It seems you can only get away with saying such things if you are a scholar, but that just seems unfair. We should all be able to do our part to help one another. On another note, I don’t think there are so many muslim organizations that operate unethically, unprofessionally, and unislamically. These problems definitely exist in the muslim community, but things are changing. In any case, usually the very best in our community don’t shun community involvement, the very best muslims are usually the ones who are involved in community involvement. The prophet stressed the importance of community and the very best of this ummah follow the sunnah of community involvement. The very best in our community don’t make excuses, they go out there and do the best they can. The very best in our community don’t sit at home and complain , they actually go out and try to make a difference. Sometimes people fall short, but the inroads that have been built by muslims in the west are not a result of mediocre work, absence of adab, or authoritarian operating practices. Again, these problems do exist, but it’s an unfair characterization to say that they are so prevalent that they are the cause of lack of community involvement on the part of some. Let’s not blame others for our own shortcomings.
if 786 were married and in there 40s, i’d probably be pissed at the organizers
wow im a hater big time hahahahah
yeah im definitely not gettin that brass blog award. thanks to my theres theirs they’res
hahahaha
>
It took longer than usual for this discussion to get personal. Tell me, what is the relevance of the aforementioned comment to what I wrote and the general topic at hand?
You seem to find some reason to gloss over the serious shortcomings in our community and claim that we are led by the best. Tell me then, why is our community in its current lowly condition? The muqallids aren’t good enough?
Additionally, somehow you weave in yourself into all this assuming it is relevant. I’m not sure why. Your name is familiar, though I don’t recall a single thing you’ve written before. And it’s obvious why one would be more receptive to criticism from an elder, learned religious leader than one of their peers. Not sure why you don’t get that, and not sure why you think that a single random comment made by Imam Zaid must have been heard by visitors to this site and commented on by them on this forum.
Yes, we all have our own shortcomings, but you have no idea who you are directing your comments toward. So guard your tongue.
And MR, I think you’ll get a Brass Bong award…cuz you have to be smokin suttin to have wrote half of the stuff you’ve written. Just kidding:-)
Brother, I’m not going to argue any further, you said your piece, I said mine, khalaas then let’s leave it at that. I’m not attacking you, I wish the best for you, May Allah
guide all of us to the straight path, ameen.
This is totally irrelevent but one of the girls at Qasid this past summer with was married to one of the guys from Native deen. She’s pretty religious and from what I get about her husband, he is too. Don’t be so harsh folks. Western Muslim is still an evolving identity and there’s going to be bumps on the way. Offer something constructive.
” If i were in the UK I would do whatever i could to speak out against the organizers of that concert and spread awareness of this injustice towards 786. And this goes not only against how 786 were treated (and the backbiting against them), but how all their fans were let down. Watch the documentary… poor 11-year-old Jinan . How can you not feel bad for her? ”
LOL ! All this over some silly boy band. Get real. Spread awareness about some real injustice, not about these clowns. They look so silly in those video clips, dancin’ and groovin’, lol.
“We definitely push the limit in alot of areas and make people thing - and right now, Muslims dont like to think. - Shahaab (from 786)”
Well you guys definitely push the limits of taste. They do make make me think though, I’ll give em that, they make me think about how in the world anyone can stand these posers? How egotistical and arrogrant to connect dislike of the band to being a non thinking person.
Neither I nor many others have expressed their specific views on 786. The manner in which they were treated was objectionable and unIslamic. That is all that matters.
A discussion on the quality of their music and genre is different. Do you really want to know what I think of their music? I think it’s corny. I am uncomfortable with it being perceived as Islamic. I would prefer to call it Muslim, perhaps. But I’ve never really listened to their stuff, because it has no appeal for me.
And Yazubair, that’s fine. Perhaps that’s for the best. Sometimes discussion only produces discord. But if you change your mind, don’t hesitate to post a response to what I wrote. What I care about is not one-upping you, but finding points of agreement and challenging one another to come up with the best and clearest thoughts on the issue. Take care bro.
i totily agree with every singl word that “Haseeb” wrote 11111111111100000000000000000000000000000%%%%%%%%%%%%%%,
kear 
so thanks for all ur comments there really good and relistic, i wanted to menchen some points but u have already menshened them all.
jazak Allah
to gaitha: May Allah
bless you with access to english language education and proper spelling.
8O
BROTHERS AND SISTERS… PLZ GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT….. IT IS NOT RIGHT TO PASS ON AN UNTRUE PICTURE TO PPL WHO KNOW NOTHING OF THE EVENT, DARKENING THE REPUTATION FROM BROTHERS HERE IN LONDON ….. LETS GET THE FACTS RIGHT:
- 786 WERE INFORMED PRIOR TO THE CONFERENCE ITSELF, BEFORE THEY CAME FROM AMERICA INFACT
- THEY DID NOT ‘FLY ALL OVER TO THE UK’ FOR THIS EVENT, THEY CAME TO ATTEND ANOTHER EVENT ~~~~~~~AND~~~~~~~ KNOWING THAT THEY WERE UNINVITED TO THE EVENT THEY STILL CAME TO THE CONFERENCE, SOME 100 KM AWAY JUST TO CAUSE A SCENE AT THE FRONT GATE.
- THE BROTHERES IN THE 786 GROUP WERE STILL PAID MONEY, ALTHOUH THEY DID NOT PERFORM IN THE CONCERT… IMAGINE THAT
- AND LASTLY ABOUT THE BACKBITING… THERE WAS NONE, THE BROTHERS WERE VERY FRANK AND POLITE TO THE BROTHERS IN 786.. WE EVEN PAID THEM FOR NOT PERFORMING.
PS BROTHER.. PLZ DO NOT POST STUFF WHICH U DO NOT KNOW ALL ABOUT ON UR BLOG, U WER NOT EVEN THERE, U BASED YOUR ACCUSATIONS ON A VIDEO YOU HAD WATCHED WITHOUT HEARING FROM OUR POINT OF VEIW,
WASSSALAM
In that case I will be the first to apologize for whatever i said that was wrong- all that i wrote was based on what I saw in that documentary. But you still never explained why you cancelled them - and why the people who bought tickets weren’t informed of 786 being bumped prior to the night of the event.
Jazakallah khair
Haseeb, why don’t you get someone from 786 to post their side of the story? That guy’s comments (whoever he is), only makes this shadier. In the spirit of Al Jazeera, please present “the opinion and the other opinion” — i.e. both sides.
Well isn’t this very interesting. All of you guys were quick to jump on the organizers. I don’t see anyone else coming on here to apologize. Bro Haseeb, when you apologize, just apologize, dont say “I apologize, but…” That is like the most worthless apology. If what the bro from london is saying is true (and I have no reason not to believe him) then it was 786 that acted improperly and not the organizers. As has been the case so many times we muslims see something in the media, whether it be in a documentary or interview or whatever and take that as absolute truth and then use that info to attack people. Sheesh. Back off the organizers ok, just back off, they have the right to change their minds about who they invite to perform and who they don’t invite, ok? If no one has any info to refute what the brother from london is saying then the silly and immature boy band 786 ought to apologize to everyone for their totally unprofessional behavior. Bunch of cry baby whiners.
Personally, I think Native Deen should’ve pulled out of the show in protest, after making an announcement on stage. They should have probably encouraged the audience to demand their money back too. Would’ve made sure there was a change in leadership in the organizing committee the next year for sure.
And, 786 is “boy-bandish?” Why, because they’re five guys who harmonize? Because they can hit pitches most people envy? Have you heard their lyrics?
It isn’t their fault that sisters react like they do - those same sisters react the same way to every other artist that takes the stage. All this accomplished was it gave N’Sync and BBmack and their ilk a leg up in capturing the attentions of our youth.
Islam is about variety brothers - everyone is NOT supposed to be a Sami Yusuf or a Native Deen or a Noor. Pop, hip-hop, classical, alternative, R&B - all many sounds to the same message: Allahu Akbar.
“Bro from London” - I think one of the real issues here is not merely that they weren’t allowed to perform or even refused the opportunity to buy tickets and enter, but that you don’t seem to find that “uninviting” them after advertising your event with them on the bill for the reasons that have been stated is shallow at best, hypocritical at worst.
I pray that Allah
guides you - and removes you from the opportunity to ever again pass judgement on people you clearly don’t even know. “Un-Islamic behavior?” Indeed.
You have a point artist, but 786 deserves some blame too. They knew they had been uninvited even before they left the united states, why did they have to make such a big scene at the concert hall? That was unprofessional.
well i think we should judge by intentions.
if a muslim eats some candy let’s say gummy peaches and he’s pretty sure it has gelatin but eats it anyway, then later he finds out that they dont have gelatin so he’s happy that he never did anything wrong but isnt he still in the wrong??!!?
well just because they were going to another performance does not make it right that they were flown out by THOSE organizers and rejected.
salam guys,
and whoever did wrong knows who they are…but dont’trash ppl when there doing good for the ummah…
at this point its kinda obvious that no one knows exactly whats going on and you all have good points, les stop trashing 786 and everyone else;
mashallah there doing great good for so many people, inshallah everyones intentions are for Allah
as to the orginizers, you guys have made it perfectly clear you don’t agree with there discision, allahu al3lam wut happened, they did do some good though idk….
wow, Iwanna say sorry too. I guess you should never formulate judgements without knowing the other side. So the organizers WERE NOT unprofessional if they did as told. Subhanallah, I am sorry. My bad.
August 25, 2006
Dear brothers and sisters,
Assalamu Alaikum. May the peace and blessings of Allah
be upon you. This statement is intended to address questions surrounding the 2006 ExpoIslamia event in Manchester, UK and the incidents that transpired during SEVEN8SIX’s visit to the UK August 18-21.
SEVEN8SIX was informed indirectly that the group was removed from the ExpoIslamia program. No official statement was made to SEVEN8SIX regarding the reasons for this decision, nor was an official statement released to the public to inform them of this decision. SEVEN8SIX was notified of the decision one week prior to event, yet our name and images were never removed from promotional materials for the event. The host organization falsely advertised by continuing to have us on TV ads and posters, using SEVEN8SIX to draw in audience while there was never any intention of allowing us to perform. Such deceptive practices are immoral and disrespectful, and against Islamic principle.
Organizers admitted that their decisions not to allow SEVEN8SIX to perform were based on perceptions, misconceptions, and pre-conceived notions. A majority of the authoritative figures in this organization have probably never even seen a SEVEN8SIX performance, nor have they ever actually met us in person in an effort to dispel the negative images associated with our group. One’s actions should always be based on the truth. Especially in a large organization responsible for massive events designed to strengthen our ummah. Even with a shura, the consequences of decisions made based on assumptions or falsehoods are far greater than any harm that could arise from giving a fellow Muslim the benefit of the doubt. If one has questions or doubts, it is their responsibility to address those concerns and come to a clear understanding of the truth.
It is the duty of a Muslim to guide a brother or sister in the direction of Allah
, not to avoid them and assume that the issue will resolve itself. If a brother or sister is doing wrong, it is a Muslim’s duty to respectfully suggest the right thing to do. Similarly, if there are people out there who feel that SEVEN8SIX’s image or behavior is causing problems, it is their duty to address their concerns to us directly and offer suggestions as to how this problem can be resolved. It is unfair to identify a problem and point fingers without making an effort to fix the problem; failure to actively fix that which is wrong makes you another part of the problem. As Muslims, we should strive to be problem solvers, not problem starters.
From both Islamic and business perspectives, is it not unprofessional and unethical for the organization to fail to comply with a contract agreed upon by both parties? Both Dr. Jamal Badawi and Imam Johari spoke in our defense, stating that according to the shari’ah, a contract must be fulfilled. They continued, explaining that the consequences of one’s actions must be considered, and the benefits and harms must be weighed. In this situation, there were two contracts: the contract with the artist, and the contract with the attendees of the event. The hosts of ExpoIslamia neglected to consider that SEVEN8SIX’s absence from the event would lead the audience to assume that the group decided not to attend, creating further negative perceptions about the band.
The following is an account of our weekend in in the UK. InshaAllah this will help the reader gain further perspective on the controversy between SEVEN8SIX and ExpoIslamia:
Upon learning that SEVEN8SIX had been dropped from the ExpoIslamia event, the primary focus for our visit to UK became filming a BBC documentary special on SEVEN8SIX and Native Deen, and to partake in various television and radio interviews, and to film the daily activities of both bands on the road. After arriving at London Heathrow Airport at 7 am Friday morning, we first went to an interview on the BBC Asian Network to promote SEVEN8SIX and Native Deen. Afterwards we attended Friday prayer at a Masjid in Central London. Later in the day, we did an interview for a BBC ONE radio program on the impact of music and Islamic artists on post-9/11 society. Friday ended with a charity fundraiser sponsored by Islamic Relief at a local community center in East London. Saturday morning, SEVEN8SIX and Native Deen enjoyed a trip to a park for a friendly soccer match. Saturday afternoon was spent with Sajid Varda at the Islam Channel, where SEVEN8SIX, Native Deen, and Dawud Wharnsby Ali filmed interviews and performances for an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live. After wrapping filming at the Islam Channel studio, our bus departed for a night journey from London to Manchester for Sunday’s ExpoIslamia event. Due to rainy weather and bad driving conditions, the trip from London took a bit longer than expected and we arrived later than expected in Manchester. This forced us to postpone a meeting between the ExpoIslamia organizers and artists to discuss the decision to drop SEVEN8SIX from the event.
In a Sunday morning meeting with the organizers, SEVEN8SIX and management, were joined by Imam Johari, Native Deen, and Dr. Jamal Badawi to discuss the situation. All parties involved gave their insight on the issue of SEVEN8SIX performing, concluding that the organization’s actions were un-Islamic. Imam Johari gave the organizers three options: firstly, to address the issues, correct them, and let SEVEN8SIX perform; secondly, to announce to the audience that SEVEN8SIX had come to fulfill their duties but wasn’t allowed to perform; and thirdly, have the other performing artists explain the situation to the audience. The IFE leaders, including President Mohammed Habibur Rahman, informed SEVEN8SIX that IFE would discuss the matter further and notify us of their decision. SEVEN8SIX was not instructed to stay away from the event or the venue. This gave us a glimmer of hope that we would be given a chance to perform and to prove our naysayers wrong.
In comments made by representatives of the ExpoIslamia event, implications were made that BBC incited inappropriate behavior from SEVEN8SIX. Let it be clear that the decision to appear at the venue was made by SEVEN8SIX without the any external influence from BBC or others, and that the organizers themselves transported us to the venue. However, upon arriving at the Manchester Evening News Arena, we were avoided and ignored for over one hour while standing outside of the staff/artist entrance. Numerous event staff passed us, informing us that they would arrange for our entry to the venue, but never returned. It would have been common courtesy for at least one of those staff members to return and let us know that there was a problem with us coming inside. We stood patiently and peacefully, singing praises of Allah
and Prophet Muhammad 
(pbuh) in front of the venue’s security staff who sat in guard of the doors through which we were not to enter. Ironically, these non-Muslim security personnel complimented us, saying that “you are very talented” and that “you all have a very nice sound.” They even asked what we were singing about and why our own people didn’t want us to enter the event. Imagine how difficult it was trying to explain that!
Upon concluding that we would not be let into the event as artists, we decided that we would walk to the box office and purchase tickets to attend the event as guests. As members of the Muslim artist community, which has offered us incredible support, our intention was simply to support the other artists performing at ExpoIslamia. Dawud Wharnsby Ali, Natve Deen, Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Preacher Moss and Meem label-mates SHAAM are all dear friends of SEVEN8SIX, and we wished to support the performing artists and gain knowledge from scholars speaking at the event. However, as we approached the box office we discovered that the event organizers had called for a full ban of SEVEN8SIX from the venue. Ticket windows closed in front of our faces, instructed not to sell any more tickets. We simply stood outside of the entrance of the venue with nowhere to go, no knowledge of the Manchester area, and no transportation readily available to us. We also hoped to see if there would be any change of heart from the organizers. Three hours passed until the brothers of SHAAM and Imam Johari, preacher Moss and others joined us outside of the venue. Collectively, we made du’a that Allah
protect us all, shelter us from ignorance, and grant the Muslim ummah peace and unity. SEVEN8SIX, its management, and BBC then left the venue without disturbance to the event, its attendees, or its organizers. Furthermore, not once in any TV or Radio interview did SEVEN8SIX make any negative comments about the organization or its people, despite being treated in a very unfair and un-Islamic manner.
(continued in next post…)
(… continued from prior post)
SEVEN8SIX wishes to take this opportunity to offer its viewpoints on some relevant issues:
Regularly, SEVEN8SIX is asked about the use of music. As Muslim artists, we respect the efforts of all artists who use music to help spread Islam. We acknowledge that there is ikhtilaf (differences of opinion) among eminent scholars, classical and contemporary, some of whom have permitted singing and the use of musical instruments. It is known that the subject of music is one of the most controversial topics in Islamic Law, and we respect those who consider music to be haram. After seeking advice from numerous scholars on the use music and singing, SEVEN8SIX has taken a conservative approach, using only percussion instruments in all of its material, including live performances and studio recordings. SEVEN8SIX firmly maintains its decision as a group to be a percussion-only band.
Another issue of concern is the obsessive fascination of audience members towards SEVEN8SIX or any celebrity to the point of hysteria and hero-worshipping. Such behavior is clearly un-Islamic, not to mention unhealthy. Of course, as Muslims, we are required to abide by certain etiquettes in whatever situation we may find ourselves in. However, we definitely do not see women behaving indecently at any of our concerts. To state otherwise is a gross exaggeration, if not an outright fallacy. If indeed such a response were ever to be observed, it is our responsibility as Muslims to give naseeha (advice) against this, because SEVEN8SIX does not endorse or try to provoke such behavior. During our performances, we always consciously endeavor to be responsible, respectable, modest and dignified on stage. All we ask are for the people to understand our lyrics and appreciate the beauty of Islam.
Unfortunately, rather than observing the good that we try to achieve and the dawah that we try to give, critics tend to promote negativity towards SEVEN8SIX. Apart from entertaining audiences, we believe our music is a powerful medium through which we can communicate values and social messages. In a time where the world is in complete chaos, we must focus on the problems at hand, such as drugs, violence and indecency. We understand that people have the right to criticize us and disagree with our decisions, and we always welcome any naseeha and constructive criticism for we know our defects and shortcomings are many. However, in the Islamic tradition there is adab (ethics) and respect in criticism and disagreement. In the case of the ExpoIslamia event, we feel that the organizers did not adhere to proper Islamic adab by banning SEVEN8SIX from entering the venue, making negative statements and false accusations to create a negative image of the band. We feel that it is our duty and our right to state the facts, the facts, being we behaved appropriately and respectfully, we did not do anything to cause any trouble, and that we did indeed appear at the Manchester Evening News Arena to perform for the audience as promised.
Lastly, we would like to thank the thousands of listeners and community members for their overwhelming support and emails that have poured in for SEVEN8SIX. We would also like to extend special thanks to Imam Johari, Dr. Jamal Badawi, Dawud Wharnsby Ali, Preacher Moss, Native Deen and SHAAM for all of the love and support that they have shown us. We express this gratitude despite this difficult time during which we endure ridicule and accusation. We are thankful to Allah
for the loyal brotherhood of artists, scholars, and listeners with which He has blessed SEVEN8SIX, alhamdulillah. By the grace of Allah 
, we have learned many lessons form this trip. We ask for your continued support for SEVEN8SIX and other Muslim artists, as well as the IFE. Despite our misunderstandings and disagreements, we cannot allow this to cause divide between us; we are one Ummah with one cause: We must spread love, peace, and unity around the world and we must learn from our mistakes, inshaAllah.
Keep the Faith.
SEVEN8SIX
thats wat seven8six had to say
I agree with Haseeb and MR your comments are inappropriate can’t you put them in a better way please?
WHAAT DID YOU SAY!!!one of 786 is married which one?????
hey. native deens realy gud n 786 bt native is my favrit.
luking 4wrd 2 wats comin native deen. n da album sounds gud n cnt w8 2 gt it.
salam
Atleast the other artists should have protested at the event itself and forced IFE to apologise publicaly.
Shame on them.