Spreading Faith via Music Channel

posted on: May 22, 2010

The Arab world’s first Islamic pop music video channel “For the Youth” has a mission to spread the message that observant Muslims can also be modern and in touch with today’s world.

“4shbab” – Arabic for “For the Youth” – shows this music video of a young Muslim man singing about the struggles of a young single mother, who has become a Muslim, got an education and improved her prospects.

A typically uplifting local video for 4shbab, which blends rock and hip-hop from American and British Muslim bands, singing about the struggles of keeping up with daily prayers or dressing modestly.

The channel is the brainchild of Ahmed Abu Habiba.

Ahmed Abu Hebiba, Managing Editor of 4Shbab, said, “I consider art in this case as a carrier for the message. I am delivering a message about the Islamic life style, the Islamic character. I am trying to deliver Islamic values through some artistic items like video clips, like dramas like some soap operas, like public service announcement, all these media tools helps me finally to deliver a message, what is the message ? It’s Islamic lifestyle.”

The channel hasn’t banned women from appearing on screen – as long as they wear the appropriate clothing.

There are also many popular Islamic TV stations, featuring recitations from the Quran, sermons by clerics, and talk shows on how to live a proper Muslim life, but no music.

In the Arab world, there are few Islamic singers, so Abu Habiba organised an “American Idol” style contest in the hope of drumming up new talent.

The 4shbab channel was launched in February and can be seen across the Arab world.

Yang Jie
CCTV.com