The Vigil  have launched their debut album – Birth - for everyone to purchase at Doxmart.

 

The Album contains 12 tracks all of which are a beautiful fusion of the eastern and western cultures; and well worth listening to.

 

To get an idea of their music; you can view the video of their debut single –Seal of the Prophets below:

To get an idea of the music; these talented artists have made their lyrics available at http://www.thevigil.net/downloads/lyricbooklet.pdf – I’m sure once you’ve had a quick read of the lyrics and seen the video you’ll want the entire album; which realy is truely awesome; and in my view represents a revolution in fusing Islamic or Eastern themes with the English lyrics to produce a truly remarkable album.

The tracks on the album are as follows; I’ve also included the lyrics here for ease of reference:

1 – We Are Here (Intro) 

This track is an introduction to the band and who they are, and why and how they came to be.

(Available from: Doxmart - The Vigil - We Are Here!)

 

2 – Seal of the Prophets

Once They Asked me:
“If there was a man you would follow, who would that man be?”
That day, I didn’t know what to say, but now I have no doubt in my heart,
for my leader is the sun!

A light shined in Arabia
The stars and heavens smiled
Enchanting calls from the peninsula
God’s religion is revived

Nurun tajalla fil duja
The stars and heavens smiled
wal 7aqqu hallala mu3lina
God’s religion is revived
(Mohammad) A milestone of honesty
(Mohammad) Conveyor of prophecy
(Mohammad) Base of purity (chorus)
Falka2inatu Dia2

(chorus)

Falka2inatu Dia2

Example for others to heed
A spirit detached from selfishness
All humanity he did exceed
With his politeness and kindness
His honesty was known to all
As was his sweet speech
Forgiveness to those sin would befall
Our lord Allah he would beseech

(chorus)
Falka2inatu Dia2

(chorus)
Falka2inatu Dia2
Falka2inatu Dia2

 

Regarding how this track came to be:

…this track just came at a whim, it just flowed
and well we recorded it, we had a blast, the creative
experience was great and it was the second track we
recorded for this album {year 2004)

 

Credits:

Lyrics: Hadi Chatila
Arabic lyrics: Ahmad Hamadani
Vocals: Mohammad Daher, Anas Al Salah, Hadi Chatila Featuring Mahmoud Chahine

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – Seal of the Prophets)

3 - The Infallibles

Glistening in the serene night
The dome of the Pure
Entanglements of vivid light
Palace of divine cures
Through time never heard such a chime
Through time
The voices of the infallibles
The most revered, the most lovable (chorus)
Euphoric smells of lavender
Flow in the heavenly shrines
Euphoric smells of amber
Flow in the heavenly shrines
Devote feelings emerge ample
Purity so lucid it shines

(chorus)

Bewilderment and awe
That is all what the eye sees
In the resting places of the unflawed
The devout for prayer kneels
Calls of God’s Grace

Heard echoing in the chambers
Visions of the infallible’s face
In hearts of believers …

The voices of the infallibles
The most revered, the most lovable

 

The most lovable …

(chorus)

 

Regarding how this track came to be:

Hadi had been spending some
time thinking of how it would feel to be near a shrine of
some Wali or Imam at night… how would we describe such
a night… that was how this came to be. Soon after Ahmad
composed the music, which took us by surprise, Rashad
joined us in singing It: the experience was great. This was
the third track we recorded for this album (year 2004)

 

Credits:

Lyrics: Hadi Chatila
Composer: Ahmad Hamadani
Vocals: Mohammad Daher, Anas Al Salah, Hadi Chatila. Featuring Rachad Baydoun
Saxophone: Mohammad Mneymne

 

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – The Infallibles)

4 - VIGIL (Music)
This is an instrumental piece

 

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – VIGIL (Music))

5 - Inevitable (Monologue)

I pause time amidst my chaos
Because any second now, I’ll get my life-time layoff
I search around, pondering what shall I find?
In an area not rendered in space, nor in time, not understood by the mere human mind
I play along, in this prewritten scenario
hoping that stardom in this act will make me glow
I seem to be grasping (but am not) every concept of this status
But only one Divine, can conceive it, who else than the One Who created us!
Again bedazzled by this awe-eliciting moment
Mesmerized, a contemplation evading me, the thought to repent
why should it come now, it’s too late!
I’m surpassed now, trampled by my fate
Although by letting time stand still
I can sort out my anarchy, bedlam & pandemonium, till I’m fed up- till I get my fill
But a force impedes me, leaving me powerless
Not a twitch not a muscle, I’m sheepish I confess
Consumed by the trepidation of this moment
Not knowing how to repent
How might I escape this “Alcatraz” this prison?
This state is neither a game, not a play, not even a liaison
It’s the turmoil that lacerates my flimsy being
That blinds me, making me not capable of seeing
Seeing that even if I pause time as long as I can
I’ll die directly after that, because I am damned!!!!

 

Regarding how this track came to be:

Back in 2002, Hadi recorded this
for a school project… and, well, it’s still like
that ever since …

 

Credits:

Lyrics: Hadi Chatila
Effects and music: Yusuf Kamal & Hadi Chatila

 

(Available from Doxmart - The Vigil – Inevitable (Monologue))

6 – O’rshalim

Blessed is the flower
which grows upon the thorns
And drinks from divine blood
You are my power of salvation
In time of the flood [x2]

My flower is unlike any other
Golden Golden
Golden Radiance in its heart
An ascent an ascent
An ascent to paradise
To paradise
Today cities dethrone you
Today history smirks at me
But your crown is undeniable
The future [x3]

It begs of me!
Skies will weep
Will weep will weep
The earth will speak
will speak
Skies will weep
Will weep will weep
The earth will speak

Will speak
The trees
Will stare into your eyes and say
You shall be mine [x3]

My flower
Drinks from divine blood
It shall rise again
Beautiful again
Unique again

 

Regarding how this track came to be:

in this track we let Anas do the
base tune and lyrics… so officially this is his
own baby… it took some time to be, then
Anas and Ahmad worked on it to get it to
what it had to be.. due to the fact that this
file that you are hearing is one of the demos
since all the files got ripped by the Israeli war
machine… and we had no time and resources
to work on it ’cos Anas is in China currently.
(recorded year 2005)

Credits:

Lyrics: Anas Al Salah,
Composer: Anas Al Salah, Ahmad Hamadani
Vocals: Anas Al Salah, Hadi Chatila

 

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – O’rshalim)

7 – Santour Freestyle (Instrumental)

This is an instrumental piece showcasing the exotic sound of the Persian Santour.

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – Santour Freestyle (Instrumental))

8 – The Mystic

The mystic lit up the space around
opened our minds to a realm unbound
with words fervent and illumed
liberated our eyes from gloom

[Farsi]
roohe erfane ka2beye janha
sham2e vejdane mounese delha
deleman zenegahetoshud sheyda
nushamaz kelamet jame delrabara [x2]

Talked from afar to our hearts
laid the seeds of freedom
land of the living dead we depart
to the everlight’s kingdom
He whispered the truth
his voice could be heard
wonder if he normally talked
wouldn’t the evil then be burned

[Arabic]
Ya Man 7ubbuka hazza kayani
walimalakut allah da3ani
7ubbuka unsun qad a7yani
3eshta birou7i wa fi wejdani [x2]

The new wave beguiled all
all those who have a soul
as for those who don’t
took an offensive role
That stance is still here
though his being is not
his spirit is what they fear
that’s what in us they fought

[repeat Arabic chorus]

in us lies a small mystic
that seed of freedom
a change to the world so drastic
it will bring to us the everlight’s kingdom [x2]

[repeat Farsi chorus]

 

Regarding how this track came to be:

This track has grave significance cuz we
attempted to mix the farsi style with english, in additional
to some arabic lyrics.. this was recorded 3 to 4 times due to
creative differences, technicalities, and the war on lebanon.
recorded in 2005 and 2006 and 2007.

 

Credits:

Lyrics: Hadi Chatila
Composer: Ahmad Hamadani - Heyaf Yasine (Santour Solo)
Vocals: Hadi Chatila, Mohammad Daher
Featured Vocals: Qaed Al Musavi [farsi], Mahmoud Chahine and Mahdi Kallas
Santour: Heyaf Yasin

 

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – The Mystic)

9 – The Passion

The passion Has been shot, Shot Dead in the hearts of men…
The passion Has been shot
Shot Dead in the hearts of men
Pain is what the children are taught
From the day they start holding a pen [x3]

This is the school of life
But whose life do we persevere
Is it the one in which in a normal day we strive
Or is it the one in which we in God believe
What has this world reached?
What have we gotten ourselves too?
What have we allowed to be preached?
What has this world made us into?
Put your hand with mine
To work for a better world
Let the sun’s dreadlocks shine
Over & Over [x2]

Watch how together we will rise
Rise for a change
A change to the best

Look using your heart
And not your eyes
For then you will surpass the Ultimate Test!
The passion in us
Will return
Resurrected!
To its rightful throne
Respect!
Is what will be learned….
By the children
By the children
Who have grown

 

Regarding how this track came to be:

The world is becoming a cold and harsh place…
People need hope, that’s exactly why this came to be…
Also recorded twice due to the files being destroyed during the
war on lebanon.
Recorded in 2006 and 2007.

Credits:

Lyrics: Hadi Chatila
Composer: Ahmad Hamadani
Vocals: Mohammad Daher, Hadi Chatila, Anas al Salah
Featured Vocals: Ahmad Hamadani

(Available from Doxmart –The Vigil – The Passion)

 

10 - Running Free

Taking me to areas unknown
World of distant anarchy
In my heart my soul just asks for
World of simple excellency [Intro]
running free from acts of scorning
Being clean that’s what I wanting
Holding in thought of believing
On a straight road made for glory [x2]
Holding in sadness just after
Holding on to heartfelt laughter
For I passed in heavy torture
And won over sheer ambiguity
Steering me to the believers
My heart calling and not falling
Just reaching means of teaching
For the sake of getting purity
(Chorus)
The path is straight yet hard to travel
my destiny awaits to be unraveled
My eyes are blind!

Yet I can see
The road that lays
There before me
Placebo just made to help once
Flattery will surely aid none
Till I move closer to being done
With the wrong doings of tretchury
Stands for whom I can only sue
Creeping on me while I’m on glue
Also thinking of what to do
With invaders of my privacy
[Chorus]
[Intro]

Regarding how this track came to be:

First track ever recorded for this album, we had
the chills, we where scared… and this was way back in 2003..
well we’ve come a long way….

 

Credits:

Lyrics: Hadi Chatila
Composer: Ahmad Hamadani
Vocals: Mohammad Daher, Hadi Chatila, Anas al Salah
Featured Vocals: Mahdi Kallas

 

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – Running Free)

11 – Rise (Bonus Track)

No words to declare
No words to be heard
In silence I feel the rage
No woes to declare
No woes to be heard
In resonance I leave this cage
Round I see eyes shimmering
Like stars in a dark night
Round I see deception blazing
Like wrongs made right
Round I see destruction overwhelming
Like erosion all in sight
Rise from beneath the ashes
Rise from deep down low
Stand with honor and status
Stand without death row
Rise from beneath the ashes
Clean the dust on you
Clean that pain forever and ever away [Chorus]
Oh dear land rise in a posture
Defying the fascist notions
Rise (Lebanon rise) with awe and honor
An example for awakening nations

 

[Chorus] [x2]

 

Regarding how this track came to be:

During the war Hadi wrote this piece as a reaction
to what he was feeling, then during talks with Sara, they managed
to give it a tune.. soon after, ahmad was on the arrangement
process.. then it got recorded.. and now its for you to listen…
Rise… from beneath the ashes…

 

Credits:

Lyrics: Hadi Chatila
Composer: Sara Takieddine & Ahmad Hamadani
Vocals: Sara Takieddine & Hadi Chatila

 

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – Rise (Bonus Track))

12 – See You Around (Outro)

This track is the banding signing off …

(Available from Doxmart – The Vigil – See You Around (Outro))

That’s it – twelve awesome tracks – written during times of great hardship when bombs were falling on Beirut on account of an illegal aggression by Lebanon’s neighbor to the south, a battle which saw the resistance of the the Lebanese people victorious; a resistance which joined people of all faiths and creeds in a war-torn land, that saw Christian, Druze, Muslim, and others all work hard together to defend their land from an illegal invasion, and ultimate is testament to the spirit of humanity.

 

I would recommend this album to all, regardless of your background, be it to a Muslim, to a Christian, to a Jew, to an Agnostic, or any one following any of the many faiths on our planet.  This album shows revives the human spirit.

 

Each of the lyrics make one ponder and reflect on both your own personal and individual situation as well as the situation of the world as a whole, totally awesome!

 

Very highly recommended.

 

If you want to buy all the tracks in one go; you can goto their album at Doxmart and add the tracks to your basket and enjoy.

 

You can – as mentioned previously – the lyric book (PDF Format) from here.

 

With Salaams and Dua’s,

 

Shabbir

Tanzanian patients seeking treatment in India would now get free visa, it has been learnt. The move is aimed to speed up the process of sending patients to the Asian country. The Indian High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Kocheril Bhagirath, announced the decision in Dar es Salaam at the weekend during a medical seminar where five medical specialists from India’s Prince Aly Khan Hospital of Mumbai exchanged good practices with their Tanzanian counterparts.

The seminar which was also attended by health insurance groups from the two countries was coordinated by Regency Medical Centre. Indian health specialists were in the country for a three-day medical camp organised by Regency hospital where patients got free medical consultations, counselling and treatment.

“Tanzanian patients seeking specialized treatment will only be required to apply for the free visa. The service will be coordinated by my office and I will be there to ensure none of the patients face unnecessary hurdles,” said the high commissioner. Mr Bhagirath said Tanzania and India had long standing relations and that his country would ensure the ties were enhanced further.

Deputy Director of Hospital Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare John Ntimba, called on Indian health institutions to establish centres of excellence in Tanzania. According to Dr Ntimba, establishment of such centres would not only serve as training points for Tanzanian doctors but also minimize time and cost involved in sending patients abroad. Dr Ntimba said the government would provide all necessary support to facilitate establishment of such centres.

Dr Hamdulay Zainulabedin, a consultant and cardiothoracic surgeon, said Prince Aly Khan Hospital had a long term plan that involved establishment of that kind of centres in Tanzania. “We will frequently visit the country to ensure Tanzanians receive our service. This is from the fact that our three-day stay in the country has shown that our service is much needed”, he said.

Source: Daily News Online

The most destructive habit:
Worry

The greatest joy:
Giving

The most endangered species:
Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource:
Our youth

The greatest "shot in the arm":
Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome:
Fear

The most effective sleeping pill:
Peace of mind

The most crippling disease:
Excuses

The most powerful force in life:
Love

The most destructive pariah:
Gossip

The most incredible computer:
The human brain

The worst thing to be without:
Hope

The deadliest weapon:
The tongue

The two most powerful words:
Can do

The greatest asset:
Faith

The most worthless emotion:
Self-pity

The worst thing you can lose:
Self-respect

The most satisfying work:
Helping others

The ugliest personality trait:
Selfishness

The most beautiful attire:
A smile!

The most prized possession:
Integrity

The most contageous spirit:
Enthusiasm

The most powerful communication:
Prayer

To the world, you may be just one person;
but to one person, you may be the world!

Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the
things you have for which you would not take money.

The Greatest Victory of Islam on 17th Ramadhan 2 A.H.

The battle of Badr was the first of the great battles of Islam.

And indeed Allah assisted you at Badr when you were weak, so be careful (to your duty) to Allah so that you may be of the thankful ones.

When you said to the believers ‘Does it not suffice you that your Lord should assist you with three thousand angels sent down.."
{Suratul Aale Imran 3:123 & 124}

Place: Badr (80 miles from Medina)
Muslim Army: 313 men, mainly infantry with 2 horses & 70 camels
Kuffar army: 1000 men, mainly riders with 100 horses and 700 camels
Muslim martyrs: 14
Kuffar killed: 72 out of which 36 killed by Imam Ali (A.S)

Battle won by Muslims

When the Prophet heard the news that there was a trade caravan going to Syria from Makka under the leadership of Abu Sufiyan, he sent two men to gather information about it. It was discovered that it was a large caravan in which all the Makkans had shares. The Quraysh had decided to put all their savings into it and use the profits on arms, horses and other items of war to use against the Muslims.

The news was disturbing. The Prophet(SAWW) left Medina with 313 men, 2 horses and 70 camels to go to Badr which was a stopping point for the caravans.  The Quraysh had confiscated all the property of all the Muslims who had left Makka for Medina. Abu Sufyan feared an attack from the Muslims and sent a messenger to Makka telling them of his fears. On receiving the message, an army of 1000 men, 100 horses and 700 camels under the leadership of Abu Jahl left Makka to go to Badr.  Meanwhile Abu Sufyan took a different route back to Makka avoiding Badr. Once he was back in Makka he called Abu Jahl but Abu Jahl was too proud and wanted to crush the Muslims with his large army.

The two armies met at Badr on 17th Ramadhan 2 A.H.  In the beginning as per Arab custom, single combat (one to one) took place. The famous Quraysh warriors Utbah, Shayba and Walid came to challenge three ‘Ansars’ from Medina. The Quraysh refused to fight any of the ‘Ansaars’, demanding their ‘equals’ and so the Prophet(SAWW) sent Ubayda, Hamza and Imam Ali(AS). The three Kuffar were killed (Ubayda was hurt). The Quraysh got disturbed and began attacking en masse.

In the thick of the battle, the Prophet prayed to Allah.  In Surat-ul Anfal Allah gave the answer:  "When you asked for help from your Lord, He answered you. Indeed I will aid you with a thousand of the angels in rows behind rows". Suratul Anfal 8:9

The enemies got frightened and began to retreat. The skill of Imam Ali (A.S), the other Muslim soldiers and the sight of so many angels struck terror in the enemies hearts. 72 Kuffar were killed including their leader Abu Jahl. Imam Ali(AS) killed 36 of them. 14 Muslims were martyred.

70 prisoners were taken by the Muslims. The prisoners were treated with kindness and some became Muslims. In later days some of the prisoners said: "blessed be the men of Medina, they made us ride whilst they walked, they gave us wheat and bread to eat when there was little of it contenting themselves with plain dates." The rich prisoners paid ransom and were set free. Others were asked to gain their freedom by teaching 10 Muslims to read and write.

The battle of Badr strengthened the faith of the Muslims