A third generation Canadian with Scottish and English roots, Dawud Wharnsby's recordings and reputation have established him as an institution in the realm of English language Nasheed (spiritual songs of a world-rhythm/folk style, drawn from Islamic cultural and musical roots). In true folk-song tradition, his writings have taken on a life of their own - spreading far beyond officially targeted territories by way of a bootleg industry which circulates his recordings unofficially and uncontrollably throughout the world. Though distribution of Wharnsby's material is difficult to gage, his efforts have spawned an artistic movement and musical industry of young artists hailing from Los Angeles, London, Jakarta and all stops in between.
A traveler, writer, troubadour and multi-instrumentalist, Dawud (David) Wharnsby first emerged onto the North American folk music scene in 1991. His debut solo recording "Blue Walls and The Big Sky” (1995), firmly established his skills not only as a crafty lyricist, but also as a powerful vocalist, capable of drawing listeners into his world like a vibrant stage actor or an intimate storyteller.
Merging the Celtic/folk styles of his upbringing with sounds and embellishments of the Middle and Far East, his 1996 CD "A Whisper Of Peace” was followed by a string of internationally recognized recordings including, "Road To Madinah” (1999), "Sunshine, Dust and The Messenger” (2001) and "The Prophet's Hands” (2002) - all released through the US based label Sound Vision. Wharnsby's unique lyrical style, warm voice and knack for penning catchy melodies yield a rich reception from his listeners world-wide, who in many cases do not even speak English as their first language.
Several of Wharnsby's latest recordings feature collaborations with the likes of UK based artist, producer and peace activist Yusuf Islam (formerly CAT STEVENS) South African songwriter Zain Bhikha, Canadian percussion ensemble The Fletcher Valve Drummers, and award winning producer/songwriter Zuriani (KEB'MO', BRENDA RUSSELL, MELISSA MANCHESTER). His newest CD, “Vacuous Waxing” brings together a unique mix of featured artists, including Canadian songwriter Bill Kocher, UK bass legend Danny Thompson (PENTANGLE, NICK DRAKE, EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL, DONOVAN, RICHARD THOMPSON, ERIC CLAPTON), Canadian icon Stephen Fearing (BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS, SARAH McLACHLAN) and world renown sitar master Irshad Khan.
Dawud served as an executive member of the creative team behind educational multimedia entity Sound Vision for 7 years and now oversees his own world-music publishing entityEnter Into Peace. Frequently assisting with television and video production, Wharnsby has scored or personally hosted programs produced with the support of Canada's Vision TV, the National Film Board of Canada, CBC, and BBC Scotland. As a respected and vibrant solo musical performer, social activist and motivational speaker, he travels extensively throughout the world and often lectures at schools and universities - addressing gatherings of all ages with his inspirational talks and diverse educational programs for children. Though his performance venues have included Toronto’s prestigious Living Arts Centre, and London England’s famed Royal Albert Hall, Dawud (who got his start humbly busking on cold street corners of small Canadian and Scottish towns) maintains a love of simplicity - never straying far from opportunities to share his music informally with intimate audiences.
http://www.wharnsby.com/Biography/
The Prophet
Dawud Wharnsby Ali Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sat quietly in the evening.
His companion asked,
�Oh beautiful man,
Why do you sit here grieving?�
My ummah, those who follow me,
The future of their faith
My brothers and sisters in Islam
Will they be strong and carry on after I die.
The Prophet stood silently and prayed,
His beard becoming wet as he cried for all his fears.
Oh Allah! Don�t let this nation fade,
As he pleaded through the night the earth around him filled with tears.
My ummah, those who follow me,
The future of their faith
Makes me worry till I cry.
My brothers and sisters in Islam
Will they be strong and carry on after I die.
La la la la
La la la la la
La la la la la
La la la ah
La la la la
La la la la la
La la la la la
La la la ah
A stillness fell over the land,
Companions gathered near to where the Prophet laid.
As Aysha his wife held tight to his hand,
The Prophet spoke again before he passed away.
My ummah, those who follow me,
The future of their faith
Makes me worry till I cry.
My brothers and sisters in Islam
Will they be strong and carry on after I die.
My ummah, those who follow me,
The future of their faith
Makes me worry till I cry.
My brothers and sisters in Islam
Will they be strong and carry on after I die.
Believers, brothers and sisters in Islam,
Will we be strong and carry on until we die?
The lyrics of Dawud Wharnsby Ali's song "The Prophet" depict a poignant scene where Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) sat grieving, his beard becoming wet with tears, as he worried about the future of the ummah, those who follow him. His companions, seeing his distress, asked him why he sat there grieving. The Prophet profoundly responded that his worries were about the future of the faith and its followers after his death, whether they would remain strong and carry on. As the night continued, he prayed for his nation and asked Allah not to let them fade away. As the night passed, the land fell into a stillness, and his wife Aysha held his hand as the Prophet spoke before he passed away, leaving behind a message for his followers.
The Prophet's distress in the lyrics emphasizes his concern for the wellbeing of his followers beyond his lifetime. It also highlights the immense responsibility that he felt towards his community's spiritual and moral guidance. The lyrics thus evoke a sense of responsibility towards the well-being of a community as a whole, in addition to one's own individual faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Mohamed Allaihisalaam
This line is an honorific salutation to Prophet Muhammad, meaning 'May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him'.
Sat quietly in the evening.
The Prophet Muhammad sat alone in contemplation during the evening, reflecting on the state of his followers.
His companion asked,
Someone who accompanied the Prophet Muhammad during this time asked him a question.
�Oh beautiful man,
The person addressing Prophet Muhammad expressed admiration for his noble and pleasing qualities.
Why do you sit here grieving?�
The person asked the Prophet Muhammad why he seemed to be in a state of sorrow or despair.
My ummah, those who follow me,
The Prophet Muhammad spoke of his community of followers, known as the ummah, who look to him as their leader and exemplar.
The future of their faith
The Prophet Muhammad was concerned about the direction his community would take after his death, the future of their faith being uncertain.
Makes me worry till I cry.
The Prophet Muhammad was so concerned about his followers that he cried for them.
My brothers and sisters in Islam
The Prophet Muhammad referred to his followers as his brothers and sisters in faith, emphasizing the strong familial bonds that exist within the Islamic community.
Will they be strong and carry on after I die.
The Prophet Muhammad wondered if his followers would have the strength to continue their faith after he passed away.
The Prophet stood silently and prayed,
The Prophet Muhammad prayed in silence, seeking guidance and protection for his followers.
His beard becoming wet as he cried for all his fears.
The tears shed by the Prophet Muhammad during prayer wet his beard, indicating the depth of his anguish and concern.
Oh Allah! Don�t let this nation fade,
The Prophet Muhammad implored Allah to protect his followers and ensure that their faith would not fade away after his death.
As he pleaded through the night the earth around him filled with tears.
The depth of the Prophet Muhammad's emotion was so great that his tears seemed to soak into the very earth around him.
A stillness fell over the land,
After the Prophet Muhammad passed away, a sense of quiet and calm descended over the area where he lay.
Companions gathered near to where the Prophet laid.
The Prophet Muhammad's companions and followers gathered around him as he lay dying.
As Aysha his wife held tight to his hand,
The Prophet Muhammad's beloved wife Aysha held onto his hand as he passed away.
The Prophet spoke again before he passed away.
The Prophet Muhammad uttered one last message to his followers before his death.
Believers, brothers and sisters in Islam,
The Prophet Muhammad addressed his followers again, using terms of endearment to emphasize their shared faith and kinship.
Will we be strong and carry on until we die?
The question the Prophet Muhammad asked his followers is whether they will have the fortitude to continue their faith until the end of their own lives.
Contributed by Emma S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@misssammy786
My mum bought me this on cassette when I was around 10 years old. At 24 I visited Medina and I remember humming this nasheed without thinking, and then crying. Now at 30 years old, my first child was born. I found myself singing this nasheed as a lullaby. He is now 9 months and he still finds it soothing. Its so emotional and means so much to me. The prophet was a perfect example of how our character should be. "The future of their faith makes me worry till I cry.."
@meryum0608
This bashed was uploaded when I was born and now that I’m 13 I’m praying to Allah SWT to forgive me of everything I have ever done since He is the most Merciful and our life lies in His hands. I pray that he guides all of us to become exactly like He and the Peophet PBUH want. Aameen 🤲💕🥰
@meryum0608
*nasheed 🙈
@midzyblinkonce7716
I'm a Christian and I love this song, and I love Muhammad! Is that weird for a Christian to love Muhammad?
@mokarolia
Jewel Gal no. all prophets went through hell for us
@easytheories8950
you should learn more about him n islam it's okay we love prophet ISA madeeh(Christ) peace be upon him too...it's okay
@usarunitedstatesarmyranger9572
Jennie Stan Not really, Muslim’s believe in Prophet Isa (PBUH) (Jesus) and Isa Ibn Maryam (Son of Mary)
@Mohammedmohammed-uv3uc
Jennie Stan halo
@mifrahsalman
Jennie Stan Nope its completely fine we Muslims even love Jesus pbuh
@rashidamiri258
The love that the prophet had for his ummah, makes me cry everytime.