Latest news with #Qais
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
An Afghan-American Muslim and an Indian-American Sikh collaborate to revive the rabab
The earliest-known bowed instrument, rabab, has joined forces with the trumpet, through an unusually refreshing alliance between musicians Qais Essar, an Afghan-American Muslim, and Sonny Singh, an Indian-American Sikh. Together, they are composing an album, Sangat, which harks back to the defining narratives of Bhakti and Sufi movements (two prominent socio-religious movements in Hinduism and Islam). Among its three compositions released so far, one is an iconic Sufi song, 'Lal meri pat', praising the 12th Century mystic Shabaaz Qalandar, and the other two are the renditions of Sikh hymns reimaged on the warm timbre of rabab and accented by the jazzy, raw harmonics of trumpet. The recently released, 'Pavan Guru', is the concluding shlok of Sikh prayer Japji Sahib. It was penned by the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, who conjures up the unifying cultural phenomenon of Sant Mat Bhakti that drew on both Hinduism and Islam. The third track is called 'Vich Sangat', a 16th Century Sikh devotional poem by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. 'The album will have a few instrumental tracks centred on improvisation and conversation between the rabab and trumpet. There will be two tracks in Farsi, one of which is Qais's original composition of a poem by Amir Khusrau, and the other one is a co-composition of a Farsi shabad by Guru Nanak,' says Sonny about Sangat's upcoming tracks. Identifying sangat He describes the album as a project that is not only a meeting of diverse musical and spiritual traditions, but also a reflection of art as a vehicle for connection, resistance and healing. 'In the Sikh community, we generally refer to the worshippers inside a Gurdwara as sangat (beloved community). In this project, we would like to define sangat as something broader, where our ethnic, national and religious identities are porous,' he shares. 'For Sikhs and Muslims, specifically, this began with the friendship between Guru Nanak and his musical companion Bhai Mardana who played the rabab and was a Muslim. You see this spirit of solidarity and oneness in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, which includes the writings of not only Sikh gurus, but also of Sufi saints such as Sheikh Farid and radical bhakti poet-saints such as Ravidas, Kabir, and Namdev,' he adds. Sonny and Qais started working on Sangat in October 2024, some time after they were introduced to each other by a common friend, Sudanese-American singer-songwriter and ethnomusicologist, Alsarah. 'I was looking for a musician to accompany me on the six-week Revolutionary Love Tour with author-activist Valarie Kaur. The 40-city tour across the US, including a few gurdwaras in California, New York and Wisconsin, was part of my second album Sage Warrior that accompanied Valarie's eponymous book,' says Sonny. Driven by electric guitar, drums, dholki and trumpet, 'Pavan Guru' was featured on Sage Warrior too, but Qais's rabab on tours added a spiritual dimension to the hymn, reinterpreting its musical texture from Nanak and Mardana's travels around South Asia and the Middle East. 'We opened our concerts with 'Pavan Guru' and started our project with the recording of the hymn this February,' Sonny shares. Instruments of peace Recorded mostly in Qais's studio in Payson, Arizona, Sangat will be released in October this year through his indie label and production company Ghost Songs. With five albums and 12 EPs to his credit, Qais's merit in pursuing music through rabab commands attention. He confirms his family's commitment to art, poetry and music — stating that his grandfather played tambour — but, he assures: 'I am the first rabab player in my family'. On rabab, Qais has also composed film music for the BAFTA-nominated short film Yellow and Academy Award-nominated films Three Songs for Benazir and The Breadwinner. 'Rabab allows me to transport my thoughts and feelings to the world. In my years of practise, I have pioneered many techniques and ways of playing the rabab, specifically 'gayaki' (playing in a vocal way), and western concepts of harmony, such as chords. The mixture of the contemporary style firmly rooted in tradition gives the music ancestral power in the modern world,' he says. Rabab is the national instrument of Afghanistan, the country from where Qais's parents migrated to the US in 1982. The instrument, though not banned, is under threat from Taliban's ban on music. So, does Qais see the act of taking up rabab as that of defiance or reverence to its rich cultural history? 'Playing rabab is an act of defiance and defence of cultural history. We protect that which we revere,' he replies. His words bring to mind 'Free Palestine' inked on Qais's rabab in the video of 'Pavan Guru'. While Qais is reviving rabab with intentional fervour, Sonny, with his trumpet, is pushing the boundaries of conventions that dictate the way kirtan (hymn-singing) is performed. He has the uncanny knack of playing devotional songs and ballads of rebellion with virtuosic ease and intensity. For instance, in his first album, Chardi Kala, he sang hymns like 'Aisee Preet', 'Mitar Pyare Nu' and 'Koi Bol Ram' alongside fiery, anthemic compositions like 'Ghadar Machao'. Cultural paradox On what prompted him to collaborate with Sonny for Sangat, Qais says, 'Music has always been a tool for healing, justice, and unity. This project is my offering to that sacred stream.' He adds, 'Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana knew then what we know now, that music is the powerful way to deliver a message to your heart.' Interestingly, the conversations on the rabab gathered steam in 2022 when the Akal Takht Jathedar requested the replacement of the harmonium with traditional string instruments such as the dilruba, rabab, and sarangi in kirtan at the Golden Temple. The idea was to revive the tradition of using string instruments in Sikh religious music. 'For centuries, starting with Bhai Mardana in the 1500s, Muslim rababis were a crucial part of the Sikh kirtan tradition. Many master musicians playing at the Golden Temple were Muslims. It is a travesty that they were pushed out. That process began in the early 1900s, and Partition (1947) sealed the deal. In the context of British colonialism, many of our communities became more rigid about their religious identities. The beauty of the oneness or the idea of 'Ik Oankar' (mool mantra) that is central to Sikhism began to be chipped away,' says Sonny. 'When Muslim rababis were expelled, much of the knowledge of the raags of the Guru Granth Sahib as well as the expertise on original instruments, like the rabab, were also lost.' By the time you read this article, Qais and Sonny would have played their first live shows as Sangat in the Bay Area, California. Sonny hopes that this music becomes 'a space for reflection, action for justice and liberation for all.' His words bring to mind 'Free Palestine' inked on Qais's rabab in the video of 'Pavan Guru'. As for Sangat, it continues to pave the way for experimental music, a symphony of a cultural paradox where the rabab and trumpet, old and new, Sikh and Muslim, Afghani and Indian, Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana and Bhakti and Sufi movements — everything is connected to the sacred chord of humanism.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
In Syria's devastated Jobar, cemetery comes alive for Eid
Only the cemetery in Damascus's devastated suburb of Jobar showed signs of life on Friday as residents returned to visit and pray for Eid al-Adha, the first since Bashar al-Assad's fall. Jawdat al-Qais fought back tears as he knelt at the tomb of his father, who died less than a month ago. "His wish was to be buried in Jobar -- and Jobar was liberated and he was buried here," said Qais, 57. "We carried out his wish, thank God," he said, adding that "many people haven't been able to be buried in their hometowns." Once home to around 350,000 people, Jobar was turned into a wasteland due to heavy fighting from the start of Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 with Assad's brutal repression of anti-government protests. In 2018, an accord between Assad's government and opposition factions allowed fighters and their families to evacuate. After being forced out, Jobar's residents have returned for Eid al-Adha, the biggest holiday in Islam, during which it is customary to pay respects to the dead. Among the utter ruin of the once rebel-held district, the call to prayer rose from damaged mosque's minaret as dozens of faithful gathered both inside and out. - Population 'zero' - In the deathly silence, devastated buildings line barely passable roads in Jobar, which is also home to a historic synagogue. At the cemetery, which was also damaged, residents -- including former fighters in wheelchairs or using crutches -- came together after years of separation, some drinking coffee or eating dates. "The irony of Jobar is that the cemetery is the only thing bringing us life, bringing us together," Qais said. Some visitors struggled to find their loved ones' tombs among the overturned headstones. A few etched names or drew rudimentary signs to help identify them on the next visit. "I found my mother's tomb intact and I wept," said Jihad Abulmajd, 53. He said he has visited her grave regularly since Assad's December 8 ouster. "We find peace here, with our ancestors and relatives," he told AFP. The day after Assad was toppled, Hamza Idris, 64, and his family returned to Jobar from Idlib in the country's northwest, where they fled in 2018. He said a definitive return to the ghost town, whose infrastructure has been destroyed, was impossible. "Jobar's population... is zero," he said after praying in front of the mosque. "Even the cemetery wasn't spared the bombs," said Idris, who lost three children during the war and was unable to visit their graves until Assad's ouster. "The town is no longer habitable. It needs to be entirely rebuilt," he said. mam/jos/at/lg/jsa
France 24
06-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
In Syria's devastated Jobar, cemetery comes alive for Eid
Jawdat al-Qais fought back tears as he knelt at the tomb of his father, who died less than a month ago. "His wish was to be buried in Jobar -- and Jobar was liberated and he was buried here," said Qais, 57. "We carried out his wish, thank God," he said, adding that "many people haven't been able to be buried in their hometowns." Once home to around 350,000 people, Jobar was turned into a wasteland due to heavy fighting from the start of Syria's civil war, which erupted in 2011 with Assad's brutal repression of anti-government protests. In 2018, an accord between Assad's government and opposition factions allowed fighters and their families to evacuate. After being forced out, Jobar's residents have returned for Eid al-Adha, the biggest holiday in Islam, during which it is customary to pay respects to the dead. Among the utter ruin of the once rebel-held district, the call to prayer rose from damaged mosque's minaret as dozens of faithful gathered both inside and out. Population 'zero' In the deathly silence, devastated buildings line barely passable roads in Jobar, which is also home to a historic synagogue. At the cemetery, which was also damaged, residents -- including former fighters in wheelchairs or using crutches -- came together after years of separation, some drinking coffee or eating dates. "The irony of Jobar is that the cemetery is the only thing bringing us life, bringing us together," Qais said. Some visitors struggled to find their loved ones' tombs among the overturned headstones. A few etched names or drew rudimentary signs to help identify them on the next visit. "I found my mother's tomb intact and I wept," said Jihad Abulmajd, 53. He said he has visited her grave regularly since Assad's December 8 ouster. "We find peace here, with our ancestors and relatives," he told AFP. The day after Assad was toppled, Hamza Idris, 64, and his family returned to Jobar from Idlib in the country's northwest, where they fled in 2018. He said a definitive return to the ghost town, whose infrastructure has been destroyed, was impossible. "Jobar's population... is zero," he said after praying in front of the mosque. "Even the cemetery wasn't spared the bombs," said Idris, who lost three children during the war and was unable to visit their graves until Assad's ouster. "The town is no longer habitable. It needs to be entirely rebuilt," he said.
Khaleej Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Watch: This Dubai cafe is run by people with Down Syndrome who bid visitors farewell with heart signs
Café 21, run by individuals with Down syndrome, draws attention and admiration from the community not just for its warm service but also for the powerful message it sends about inclusion and ability. One of its recent visitors, 22-year-old Amanda D'Silva from India, left deeply touched by meeting the café team members and inspired to pursue a hunt for a job at Apple . D'Silva, who interned at Borders bookstore and works as a fashion model, said, 'I love this place. I will come again to support them.' She came with her family and ordered her favorite drink, a pink smoothie. In contrast, her family showed their support by ordering two chicken sandwiches and a chocolate cake. Her mother welcomed the initiative and told Khaleej Times, 'We need more initiatives like this that empower people of determination and open up real opportunities for them in society.' She added that finding jobs is difficult, and she hopes more doors will open for others with determination. She also encouraged people to come and support, even if they don't have children with special needs. D'Silva was not the only one touched by the experience. Many other visitors expressed their support, capturing the moment with photos and videos quickly spreading across social media platforms. Their posts encouraged others to visit the café and show solidarity, turning Café 21 into a quiet movement of community awareness and support. Khaleej Times visited the café on Tuesday morning at Al Ghurair Centre in Deira. Café 21 offered a welcoming atmosphere with a team of individuals with Down syndrome. Among them were Alaa, 21, and Qais, 18, both Emiratis working the morning shift. They greeted visitors with big smiles, guided them to their seats, handed them menus, took their orders, served their food, and finally said goodbye — often forming a heart shape with their hands and offering kind words. The café employs four Emirati individuals with Down syndrome, supported by four trained baristas who assist with coffee preparation and service. The Emirati team members greet guests, take orders, and deliver them, tasks they perform with joy, kindness, and enthusiasm. Visitors often respond with heartfelt compliments like 'You're beautiful' and 'You light up the room.' These genuine words have become a natural part of the café's warm atmosphere. Alaa and Qais told Khaleej Times that they prefer the night shift, as they receive more visitors who show them love. 'I like the night shift; many people come to show support. I love being around others,' Alaa said. Sometimes, Alaa and Qais step into the barista role, assisting their coworkers in preparing coffee for customers. The staff were trained through the Emirates Down Syndrome Association (EDSA). They were selected by the café's owner, Mr Raghuraman, who founded the café to create a supportive environment for people with Down syndrome. His motivation stems from personal experience, as his 24-year-old son also has Down syndrome. His son has profoundly shaped his understanding of the challenges individuals with Down syndrome face and the importance of inclusion. The café specifically aims to provide these individuals with employment opportunities and a chance to engage socially, helping them grow into independent adults. It encourages communication, boosts confidence, and allows meaningful interaction with the wider community. Why Café 21? '21' refers to the 21st chromosome, highlighting the genetic condition of Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome. This symbolism is also reflected in the café's logo: a coffee cup wrapped with a blue and yellow ribbon which is the global colours for Down syndrome. A heart-shaped foam art on the top of the cup symbolizes the unconditional love these individuals bring. Curved lines on the sides of the logo represent inclusion, while a star on top denotes premium quality. The tagline reads: Unconditional Love, a message only those with pure hearts can truly deliver. The café is just the beginning. The team plans to expand and open 21 branches across Dubai and the UAE. 'We're launching a chain of coffee shops run by individuals with Down Syndrome , starting with our first outlet at Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai,' Raghuram noted. 'With the right support, we aim to expand across UAE, helping them achieve independence and purpose.'
Observer
16-04-2025
- Observer
Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project
As spring breathes life into the hills of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, an extraordinary event begins—the blooming of its stunning roses. From mid-March through to the end of April, visitors can take part in an unforgettable experience at the "Dehjan" project, where the enchanting scent of roses mingles with the rich tradition of distillation. This local initiative not only celebrates nature's beauty but also offers a glimpse into the artisanal craftsmanship that has been cultivated over generations. The Dehjan project is much more than just a rose farm; it features a guesthouse and a small factory dedicated to producing high-quality rose water and rose oil. Al Jabal Al Akhdar is famous for the exceptional quality of its roses, which serve as a key income source for the local community. With an ever-growing demand for rose products, this project plays a vital role in sustaining the local economy while preserving traditional practices. Visitors arriving at Dehjan are greeted by fields of vibrant roses, beckoning them to partake in the morning ritual of harvesting. Here, guests have the opportunity to pick roses firsthand, enjoying not only the fragrant blossoms but also learning about the entire process—from cultivation to distillation. It's a unique experience that appeals to both nature lovers and those interested in the art of crafting aromatic products. Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project One of the highlights of visiting the Dehjan project is gaining insight into the distinct distillation methods used to create rose water. Qais al Amri, the passionate owner of the project, shares that the term "Dehjan" refers to the traditional device used in distilling rose water. This traditional method involves a stone oven crafted from clay and pebbles, featuring specially designed vents. A clay vessel called the 'Barama' is filled with freshly picked roses, while a smaller copper vessel—known as the 'Sahla'—sits above it to collect the steam that condenses into pure rose water. 'Using this time-honoured technique, one kilogram of roses can produce approximately 400 to 450 millilitres of rose water,' Qais explains. He notes that the entire process takes about three hours for each batch, with the project currently utilising four ovens, consuming roughly four kilograms of roses per distillation cycle. This meticulous process not only showcases the artisans' skills but also enhances visitors' appreciation for the fragrant products they often take for granted. However, Dehjan isn't just limited to traditional methods. In a bid to meet increasing demand, the project has recently integrated modern technology into its production processes. A large copper distillation device—similar to those used in Saudi Arabia—can process around 22 kilograms of roses at once, along with 40 litres of water. This upgrade aims to boost production efficiency, especially when extracting pure rose oil, one of the rarest and most valuable aromatic oils in the world. Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project Qais elaborates on the rarity of pure rose oil, stating, 'To obtain just 6 millilitres of our pure rose oil, we need approximately 6,000 rose flowers.' This exquisite oil plays a significant role in luxury perfumes and high-quality incense, making it a highly sought-after ingredient in the fragrance industry. In addition to rose water and oil, the Dehjan project offers a variety of handcrafted products derived from roses. Visitors can explore skincare and hair care items, unique perfumes, incense, and even innovative blends like rose-infused coffee and oud oil enhanced with the essence of roses. Their extensive product line demonstrates the versatility of roses and the creativity involved in crafting natural items. The blend of tradition and innovation at the Dehjan project embodies the deep connection between the people of Oman and their land. Many visitors find themselves transported into a world where nature and tradition flourish side by side. This immersive experience provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about the heritage of rose cultivation and distillation, fostering a greater appreciation for the landscape that flourishes in flowers. Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project Explore the Rose-Filled Wonders of Jabal Akhdar at the Dehjan Project Moreover, staying at the guesthouse allows guests to savour the experience longer. The accommodations provide a peaceful retreat, where the sweet aroma of roses fills the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy leisurely evenings, soaking in the beauty of Al Jabal Al Akhdar while reflecting on the day's experiences. As visitors interact with the local artisans and gain insights into their craft, they also contribute to the preservation of traditional practices and the support of local communities. By choosing to engage in this unique experience, guests help keep these age-old methods alive for future generations, making their visit not only enjoyable but also impactful. The Dehjan project stands as a testament to the rich heritage and natural beauty of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. With its combination of traditional artistry and modern techniques, it offers a compelling view into the world of rose distillation. Whether you're picking roses, exploring the distillation processes, or enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the guesthouse, every moment at the Dehjan project is imbued with the essence of Omani craftsmanship and the beauty of the natural world.
