As Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, we are a minority amongst a minority. Especially in the current world climate, we need to constantly be ready to answer questions about our faith and what we believe in, to non-Ismailis and non-Muslims alike. As three Ismaili college students, we have found that it is easier to express our beliefs and values through music to the communities we come from. Aly Panjwani, Sarosh Mawani, and Mehak Noorani are Conchord – an Ismaili music group devoted to bringing light to the beauty of Islam through devotional music in a contemporary context. In the world we live now, it can be scary to be a Muslim. Every day, it seems like there is rising anti-Muslim sentiments. It is our responsibility as the ambassadors of our faith to educate those who do not understand and further express Islam through a unique medium. Music is a universal language and speaks louder than words alone. The lyrics and melodies of Conchord’s music aim to not only touch hearts, but enlighten souls.
This Thursday, January 7th, 2016, Conchord will release “Stand as One,” a new song addressing the Islamophobia that is engulfing the world around us. Conchord stresses within the song that we know Islam is a faith of peace and love. We must not let external influences change the core of our beliefs. Instead, we must react to these incorrect claims about our faith with gentle words, not violent actions. If we stand together as one with the Muslim Ummah, we can reverse some of the negative feelings that the world has about Islam.
Below is a short preview of the song! We ask you to use the hashtag #StandAsOne as you join Conchord in their journey to denouncing Islamophobia through harmony.
Aly Panjwani, Sarosh Mawani, and Mehak Noorani – Dallas, January 5th, 2016
https://soundcloud.com/alypanjwani/stand-as-one-preview
Listen to some of Conchord’s songs they have released over the years!
Ismailimail 