A local Naat and Nasheed artist is making waves and putting South Africa on the map, after releasing his debut single and now, together with his team of international songwriters and music composers, is in the process of producing his very first album.
Formerly of Laudium, now living in Eldoglen, Rayhaan Carrim’s compositions of outstanding melodies and songs are weaved into the texture of his own understanding as to how one can express in poetical, and musical language, the love of the Almighty Allah and His beloved Prophet (SAW). Rayhaan, the son of renowned medical specialist, Dr Ahmed Carrim, reflected on how it had all started, “During my performances at Meelad gatherings and functions, the praises of our beloved Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) appealed directly to my inner being. It was my passion and inner desire to conscientise and instill in our hearts the true love of our Creator, His beloved Prophet (SAW), and the Awliyah AS, that led me to take on this spiritual journey.”
Rayhaan added that his long-term vision was to see that the youth and the future generations have a strong religious influence using traditional, yet modern, presentations of Naats and Nasheed. This, he hoped, would enlighten and reignite hearts in a language that the youth would understand and leave behind precious, indelible memories long after departing from this world.
Rayhaan continued, “The Great Saint of India, Khwaja Ghareeb-un-Nawaaz R.A. (may the Almighty sanctify his soul), as an influencer, allowed the use of music to bring the masses of India to follow the religion of Islam and showed them the way of true love and devotion. My sincere gratitude and appreciation goes to Sheikh Ali Hashim who unselfishly sacrificed his time and patience, ensuring that the Arabic tajweed was practiced to perfection, and without whose support this journey would not have been possible.”
Rayhaan’s debut single, Safwat-Al-Asfiaa (The Prime of all Elites) was released on March 31, in time for the holy month of Ramadaan. The video was recorded in Turkey and has since received overwhelming admiration, locally and internationally.
The Turkish Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Ms Aysegul Kandas, commented, “I have heard this beautiful recording and have even sent it out on our group.”
The Laudium Sun, together with Mohideen Hasware of the PMT, (who contributed to this article), joins our readers in extending special congratulations to Rayhaan on his debut single. We wish him all the best with his new album and in his future endeavors.
*Readers can listen to Rayhaan’s awe-inspiring and heartwarming recitation on YouTube (Rayhaan Carrim Official), Facebook or Instagram. Rayhaan will soon be releasing a Nasheed album comprising of eleven different songs.
