Abu Ratib
| Abu Ratib | |
|---|---|
| Native name | أبو راتب |
| Birth name | Mohamed Mustapha Ali Masfaka |
| Born |
1962 (age 53–54) |
| Origin |
Michigan, United States Amman, Jordan |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Associated acts | Al-Huda International Art Productions |
Mohamed Mustapha Ali Masfaka (born 1962), better known as Abu Ratib (أبو راتب), is a Syrian-born Nasheed singer of Islamic and Arabic music based on classical Arab poetry.
Early life
Masfaka was born in Aleppo, Syria. From an early age, he was immersed in musical traditions of the Arab world.[1] At a young age, he joined the Arab Music Institute in Aleppo, Syria where he studied musical notation (Solfège) and learned to play the violin.[2] Later, he learned to play the trumpet and drums.
Masfaka studied broadcasting and television direction in Amman, Jordan, and obtained experience in the broadcasting engineering.[3] He has a diploma in Islamic Studies from Amman, Jordan. He then got a bachelor's degree in Financial Management and Accounting from Salahaddin University-Erbil in Iraq. Then, got a higher diploma in Philosophy, and a master's degree in Arabic Philosophy from the University of Jordan. Later, He got his PhD and doctorate in Philosophy of Education and Islamic Studies from Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
Career
As Masfaka balanced music with a growing interest in Islam, his work moved in a spiritual direction.[1] He joined the band of the singer Abi Dujanah for religious singing, until he founded Al-Huda band in 1981 and began issuing the albums of Islamic singing. In 1986, Al-Huda band developed to found Al-Huda Islamic Art. In 1991, he founded Al-Huda International Art Production.[3]
Masfaka is an active member of the Arabic arts community and is involved in numerous organizations to promote Islamic music and artist development worldwide. He has traveled over the U.S and abroad as a featured artist at community events in mosques and on college campuses.[1]
He is a member of Michigan-based Crescent Academy International, and aims to overcome negative impressions of Islam through his works such as a play about the Islam featuring the Islamic prophet Muhammad which attracted a large non-Muslim audience.[2] He is also head of the World Islamic Art League.[3]
Masfaka has often sung in support of human rights for the occupied Palestinian people.[4][5]
Awards
In 2006, Masfaka was awarded the World Youth Prize for Islamic Work in the field of Inshad (religious singing).[2]
Personal life
Masfaka is married to Batoul Qaweqji and has five daughters, Ayah, Nour, Sana, Hiba, and Sama Masfaka.
See also
References
- 1 2 3 Islamic Beliefs, Practices, and Cultures (Muslim World). Marshall Cavendish Corporation. 2010. p. 272. ISBN 978-0761479260.
- 1 2 3 "Artists". Global Peace & Unity Event 2008. 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2011. Abu Ratib
- 1 2 3 "Biography of the munshid Abu Ratib". ãæÞÚ ÃÈæÑÇÊÈ. 2004. Retrieved August 31, 2011.
- ↑ "Popular Syrian singer Abu Ratib released after hearing, will self-deport". The Arab American News. December 27, 2010. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
- ↑ "Islamic singer Abu Ratib agrees to remain jailed in Michigan". Michigan: MLive.com. January 29, 2010. Retrieved December 1, 2014.