General Info

Songs of Innocence is a collection of eight original English-language songs from Talib al-Habib, a student of the sacred sciences and Medical Doctor. Its subject matter has been aptly described as, 'love of Allah, love of his Prophet, love of teacher, love of family, and love of mankind.' Adapted from a series of poems composed over ten years, they were set to music in a six month period following Ramadhan 1425, in response to the encouragement of several nasheed artists. Talib drew on his childhood experiences of choral singing in arranging the songs, and utilised the daff for percussion after consultation with recognised scholars of traditional Islam.

The Tracks

Salat al-Badriyya: The only non-original song on the album, Salat al-Badriyya is a traditional Arabic madh (poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet, peace upon him) and dua. The Arabic verses have been translated into English and rendered according to the meter of the original song, in order to grant the listener who is not adept at Arabic an opportunity to understand its meaning.

Songs of Innocence: The title track of the album, Songs of Innocence was written on the 15th of Sha`ban in November 2004. It is essentially the dua of a parent sung for and to their children as they lie asleep, and incorporates nasiha (sincere counselling) such as, 'remember this: wisdom is the refinding of innocence.' The 'songs of innocence' refer to the dhikr, sung as a lullaby.