Harris J & Maher Zain just released a brand new song, “Qalbi Fil Madinah” – and I can tell you now – it’s going to be massive!
The Awakening Music song dropped on Sunday, March 9th, and it’s already creating a buzz in the industry.
Plus, they’ve teased that the music video will be even more spectacular!
Right now, as I write this, both Harris J and Maher Zain are in Madinah filming the video for this brand-new release.
Check out my review below, and don’t forget to read till the end – you’ll get a chance to share your own rating!
The Leak
Even before release, Qalbi Fil Madinah was a huge success.
Harris J & Maher Zain released a preview video of the song, and that video alone drove a huge number of views. In fact, Harris posted about how surprised he was with the reception from the fans.
Iconic maroon thobes.
Harris and Maher may just have set a trend wearing these luxury Maroon thobes. Be the first to follow. I found a similar Maroon Thobe on Amazon that i’ll be buying for sure!
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What Makes Qabli Fil Madinah So Good?
There are several reasons why this song is already a success.
Harris J & Maher Zain
Arguably two of the biggest Nasheed artists globally, anything they create is almost guaranteed to be a hit.
Generation Gap = Perfect Duo
While there’s a noticeable generation gap between them, with some overlap, each artist has their own distinct fanbase.
Harris J’s fanbase is largely made up of younger females, while Maher Zain resonates more with older listeners—many of whom grew up enjoying timeless hits like Ya Nabi Salam Alaika, a song that continues to be frequently searched for on this website.
In fact, Ya Nabi Salam Alaika ranked third on this website for most viewed page in Ramadan 2025 and i’ve done nothing to promote it.
Update: But, take a look at the ranking of this very review in Ramadan 2025:
Clearly people are in love with this song. It has so many hits, making my other posts look like nothing.
What about Harris J’s other songs?
You may notice Salam Alaikum by Harris J ranks in the report above, another timeless song that gained huge popularity around the world – sung by young Harris J.
The generation gap expands the song’s reach, bringing it to a wider audience and boosting its success.
It’s Upbeat & Catchy
Some Nasheeds carry deep meaning but go unnoticed.
Why?
Because they lack rhythm.
However, Qalbi Fil Madinah is different. This upbeat track sticks in your head all day.
That’s exactly what happened when the preview dropped – fans flooded social media with excitement and couldn’t stop singing the chorus on Tiktok & beyond.
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Non-Music Alternative
As with all Awakening Music releases, a non-music version accompanies the main track.
This approach ensures a wider reach, catering to those who believe music is not permissible in Islam. By offering both versions, the artists make their work accessible to everyone.
Arabic Vocals
Another key factor in the song’s success is its exclusive use of Arabic vocals. Nasheeds performed entirely in Arabic often resonate deeply with listeners, regardless of their native language. Many past hits have followed this formula and gained widespread popularity, proving that a well-composed melody and meaningful lyrics can transcend language barriers.
Qalbi Fil Madinah continues this trend, captivating audiences with its beautiful Arabic expressions and soulful delivery.
Official Music Video for Qalbi Fil Madinah
The official music video is out now – and it’s amazing! See the video below and keep scrolling for my thoughts on it.
Video Review
The video opens with Harris J and Maher Zain potentially trying to sleep, only to be awakened by a mysterious light that transports them back in time to ancient Madinah.
Dressed in traditional Arabic attire, they explore the city’s vibrant streets, their hearts filled with joy. As the video progresses, a portal repeatedly appears, shifting them between different scenes including an old ship and a dessert – they way people would travel from far back in those days.
In the final segment, they find themselves in modern-day Madinah, emerging at what may now be known as the ‘Qalbi Fil Madinah spot’ – a framed sculpture positioned in front of the Madinah Masjid where Harris and Mahar sang with the public.
As they walk toward the Mosque, something unexpected happens: they begin to levitate. Could this symbolize their ascension to Paradise? Or is it a visual cue suggesting that this entire experience was just a dream, and they are about to wake up? What do you think?
Overall, the video feels fresh and well-crafted.
A great deal of effort has clearly gone into its production, from recreating historical scenes to the meticulous attention to detail in props and costumes.
The end result beautifully showcases the majesty of Madinah, both past and present.
Why Film in Madinah?
One of the main criticisms of Maher Zain’s previous song Madinah was that the video was shot in the West, with no real connection to the city itself.
Perhaps this time, Awakening Records aimed to address that by filming in the actual Madinah. Of course, this choice didn’t come without its own set of criticisms – because, let’s be honest, we Muslims critique everything!
Qalbi Fil Madinah Lyrics
English Translation of Qalbi Fil Madinah Lyrics
Here’s the English translation of the Arabic lyrics below.
My tears flowed with longing,
For you, O my beloved,
My heart overflows with love
By sending salutations upon you
My soul flew with love
To you In my dream
My whole being seeks complete closeness,
My master, i’ve come to answer your call
*Chorus*
My heart. in Madinah
Has found tranquillity
It said, O our Prophet,
“Peace be upon you”
*End Chorus*
May Allah’s peace and blessings
Be upon you oh messenger of Allah
May Allah’s peace and blessings
Be upon you oh beloved of Allah
Beloved of Allah
Messenger of Allah
Oh Father of (Fatima) Azzahra
How I long for you
To the green dome
I’ve come to send blessings on you
Grandfather of Al-Hasan and Al-Husain
Muhammed O epitome of beauty
You came to us with glad tidings
Taha, light of my eye
*Chorus*
Arabic Lyrics
Lyrics: Bara Kherigi Melody: Maher Zain & Harris J Arrangement: Maher Zain Mixing: Ronny Lahti Mastering: Svante Forsbäck
سَالَ دَمعِي شَوْقًا
يَا حَبِيبِي إِلَيْك
فَاضَ قَلْبِي عِشْقًا
بِالصَّلاةِ عَلَيك
طارتْ رُوحِي حُبًّا
في المَنَامِ إليك
رَامَ كُلِّي قُرْبًا
سَيِّدِي لبَّيْك
قَلْبِي في المدينة
وَجَدَ السَّكِينَة
قال يا نَبِينا
السلامُ عليك
قَلْبِي في المدينة
وَجَدَ السَّكِينَة
محمد نَبِينا
السلامُ عليك
صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وسَلامُه
عليك يا رسولَ الله
صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وسَلامُه
عليك يا حبيبَ الله
صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وسَلامُه
عليك يا رسولَ الله
صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وسَلامُه
عليك يا حبيبَ الله
رسولَ الله
حبيبَ الله
رسولَ الله
حبيبَ الله
يا أبا الزَّهراء
كم أحِنُّ إليك
للقُبَّةِ الخَضْرَاء
جِئتُ أُصَلّي عَليْك
يا جَدَّ الحَسَنيْن
مُحمّد يا زين
يا مَن جِئتَنا بُشْرَى
طَهَ نُورَ العَين
قَلْبِي في المدينة
وَجَدَ السَّكِينَة
قال يا نَبِينا
السلامُ عليك
قَلْبِي في المدينة
وَجَدَ السَّكِينَة
محمد نَبِينا
السلامُ عليك
صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وسَلامُه
عليك يا رسولَ الله
صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وسَلامُه
عليك يا حبيبَ الله
صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وسَلامُه
عليك يا رسولَ الله
صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وسَلامُه
عليك يا حبيبَ الله
رسولَ الله
حبيبَ الله
رسولَ الله
حبيبَ الله
قَلْبِي في المدينة
وَجَدَ السَّكِينَة
محمد نَبِينا
السلامُ عليك
Overall Rating
This track is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time.
While it may not be the deepest in terms of content, it still holds educational value – especially with its mention of the Prophet’s family and the use of his alternative name, Taha.
A decade from now, I expect to check my stats and see Qalbi Fil Madinah still holding the top spot, even without active promotion. InshaAllah.
Lyrics: 10/10
Vocals: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
References & Reflection: 8/10
IMH Total Rating: 47/50
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If you liked this you will love our other Maher Zain Reviews and Harris J Reviews
