Waqas: Might Not Be Right Download
Outlandish were a band you could catch on both Islam Channel and MTV – an odd combination that was unheard of back when they formed in 1997.
The group were best known for tracks such as ‘Aisha’, ‘Walou’ and ‘Callin’ You’. ‘Kom Igen’ was used in a Fifa video game, and ‘Guantanamo’ made a strong impression in the EU charts.
Furthermore, they collaborated with well-known Nasheed artists such as Sami Yusuf and Native Deen.
The group disbanded in 2017, however that doesn’t mean they left the music world…
Download the new track: ‘Might Not Be Right‘.
About The Song
Might Not Be Right’ is an independent release from former Outlandish member Waqas.
Waqas created an early version of this track with well-known singer Safe Adam. Once complete he showed it to Lenny (former Outlandish member), who was so impressed he asked if he could feature on it.
It’s fantastic to see these three working together, each adding their own flavour to the song. The trio have toured together on many occasions, even before collaborating.
The track is upbeat, full of energy and well-produced. I wouldn’t be surprised if it got air time on non-Muslim radio and TV stations.
But how does this track relate to Islam?
Islamic music varies greatly. Some songs emphasis a particular Quranic quote or hadith, while others focus on Dhikr.
One common theme in modern day Nasheeds is to give out a positive faith-inspired message. ‘Might Not Be Right’ does just that by giving out a positive message of encouragement.
What’s the message?
It’s about taking on new tasks, ideas or challenges.
Sometimes we get the feeling that the ideas we take on in life might not be right. This can apply to big long-term objectives or small self-changes.
Why do we get this feeling?
Society can make us feel like we need to behave and act in a certain way. We often conform to these rules and feel uncomfortable when we sway.
Do You Conform?
Asch conducted a psychological experiment on conformity in 1951, the results of which are shocking and a little humorous.
He presented participants with drawings of three lines, and asked them which ones matched.
The answer was clearly C however 75% of participants answered incorrectly.
Surprised?
The setup of the experiment may have influenced the responses.
Asch had asked a number of other people to give answers before the participant, only these people were actually in on the experiment (confederates) and gave the wrong answer on purpose.
The participants were clearly influenced by the others, showing the power of conformity. See the Asch experiment in action.
Many of the participants said that they knew the answer was incorrect, but didn’t want to face the awkwardness of going against the crowd.
Further studies have found that this idea of fitting in appears to be far more common in Eastern cultures, but applies to the West too.
So let’s take a look at some Islamic examples of decisions that might not seem right, due to the pressures of society.
Good Actions That Might Not Feel Right
Some examples of positive actions we might feel pressure to go against include:
- Giving Up Swearing
- Avoid Drinking
- Giving to Charity
- Not Skipping A Prayer
- Telling Truth Without Exaggeration
Never Swearing Again
Imagine if someone claimed they had never said a swear word in their life – likely responses would be “Really!?”. “Why!”, “Not even once!”.
The idea of swearing has become so common in society that it is hard to believe anyone who claims they have never said a bad word.
Someone who decides to give up swearing for the sake of Allah might feel like they are doing wrong if questioned like this over and over.
But bad language is highly discouraged in Islam, and a goal of this nature should be followed through.
“O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers” (Quran 49:11)
Avoiding The Drink
I’d love to say this only applies to Muslims living in the West, however the pressure to drink can be sky high in rich societies of Muslim countries too.
Someone who decides to avoid drinking alcohol should continue to do so. Did you know that the Muslims at the time of the prophet were heavy drinkers? They were able to overcome their habits and quit drinking altogether.
The first verse to be revealed in the Quran discouraged praying while in a drunken state. The Muslims significantly reduced their alcohol intake as a result of the verse.
“O you who believe, do not approach the Salat while intoxicated, until you know what you are saying.” (Quran 4:43)
Another verse was then revealed that banned alcohol altogether.
“O you who believe, intoxicants, gambling, altars and arrows of chance are afflictions that are the work of the devil; you shall ‘ijtanibuhu’ (stay away from him) so that you may succeed.” (Quran 5:90)
Give To Charity… If You Can
Almost everyone would agree that giving to charity is a fantastic idea, but ask the same people to give a portion of their monthly wage and it’s a different story.
Safe Adam has recently been working closely with the charity Penny Appeal, helping improve lives in Gambia.
Who are Penny Appeal?
Penny Appeal are a UK based charity known for putting on large events featuring Nasheed artists, comedians and other Muslim talent. There is always a charity appeal half way through their shows.
During these appeals, the fundraiser will start by asking for a large sum of money and gradually get lower. In UK events this might involve asking for £10,000 – and sure enough someone will put their hand up.
The thought of giving so much might not feel right for that individual.
But we say go for it!
When committing to such a large figure Allah will make it work out.
We often hold back from charity giving by convincing ourselves that we cannot afford it. We give old clothes that we no longer wear instead of new ones. We worry that we will loose all our wealth… however this is from Shaytan.
“Satan threatens you with poverty and he commands you to immorality. But God promises you His forgiveness and bounty” (Quran 2:268).
Never Skip A Prayer
It’s 13:00 on a Friday and your meeting is over running. What do you do?
The awkwardness of being excused for prayer can be so off putting that people feel more comfortable skipping a prayer or two.
Rescheduling a meeting for prayer might feel uncomfortable, especially if you live in a non-Muslim country, however it’s the best way.
“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” (Quran 2:43)
If you forget to pray, it’s best to offer it as soon as possible:
It was narrated from Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever forgets a prayer, let him offer it as soon as he remembers, for there is no expiation for it other than that.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (572) and Muslim (684); Muslim narrated an additional phrase: “or sleeps and misses it”.
Trying Not To Exaggerate
Chinese whispers was a fun game to play while young, however it should never mix with real life.
We seem to exaggerate stories to make them more interesting, eventful, believable or funny.
Telling the hard truth might seem abit boring at times (not right perhaps), but it’s important to keep facts from fiction. The Quran mentions this in a verse:
“And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].” (Quran 2:42)
Might Not Be Right Music Video
The best thing about this video is that the singers produced and edited it themselves, along with the track.
The video is shot in three locations: Pakistan, Bahrain and UK.
Pakistani Waqas
Waqas brought a desi flavour to Outlandish, it seems he is proud to be Pakistani.
He started filming while out on vacation in Pakistan, and decided to include the footage as part of the ‘Might not be right’ video.
We see children playing cricket on the streets, teens hanging out a car boot and a few traditional Pakistani streets. On the last day Waqas found a train track, which features in a number of scenes.
Lenny’s Trip To Bahrain
Lenny happened to be heading over to Bahrain, and decided to do some filming over there.
We only catch a few glimpses of Bahrain, of tall buildings in particular. Perhaps this signifies ambition and achievement of dreams?
Safe At Home
Safe Adam’s part is filmed in his home country, the UK. The team meet up here to shoot some final scenes.
They appear to find a castle on a hill with an amazing backdrop as far as the eye can see. A perfect location for reflection.
Take a look at the video below.
Video for ‘Might Not Be Right’:
Try Amazon Music and listen to ‘Might Not Be Right’ on your phone.
Lyrics below.
Might Not Be Right Lyrics
Lyrics to ‘Might Not Be Right’ by Waqas, Safe and Lenny below.
HOOK
Might not be right
Got one chance in life – 1
So I will take my chance tonight
WAQAS
Living life like i’m in limbo
Gotta make a change, get to another level – 2
Dark and silence in here, Hello!
Got to light it up, Zippo!
I dont know what they done told ya
but you’re a soldier, dont let them control ya
Sip a lie, tell a lie, hear a lie enough times then you believe it yourself – 3
Push aside all the lies in disguise then you rise and you´ll see for yourself
That you dont know what you possess unless you seek it out for yourself
HOOK
Might not be right
I dont know why
Might not be right
but I got to let it go, let it it fly
Got one chance in life
How will I know if I dont try – 4
So I will take my chance tonight
SAFE ADAM
Cross this heart
But I don’t hope to die
When we clash two cultures
Sparks will fly – 5
Little did I know when i was growing up
That life really is no lullaby
Ring a ring a roses
This world is full of posers – 6
This life is full vultures
That will swoop down and steal your
Hovis bread
How many followers
How many likes
How many views – 7
till we say the songs nice
It doesn’t matter
So sets your sights high
We take on the world
As we roll the dice
HOOK
Might not be right
I dont know why
Might not be right
but I got to let it go, let it it fly
Got one chance in life
How will I know if I dont try
So I will take my chance tonight
LENNYGM
Yo vivo la vida / Estoy bien donde estoy
(I live my life / I’m fine where I am)
Vivo / Yo Creo / Yo soy el que soy
(I live / I believe / I am what I am)
Dejo llevarme / No se donde voy
(I let it take me / I do not know where I’m going)
Si me equivoco te pido perdon
(And If Im wrong, I apologise)
BRIDGE
It might not be right hey
But I’m searching for light
In a world full of darkeness
We don’t have the answers
To all of your questions
Tonight so I
HOOK
Might not be right
I dont know why
Might not be right
but I got to let it go, let it it fly
Got one chance in life
How will I know if I dont try
So I will take my chance tonight
Lyrics Analysis
Links to the Quran and hadith have been numbered (in purple) and presented below.
1 YOLO or YOLOT
Got one chance in life
The term YOLO doesn’t really apply to us Muslims, we tend to use YOLOT instead (you only live twice)
However this verse in the song specifically states that we only have one chance in life, possibly referring to life on earth.
That’s true.
Our life is a test, and we only get one chance at it. Those who do good will have a reward, and those who do bad will be punished. So let’s try to pass with an A+
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient” (Quran 2:155)
2 Three Levels To Complete
Gotta make a change, get to another level
There are three levels of faith: Islam, Eiman and I’hsan. Reaching the next level should be our goal.
A man asked the Messenger of Allah five questions: the meaning of Islam, Eiman, I’hsan, the Hour, and the Hour signs. Each time the prophet replied the man said ‘You have told the truth’. Once the man left the prophet informed his companions that this was actually the Angel Jibril. (Muslim)
3 Lies Become Truth
Sip a lie, tell a lie, hear a lie enough times then you believe it yourself
Hear a lie so many times and you might think it’s the truth. There is actually Psychological research to back this up known as the illusory truth effect.
“Surely Allah does not guide him aright who is a liar, ungrateful.” (Quran 39:3)
4 Keep Trying, It Will Pay
How will I know if I dont try
No matter how difficult or challenging things get, Allah will help.
“…After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.” (Quran 65:7)
5 Clashing Cultures
When we clash two cultures Sparks will fly
A culture clash can cause issues at times, especially when marriage is involved.
However Allah created different cultures in order for us to understand one another, and learn from each other. We should seize the opportunity rather than focus on differences.
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Quran 49:13)
6 “Let Me Take Another One For My Insta”
This world is full of posers
You may have found this review through an Instagram or Facebook post, which is great. Social media can be a good way to share information.
However many people are using the tools to fill their ego, posting posing photos and monitoring the likes.
The idea of showing off is discouraged in Islam, so much that we hold back from wearing trousers below the ankles.
Why?
Back in the days of the prophet, people would boast their wealth by wearing long garments that dragged along the floor. The idea was that they were so rich, they could afford to ruin their garments. The prophet discouraged this by forbidding people to allow the lower garment below the ankle.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are three whom Allaah will not look at or praise on the Day of Judgement and theirs will be a painful punishment: the one who wears his garment below his ankles, the one who reminds others of his favours, and the one who sells his product by means of making false oaths” (reported by Muslim, no. 106)
We should be careful not to show off in all forms of life, from our clothing to social media snaps.
7 “OMG, That Insta Pic Got 30 Likes!”
How many followers, How many likes, How many views
Sometimes we obsess over stats so much that our lives start to revolve around them.
This can lead one away from the bigger picture in life. We should try and keep away from anything that distracts us from the remembrance of Allah.
You might think of it as a simple picture, but anything that takes someone away from Islam not good.
“Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire – of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.” (Quran 3:14)
Final Thoughts
Waqas, Safe and Lenny have produced a fantastic track! I hope to see them working together again in the near future.
Many western Muslims have been brought up listening to mainstream songs by artists like such as Beyonce, Justin Beiber and Snoop Dogg. The idea of Nasheeds is a little boring for them. I feel a track like this can really bridge the gap between mainstream and religious music, helping bring those people closer to Islam.
Overall it’s great track!
Please leave your comments on the song below.
Lyrics: 10/10
Vocals: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
References & Reflection: 5/10
IMH Rating: 43/50
Your Rating
Might Not Be Right MP3