Mountains of makkah

Mountains of Makkah by Zain Bhikha – A Classic

Zain Bhikha: Mountains Of Makkah Download | MP3

Hajj 2018 is upon us and what better track to review than Mountains Of Makkah – a timeless classic!

This is the title track from Zain Bhikha‘s third album, and arguably his most popular song.

One of the unique points about this track is that it contains very little music, focusing on use of the drum and human voice. The issue of musical instruments is debated among Muslims, with some suggesting that only the duff should be used – by sticking to drums Zain Bhikha has ensured everyone stays happy.

What is the track about?

The song is about key events that have taken place in Makkah.

Zain Bhikha made pilgrimage to Makkah in 2014, and wrote this track (along with the others on the album) in order to share his experience of the trip.

The lyrics are rather clever in nature.

Throughout history many people and prophets have had an impact on the holy city, from the building of the Ka’ba to the army of Elephants who wanted to destroy it. New structures have been built in recent years (clock tower) and interesting events have also taken place (people claiming to be Imam Mahdi)  – the mountains have not changed and therefore witnessed it all.

Zain Bhikha sings about a number of these events, constantly making reference to the mountains.

Video

I was lucky enough to meet Zain Bhikha for the filming of an interview. Zain was asked to sing live and gave us a sample of Mountains of Makkah. His voice is so good it sounded just like his album version:

Zain Bhikha Sings Mountains of Makkah - Marble Videos

Zain Bhikha – Mountains Of Makkah Lyrics

Le’ts go through the lyrics, calling out references to Quran and Hadith.

Oh Mountains of Makkah, what can you say
Of the day that Abraham passed your way
And He was instructed by God to build
A House of peace where people will pray – 1

And they will come on every lean camel and out of every ravine
For the purpose of praising Allah, to glorify Allah

Oh Mountains of Makkah, what can you tell
Of the day when stones from the sky fell
Destroying an army determined to break
The House of Allah that Abraham built – 2

Oh Mountains of Mecca, how was the dawn
On the day that my Prophet Muhammad was born
How did it feel knowing he was to be, the last and most beloved of all – 3
Rasul of Allah, Nabi of Allah

Oh Mountains of Mecca, you were there
When the Prophet Muhammad climbed down in despair
Engraved in his heart were the words of his Lord – 4
To all of mankind this was his call

La illaha illAllah, Muhammad-u-Rasullullah – 5
Oh people praise only Allah, Glorify Allah

Oh Mountains of Mecca, how did you mourn
On the day that the beloved returned to his Lord
And up till the last breath escaped from his lips
He prayed that his Ummah would find success

Oh Mountains of Mecca how will it feel
When the earth shall quake and tremble with fear – 6
And we shall be gathered together to stand
In the court of Allah with our deeds at hand

Oh how we pray that on that day, we’ll be with those to whom Allah will say
Peace be with you, I am pleased with you

Oh Mountains of Mecca, Bear witness that I
To the oneness of Allah do I testify
For all that He’s given me, How can I deny
My purpose in life should be only to cry

La illaha illAllah, Muhammad-u-Rasullullah
There is no god but Allah, Muhammad’s His Messenger
Allahumma Salli Alla, Muhammad Rasullillah
Allahumma Salli Alla, Muhammad Nabi Allah
Allahumma Salli Alla, Muhammad Rasullillah

 

Links to Quran / Hadith

Links to the Quran and hadith have been numbered above (in purple) and presented below.

 

1 And He was instructed by God to build. A House of peace where people will pray

Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was the one who built the Ka’ba that we circulate around in Makkah. He asked Allah to make it a city of peace.

“And remember Ibrahim said: “My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in God and the Last Day.” (Quran 2:126)

 

2 Of the day when stones from the sky fell. Destroying an army determined to break. The House of Allah that Abraham built

This refers to the story of the army who sent their Elephants to destroy the Ka’ba. As the Elephants were marching Allah sent a flock of birds to throw stones on them, bringing their plan to a halt. There is an entire chapter on this story in the Quran:

1. “Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?”
2. “Did He not make their stratagem go awry?”
3. “And He sent upon them birds in flocks,”
4. “Pelting them with stones of petrified clay,”
5. “Thus He made them like straw eaten up.”

(Quran 105:1-5)

 

3 On the day that my Prophet Muhammad was born. How did it feel knowing he was to be, the last and most beloved of all

We are told that the prophet Muhammed (pbuh) is the seal of the prophets i.e. the last.

“Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things.” (Quran 33:40)

 

4 When the Prophet Muhammad climbed down in despair. Engraved in his heart were the words of his Lord

Reference to the first revelation given to Muhammed (pbuh). This was actually revealed in cave Hira, on one of the mountains in Makkah. The first revelation was:

“Read [O Muhammad!] in the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clot.” (Quran 96:1-2)

This verse and others have been analysed with reference to science by professor Keith Moore, who claimed that the description of embryological development in the Quran is scientifically accurate. Learn more.

 

5 La illaha illAllah…

Known as the shahada, this translates to ‘There is no God but Allah’. We are taught to only worship Allah alone. Associating others with Allah is known as shirk – the only unforgivable sin in Islam.

“Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.” (Quran 4:48)

Did you know that the idea of worshipping only one God is also taught in the Bible, in both old and new testament:

“Hear, O’ Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

“Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD.” (Mark 12:29)

 

6 When the earth shall quake and tremble with fear

Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) said: “Day of resurrection will not come until the earthquakes happen frequently (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).

 

Final Thoughts

Fantastic song!

Not only does Zain Bhikha sing with a soothing voice but the lyrics are genius.

Furthermore he has created a viral, timeless track with limited use of music – a real talented individual.

You can find my rating below and leave your own using the star system. What do you think?

Lyrics: 10/10
Vocals: 10/10
Production: 10/10
Uniqueness: 10/10
References & Reflection: 10/10

IMH Rating: 50/50 – Full Marks!

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Mountains of Makkah MP3
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