Dawud Wharnsby Ali

Dawud Wharnsby Ali

Background information
Birth name David Wharnsby
Born June 27, 1972 (1972-06-27) (age 35)
Origin Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Genre(s) Folk, world, country
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, music producer, poet
]Instrument(s) Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, banjo, bazouk, oud, daff/bodhran, bongos, djembe, clarinet, tin whistle
Years active 1991–present
Label(s) Enter Into Peace, Beloved Musika, Sound Vision
Associated acts Idris Phillips, Zain Bhikha, Yusuf Islam, Sami Yusuf, Dale Marcell, Stephen Fearing, Danny Thompson, Irshad Khan
Website www.wharnsby.com

Dawud (David) Wharnsby Ali (born June 27, 1972) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, performer, educator and television personality. He is best known for his pioneering efforts in the musical/poetic genre of English Language nasheed. Dawud Wharnsby is also lyricist, vocalist and guitarist of the folk music duo Dawud & Idris, alongside composer Idris Phillips.
Contents


Born in Kitchener, Ontario in 1972, David Wharnsby became active in local theatrical productions during his early teens, first performing on a world class theater stage at the age of 18 in a production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Annas). Other significant stage work of his late teens included roles in "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" (Schroeder (Peanuts)) and "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead".

At the age of 19 Wharnsby began performing throughout Southern Ontario as a solo musical artist and as a member of various musical groups. His first professional work as a musician was with folk quartet Crakenthorpe's Teapot, hired to perform on street corners of their hometown. Wharnsby traveled extensively throughout Ontario, England and Scotland with his guitar in 1993 and 1994 as a solo busker - singing informally on street corners and in parks to market and share his music. In 1993 he started his own independent recording entity, Three Keyed Maple Seeds, which in 1996 was re-named Enter Into Peace and registered with SOCAN as a music publishing entity.

During the early 1990's Wharnsby worked as a professional actor and puppeteer for two different educational theater troupes, touring public schools and folk festivals throughout Ontario. At the age of 20 he played lead in a short educational film "To Catch A Thief", distributed nationally in Canada to schools as part of the John Howard Society's anti-shoplifting program.



Wharnsby's first musical recording to see independent distribution, was a collection of cover songs entitled Three O'Clock Tea, recorded live in 1991 with the folk quartet Crackenthorpe's Teapot (Wharnsby / Corey Schmidt / Heather Chappell / Bill Kocher).

In 1993, Dawud (David) Wharnsby and fellow Crackenthorpe's Teapot vocalist Heather Chappell began touring and performing as a duo, releasing an independent album (Off To Reap The Corn) containing renditions of traditional Canadian and Irish folk music. The recording also featured Wharnsby's original lyrical adaption of the traditional song "The Black Velvet Band". His comical version "The Black Velvet Band As Never Before" is still sung in folk music circles.[1]

In 1994 the duo of Wharnsby and Chappell released a second independent recording through the Three Keyed Maple Seeds entity, entitled Fine Flowers In The Valley.

Dawud has released several internationally distributed albums since 1995, including Blue Walls And The Big Sky[2], Vacuous Waxing (with Canadian writer Bill Kocher) and A Different Drum (with The Fletcher Valve Drummers).

In the mid 1990's Dawud rose to international recognition for his pioneering efforts in the genre of English language nasheed (spiritual songs of a folk/world-beat style, drawn from Qur'anic tradition). He has released over 10 popular albums of spiritual nasheed since 1996, including A Whisper of Peace (1996), Colors Of Islam (1998), Road To Madinah (1999) and The Prophet's Hands (2002), all released through US based media company Sound Vision.Com. His spiritual songs for children are sung and taught in schools world wide.

During his career Dawud has collaborated with the likes of Stephen Fearing, Irshad Khan, Danny Thompson, Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens), Chris McKhool, Sami Yusuf and Zain Bhikha.

Wharnsby's songs have also found their way onto the recordings of other notable artists. His popular children's songs "Sing, Children of The World!" and "Al Khaliq" were both covered by Yusuf Islam & Friends on the 2004 CD "I Look I See" (Jamal Records) and his song "A Whisper of Peace" was included by Canadian children's performer Chris McKhool on the CD "Celebrate!".

Dawud also appears on the 2006 album release by South African artist Zain Bhikha entitled "Allah Knows", performing a cover of "Flowers Are Red" by Harry Chapin along with other duet and backing vocals.

In April 2007 Dawud - as an artist and representative of his own music publishing entity Enter Into Peace - signed a distribution deal with Dubai based world music label Beloved Musika making his latest musical work more easily available globally.

May 2007 his 2005 album "Vacuous Waxing" was re-issued internationally through Beloved Musika with an amended track-listing under the title "The Poets And The Prophet".

September 3, 2007 Dawud released "Out Seeing The Fields", co-produced with LA based pianist Idris Phillips). Idris Phillips and Dawud Wharnsby continue to record and tour world-wide, known as Dawud & Idris.

Dawud Wharnsby was featured as a guest vocalist and lyricist on the 2007 album "Man Ana?" by French singer/songwriter Khalid Belrhouzi.



As a television personality, Dawud has hosted programs produced in conjunction with Canada's Vision TV, the National Film Board of Canada [4], Al Huda TV (Saudi Arabia) and BBC Scotland.

Most notably, the internationally distributed documentary series "A New Life In A New Land: The Muslim Experience In Canada" (produced in Canada) and the educational children's program "Watch Celebrations:Ramadan" (produced by BBC Scotland) often air on television stations in their respective countries - both programs hosted, and partially scored, by Wharnsby.

Since the mid 1990's, Dawud Wharnsby has been a regular free-lance writer, actor, assistant puppeteer and musical soundtrack producer for video products produced by Chicago based educational media entity Sound Vision.Com (primarily, the globally popular children's video series "Adam's World").

Dawud has also hosted community talk radio programs in both Canada and the USA. In 2004/2005 he was a music director, pre-recorded segment producer/narrator, guest and occasional on-air host with the daily talk-radio program Radioislam, 1450 AM, in Chicago, Illinois.



Due to the popularity of Dawud's educational recordings for children, he frequently visits schools world-wide between his larger concert tours. Through music and unique discussion, Dawud's motivational primary and high school level presentations promote tolerance, diversity and social cohesion. Wharnsby has performed at schools in Canada, The United States, The United Kingdom, Egypt, Malaysia and South Africa.

As a social activist, Dawud Wharnsby Ali also lectures internationally at community events and universities, speaking on topics related to social justice, disability awareness, music, spirituality or Qur'anic philosophy, tradition and ideology.

Royalties from many of Dawud's musical recordings feed a private family trust supporting the Al-Imtiaz Foundation and school, located in Abbottabad Pakistan. Other funds raised through Wharnsby's many albums support the Small Kindness charity set up by artist and peace activist Yusuf Islam.
Personal life

Married in 2003, Dawud Wharnsby Ali currently lives with his wife in Colorado, U.S., but also keeps bases in his hometown of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, and in his wife's birth-place of Abbottabad, Pakistan. The couple have also lived in Damascus, Syria (2005) and Cairo, Egypt (2006).

Though family ties do exist, Dawud (David) Wharnsby-Ali is not to be confused with film editor (and husband of actress Sarah Polley) David Wharnsby, also a native of the Kitchener-Waterloo area.[5] Other notable Canadian talents linked to Dawud Wharnsby-Ali are sports writer Tim Wharnsby and former Canadian hockey player, sports announcer and member of parliament Howie Meeker.

Religious philosophy

In 1993, David Wharnsby embraced the teachings and philosophy of The Qur'an, changing his name to "Dawud" (Arabic: داوود ) - the Arabic form of "David" - and adopted the name "Ali" (Arabic: علي) ‎to his surname.

Wharnsby makes a strong differentiation between the application of Qur'anic teachings to his life-style and what he perceives as a general misconception that he "converted" from the "religion" of "Christianity" to the "religion" of "Islam" in 1993.[6]

Rejecting the concept of organized religion in his teens, Wharnsby's music, writings, performances and numerous interviews consistently propagate an opinion that the development of spirituality should be intimate, personal and free of institutionalization.[7] Wharnsby's views, however, on the implementation of positive social action (inspired by well-balanced spiritual development) should be collective, non-exclusive and community focussed.

Though his writings and life-style openly reflect his respect of scripture, a belief in God, and implementation of Qur'anic teachings, Wharnsby does not consider himself a "member" of any organization, institution, movement or dogmatic school of thought. However, his support of humanitarian efforts world-wide sees him working regularly with diverse institutions rooted in various traditions and faith communities. In the past, Wharnsby has been affiliated with, or assisted in fundraising efforts for, Red Cross/Red Crescent (Qatar/Pakistan), Islamic Relief (U.S./UK) and the Mennonite Central Committee (Canada).

Discography

Solo work

* Out Seeing The Fields (Enter Into Peace/Beloved Musika, 2007)
* The Poets And The Prophet (Enter Into Peace/Beloved Musika, 2007)
* Vacuous Waxing (Enter Into Peace, 2005)
* Love Strong - CD Single (Enter Into Peace, 2004)
* The Prophet's Hands (Sound Vision, 2003)
* Sunshine, Dust And The Messenger (Sound Vision, 2002)
* The Letter - Songs Of Struggle And Hope (Enter Into Peace/Sound Vision, 1999)
* The Road To Madinah (Sound Vision, 1998)
* The Colours Of Islam (Enter Into Peace/Sound Vision, 1998)
* A Whisper of Peace (Enter Into Peace/Sound Vision, 1996)
* Blue Walls And The Big Sky (Enter Into Peace, 1995)

Collaborative work

* Man Ana? (With Khalid Belrhouzi (Jamal Records, 2007)
* Allah Knows (With Zain Bhikha) (Jamal Records, 2006)
* I Look I See (With Yusuf Islam) (Jamal Records, 2005)
* Celebrate! Holidays of The Global Village (With Chris McKhool) (Independent, 2005)
* Expressions of Faith (Various Artists) (MCB, 2005 - UK Release only)
* Days of Eid (Various Artists) (Sound Vision, 2004)
* Salaam (With Irfan Makki) (Sound Vision, 2003)
* In Praise of The Last Prophet (With Yusuf Islam and Friends) (Jamal Records, 2002)
* Bismillah (With Yusuf Islam and Friends) (Jamal Records, 2001)
* Faith (With Zain Bhikha) (Jamal Records, 2001)
* Light Upon Light (Various Artists) (Sound Vision, 2000)
* Fine Flowers in The Valley (With Heather Chappell) (Three Keyed Maple Seeds, 1994)
* Off To Reap The Corn (With Heather Chappell) (Three Keyed Maple Seeds, 1993)

[edit] Narrative work

* Companions of The Prophet (Sound Vision, 2004)
* A Simple Guide To Prayer (With Yusuf Islam) (Mountain Of Light, 2001)
* Timeless Wisdom Volume 1 (Sound Vision, 2001)
* Timeless Wisdom Volume 2 (Sound Vision, 2001)
* 40 Hadith (Introduced by Dawud Wharnsby) (Sound Vision, 2000)
* Gifts of Muhammad (Introduced by Dawud Wharnsby) (Sound Vision, 2000)

Music videos

* Midnight (2006)
* Midnight (short film version) (2006)
* Allah Knows (with Zain Bhikha) (2006)
* You Can't Take It With You (With Zain Bhikha) (2006)



Dawud Wharnsby Ali - The Veil (HIJAB)





Lyrics

They say, "Oh, poor girl, you're so beautiful you know
It's a shame that you cover up your beauty so."
She just smiles and graciously responds reassuringly,
"This beauty that I have is just one simple part of me.
This body that I have, no stranger has the right to see.
These long clothes, this shawl I wear, ensure my modesty.
Faith is more essential than fashion, wouldn't you agree?

This hijab,
This mark of piety,
Is an act of faith, a symbol,
For all the world to see.
A simple cloth, to protect her dignity.
So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.

They tell her, "Girl, don't you know this is the West and you are free?
You don't need to be opressed, ashamed of your femininity."
She just shakes her head and she speaks so assuredly,

"See the bill-boards and the magazines that line the check-out isles, with their phony painted faces and their air-brushed smiles?
Well their sheer clothes and low cut gowns are really not for me.
You call it freedom, I call it anarchy."

This hijab,
This mark of piety,
Is an act of faith, a symbol,
For all the world to see.
A simple cloth, to protect her dignity.
So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.
Lift the veil from your heart and seek the heart of purity.


Nasheed: About Muhammad (pbuh)



This song is based on a true story from the Hadith. The singer/talker in the story is an old lady talking to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), but she does not know that he is the prophet. When she learns, she embraces Islam.

DAUD WHARNSBY ALI-DONT TALK TO ME ABOUT MUHAMMAD (PBUH)
“It would be such a pleasure to have you come along with me,
I accept your gracious offer of kindness and company.
But as we walk along young man,
And as you help me with my load,
I have only one request as we travel down this road:

Don’t talk to me about Muhammad.
Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind,
So don’t talk to me about Muhammad.
And as we walk along together we will get along just fine,
As we walk along together we will get along.

That man upsets me so,
So much more than you could know.
I hear of his name,
And reputation everywhere I go.

Though his family and his clan,
Once knew him as an honest man,
He’s dividing everyone,
With his claim that God is one,

So don’t talk to me about Muhammad.
Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind,
So don’t talk to me about Muhammad.
And as we walk along together we will get along just fine,
As we walk along together we will get along.

He’s mislead all the weak ones, and the poor ones and the slaves,
They think they’ve all found wealth and freedom following his ways.
He’s corrupted all the youth with his twisted brand of truth,
Convinced them that they all are strong,
Giving them somewhere to belong.


So don’t talk to me about Muhammad
Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind,
So don’t talk to me about Muhammad.
And as we walk along together we will get along just fine,
As we walk along together we will get along.
Thank you now young man, you’ve really been so kind,
Your generosity and smile are very rare to find.
Let me give you some advice,
Since you’ve been so very nice:

From Muhammad stay away,
Don’t heed his words or emulate his way,
And don’t talk about Muhammad.

You will never have true peace and trouble is all you will find,
So don’t talk about Muhammad.
And as you travel down life’s road you will get along just fine.

Now before we part and go,
If it’s all right just the same,
May I ask my dear young man,
Who are you? What’s your name?

Forgive me what was that?
Your words weren’t very clear,
My ears are getting old,
Sometimes it’s difficult to hear.

It’s truly rather funny,
Though I’m sure I must be wrong.
But I thought I heard you said,
Your name is Muhammad.

Muhammad… Ash hadu an la ilaha illallah
Wash hadu ana Muhammadur rasulullah
Oh! talk to me Muhammad.

Upon you I pray for peace,
For you have eased my troubled mind,
Oh! talk to me Muhammad.
And as we walk along together we will get along just fine
As I travel down life’s road I will get along…just fine.”



Nasheed Dawud Wharnsby Ali: Story of Ibrahim(AS)





The Story Of Ibrahim (nasheed)


Father, O Father, why do you do it?
Why do you whittle all day?
Why do you carve those statues of wood
And fashion those idols out of clay?

Father, O Father, why do you do it?
Why do you bow down and pray?
To all those empty gods you’ve made
When there’s such a far better way?

There is only one god
La ilaha illallah
Lord of both the earth and sky
Who knows all the answers to where, what and why.
There is only one god,
La ilaha illallah.

I've looked to the sky, seen the moon and stars
Come then quickly fade away.
I’ve seen the sun so strong and bright,
Die at the end of the day.

I’ve seen the perfection of all creation,
in every creature and leaf,
And I don’t understand any woman or man,
Who denies the one true belief.

There is only one god
La ilaha illallah
who will not fade and who will not die
who knows all the answers to where, what and why
There is only one god
La ilaha illallah

People, O people, why won’t you heed
My call to the Straight Way?
Your hearts are as hard as the idols you carve.
You listen but won’t hear a word that I say.

People, O people, why put your faith
In gods of gold and wood?
They crumble away, they have no life.
They cause no harm and they do no good.

There is only one god
La ilaha illallah
I don’t understand why you choose to deny
that Allah knows all the answers to where, what and why.
There is only one god
La ilaha illallah

People, O people, you’ve tried to break me
You’ve called me a fool and a liar.
But I will not burn in your flames
For faith in Allah will cool any fire.

So hate me or hurt me, do what you will
Even banish me from this land,
I will pray to Allah that the truth comes to you
And I pray that some day you will all understand

There is only one god
La ilaha illallah
Lord of both the earth and sky
Who will not fade and who will not die
There is only one god
La ilaha illallah
No, I don’t understand why you choose to deny
that Allah knows all the answers to where, what and why
There is only one god
La ilaha illallah