Amirah Khalid is a 20-year-old vocal only Nasheed artist. Being neuro-divergent, she found sound enabled her to better express herself and connect with God.  In conversation with Umma Miah from MWN Hub, Amirah shares how sound became a form of escapism from her struggles with autism.   

What inspired you to become a Nasheed artist?

I started singing when I was 2, because of my autism, I was very much an imaginative child. I was into songs, using sound, but I think that was an escapism from my autism. Sound made life a lot easier to process. I was never really good at numbers or expressing myself in the regular sort of manner, so with sound I was able to express myself a lot better.

As I got more connected with Allah (SWT), when praying I would have a nasheed in my head, just the form of a melody or sound in a different way; this helped me to remember and connect. I think that is what inspired my interest to becoming a Nasheed artist.

Is there a Nasheed artist who you take inspiration from?

There is an artist named Siedd. Although there is some instrumental music in his nasheeds, I like the words and passion he has. I adapt it and take inspiration from his passion. In general, I really like his style, where he uses modern tune that the younger and older generation can relate to.

In terms of performance, where did you perform first and how did you feel?

My first performance was at a charity event. I’ve performed at family gatherings before, but I’ve never performed in front of people I didn’t know. It was a little bit nerve racking, but at the same time I was more excited because, and I call it my ‘autistic dream’, where I’ve always dreamed of performing in front of people. I’ve always dreamed of making a difference and helping people. I was prepared for that moment, just waiting on someone to give me the opportunity to stand up on stage. I felt more excited than nervous I’d say. 

You mentioned some of your nasheeds are covers and some original. What is your creative process for writing nasheeds? Do you draw from personal experiences or what you see happening around you?

A lot of my nasheeds are based on my mental health journey. I’ve written one that is called ‘Tears in my eyes’, which is about my journey with mental health, particularly with my autism – every time that I struggle, feel like I’m losing faith, it’s a real-life reflection of what I did to turn back to God, and He would always be there for me, regardless of what I am going through. There’s a line that I used in my nasheed ‘waswas in my ears all the time...intrusive thoughts always running through my mind.’

What I attempt to do with my nasheeds is to help sisters who struggle with traditional forms of ibadah, such as salah, to connect with God in the way of sound whilst shedding more light on mental health awareness in the Muslim community.

And so, it’s a mixture of my real-life experience and my observations.

How many nasheeds have you released so far?

I’ve released two nasheeds – Tears in my eyes and Ukhtis of friendship. These two nasheeds are different – Ukhtis of friendship is upbeat, about sisterhood and Tears in my eyes is more meaningful and deeper.

Which is the most emotional song you have performed?

 Tears in my eyes, I had a sister reach out to me to say that the song made her emotional, that it really resonated with her, but ultimately turning to God is what gets us through. That was a key moment – somebody had listened to my nasheed and it has helped them to feel relief and ease their pain.

Since starting out last year December, how many live performances have you done?

I tend to get to 2/3 bookings a month. Since December, I’ve done around 13 live performances.

I performed at the opening of an all-ladies fitness club – that was quite nice and different. There was another I had done for Sisterhood and Serenity, it was a high-profile event, so I was surprised that they wanted me there. That was a confidence boost for me, and it was the first time I had performed the Ukhtis of  friendship. It went well, Alhamdulillah.

I’ve performed at weddings, but I’m yet to perform at a mehndi.

Has there been a moment when performing where you have stumbled?

Yes, it was a really warm day, I had forgotten to bring a water bottle. I stumbled over the lyrics, but I carried on and didn’t stop. Afterwards, I was open about this and was surprised at how kind and understanding people were. This is something people want to hide if they have stumbled, but I think it can be a learning experience, not being afraid to make mistakes. Confidence is about owning your mistakes and growing from them whilst communicating it clearly.

Have you experienced any challenges within or outside of the Muslim community as a Muslim female Nasheed artist?

I think the Muslim community can be a tough audience to please, sometimes. Speaking completely without filter, some of the Muslim community can be quite judgemental. The men tend to have more of a problem with it. When I posted my voice previously, I would either receive disheartening comments shaming me instead of gently guiding me or inappropriate lustful ones. Eventually, I guided myself, I don’t post my voice on social media anymore due to wanting to hide my voice for the sake of God.

There are other female Nasheed singers who get comments like nasheeds are haram. You’re doing something where your intention is pure, however when you read and hear these comments it does knock your confidence.

On the plus side, not letting the negative comments get to you, allowing the message to overpower the vulnerabilities and insecurities.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a Nasheed artist?

I’d say be sure that you’re ready to face all kinds of audience. If you are someone who gets nervous in big crowds try starting in small crowds - build your way up!

To get updates and for bookings, follow Amirah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amirahsnasheeds?igsh=MTJtMm04emZybnhxaA==