Since his decision to focus more on religious concerts, famous singer Mohamed Tharwat has been the super star of all these official concerts of the Ministry of Culture and the Cairo Opera House.
SEE interviewed Tharwat last week on the sidelines of the Prophet's Birthday concert. The concert was performed at al-Gomhoria Theater as part of the 28th Arab Music Festival program.
Tharwat believes that the modern mystic wave is a reflection of the authentic religious nature of the Egyptian people.
Therefore, the young people's attention to modern religious bands and the spread of their concerts is not surprising.
Historically, Egypt is known for holding celebrations of former religious clerics and companions of Prophet Muhammad for hundreds of years, in addition to dedication of songs to those religious figures.
"Hymns are part of our pure Egyptian culture, not only for Muslims, but also Copts are enjoying them too," he said.
When asked about his opinion about hymning, he manifested that it's a way of Zikr and spiritual fuel.
Zikr in Islam is devotional acts in which short phrases or prayers are repeatedly recited silently within the mind or aloud.
"It is also an additional means of communication with Allah, other than prayer and worship and the fulfillment of his commands and intentions," he added.
Regarding the spread of skirt dancers in some religious chanting concerts, he said, "There is no such thing called religious dances. It is neither related to our heritage, culture, nor religion."
He noted that religious singing originally depends on the vocal abilities of the vocalist alone, without musical accompaniment.
"Adding music to the hymns is something new as well."
When late composer Baligh Hamdi cooperated with Sheikh Sayed al-Naqshabandi and created "Mawlai" song, it was a hit. "It will remain a hit for centuries," Tharwat said.
Regarding his artistic activities in the Opera House, he said, "I am honored to be the main singer for the official religious ceremonies of the state organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Egyptian Opera House," noting that he has been doing that for 20 years.
However, he added that his concerts are not limited to the Opera House.
He also performed recently in France, Morocco and Iraq.
In cooperation with the Voice of Cairo Production Company, he recorded an album entitled "Oh Messenger of Allah, Help Us." The ten-song album has been distributed free of charge.
Contributed by Nawal Sayed
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