Inshad: Introduction to the Art of Singing (Women)

Ustadha Sarah Shaikh

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ – 13:28

An introductory course to the art of singing Islamic odes, Inshad will give you the chance to sing directly with Sarah Shaikh. Learn the meanings of, memorize, and practice five of the best-known nasheeds in our religious tradition.

Testimonial from a student:

I highly encourage this course for anyone that enjoys the mawlid or qaseedas and wishes to sing along. The teacher does an excellent job to help each student with their specific ways to improve. I always thought singing was only for those gifted with the ability but I know encourage anyone interested to learn because they can! This is a stress relieving course, especially for busy mothers that need a healthy and beautiful way to vent. Jazaaakum Allah khayr for providing this service to the ummah! – Umm Bilal

At-A-Glance

• One on one experience with an experienced munshida, Sarah Shaikh.
• Learn Five of the most famous nasheeds in our tradition.
• Memorization of the five qasidas.

About the course

In this course, Ustadha Sarah provides the perfect introduction to the art of singing. Starting with the nasheed Tala’a al-Badru ‘Alayna, teacher begins her lessons with arguably the most familiar qasida to the general masses. Throughout the term, students will condition their vocals with simple techniques and in doing so, will construct for themselves a solid foundation by which they can continue further along the path of singing. Each student will also complete the course with all five of the nasheeds memorised. Practicing nasheeds increases the love of the Prophet {Allah bless him and give him peace} in one’s heart and brings the noble seerah to life. Qasidas are also a form of dhikr and they enlighten the heart and soul by the remembrance of Allah and the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace. Every student will not only benefit intellectually and skilfully from this course, but also spiritually, and will Inshallah nurture the love of singing in their hearts for decades to come.  

Course format

The course runs for five weeks each term. Classes will be taught weekly.  Students are expected to listen to the recordings and practice on their own each week before the Live Session. The live lesson shall be your chance to practice directly: students shall sing to, and receive instruction from Ustadha Sarah.

Each section is limited to 6 students.  

The course shall cover one nasheed a week:

Week 1: Tal’a al-Badru ‘Alayna

Week 2: Ya Imam al-Rusli

Week 3: Nur ul-Huda Wafana

Week 4: Ataynaka bi l-Faqri

Week 5: Kun ma’a Allah

Weekly Time Commitment

Students are expected to listen to the recordings and practice on their own each week before the Live class.

Suggested readings

The course material shall include the written text and the audio recordings of the nasheeds and English translations of the verses.