CHICAGO—Culture, refinement and civility were the themes of Friday night’s (Feb. 21) Saviours’ Day entertainment as the Nation of Islam’s Orchestral and Waltz Ensemble performed in the sanctuary of Mosque Maryam, demonstrating classical sounds and dances of cultural expression.
The event, themed “The Arrival: A Love Story,” told the profound story of “the deep, unrivaled love demonstrated by The Arrival of God, in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad, and the miracles that took place as a result.”
“Who would you travel 9,000 miles for? Who would you eat rattlesnakes for? Who would you climb a mountain 40 miles high for? The Arrival of God is one of the greatest demonstrations of love that we’ve ever experienced, and tonight is our tale of that story,” Student Minister Abdul Muhammad said from the rostrum, opening the show held Feb. 21.
Putting their exceptional artistry on full display, the musical ensemble and waltz dancers elegantly performed their 10-part recreation of this story—demonstrating their ability to tell it through a rich refinement of classical art.
The skilled orchestral musicians, dressed in vibrant, colored floor-length gowns and black and white suits, masterfully played a range of complex pieces, including:
J.S. Bach’s “Double Violin Concerto,” Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” and Nation of Islam Musical Ensemble original pieces composed by Brother Abdul K. Muhammad titled “Avenger” and Brother Henry Leon Akbarkhan Muhammad, titled, “The Moon.”
Marrying the instruments of classical art with civilized and graceful movements, the waltz dance group joined the musicians—gracefully dancing throughout aisles of the sanctuary. The ensemble and dancers ranged from children to adults.
The concert also featured breathtaking vocal performances, tunes from woodwind and brass instruments and recordings of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, all of which captivated viewers.
The performances brought the crowd to multiple standing ovations.
“I really loved it. It felt so heartwarming. I just loved seeing our people represent. [Their representation] really pushes me to know that we can do anything in the world,” Sister Mariam Muhammad, 12, of Mosque No. 75 in Las Vegas, Nevada, told The Final Call.
Sharing her love for the performance, Sister April Muhammad, 72, of Mosque No. 8 in San Diego, said, “As a child, my sisters and brothers and I used to pretend like we were waltzing. So, to have the youth ensemble now performing it is just so beautiful. I really enjoyed it.”
“In the instructions to the Supreme Wisdom, the Saviour wrote, ‘the time is right for us to reclaim our own which is knowledge, wisdom and high civilization,’” said Nation of Islam (N.O.I.) Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad, also a member of the N.O.I.’s Shura Executive Council.
“Tonight, we have been treated to nothing less than high civilization,” he added, speaking from the rostrum.
The event concluded with a resounding sing-along led by vocalist, Sister Khadijah Muhammad. The ensemble welcomed the audience to stand and sing the “Muslim Fight Song” by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
Although the night came to an end, members of the Orchestral and Waltz Ensemble pray the message of their performance will only mark the beginning of a much greater future.
“Tonight meant the beginning in the evolution of us getting back to our roots and the full meaning of righteousness and civilization,” waltz dancer, Sister Brianna X, 28, of Mosque Maryam told The Final Call.
Echoing Sister Brianna X, her waltz dancing partner, Brother Mustapha Muhammad, 21, of Mosque Maryam told The Final Call, “The waltz isn’t something that is talked about much but after tonight.
I really pray [the youth] are inspired and that they can now see the beauty in waltzing. We’re a part of something great, and I pray it lasts for many years to come.”
Contributing Writer — Yaminah Muhammad,
