by Jennifer Muhammad
PHOENIX—Muhammad Mosque No. 32 brought the Nation of Islam’s Musical Ensemble “Sounds of Harmony” concert tour to a sold-out theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, offering an evening in which music became a vehicle for healing, inspiration and a glimpse into what is possible.
The evening was riveting as the theatre was filled with sounds that were emotional, piercing and stirring. For many the Sept. 5 event was their first time attending a concert highlighting classical music. The experience was described as “amazing, incredible and inspiring.”
The works of Beethoven, Bach and Schubert filled the theatre, alongside original compositions by the talented members of the ensemble. Between performances, videos of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan were the backdrop; highlighting his musical journey and the special influences of his mother Sumayyah Farrakhan and his wife Mother Khadijah Farrakhan.
For those who attended, the evening was more than an opportunity to hear beautiful music performed by youth and young adults whose skill, to many, seemed far beyond their age. Audience members described being moved spiritually and emotionally.
Parents saw possibilities for their children. Guests heard the healing power of music. Young people saw themselves reflected onstage and were inspired by the idea they can one day be musicians too with a new appreciation for classical music. Throughout the evening, one theme continued to resonate:Our future is indeed bright.
Nation of Islam Western Regional Student Minister Abdul Malik Sayyid Muhammad explained that when the ensemble performed in Los Angeles, believers from Phoenix were there to witness it. “They were so inspired and said, we want to be next.”
That desire set in motion the work of bringing Sounds of Harmony to the Valley of the Sun. For Student Min. Abdul Malik Sayyid, what was experienced in Los Angeles went far beyond entertainment. “You could feel the healing power of the music coming from these young people.”
The Sounds of Harmony represents an important step toward fulfilling the desire of Minister Farrakhan for the establishment of a Nation of Islam Symphony Orchestra.
The Shura Executive Council of the Nation of Islam began taking steps to bring the desire of Minister Farrakhan to life by creating opportunities for the ensemble to showcase its talents throughout the Nation. Those efforts developed into the Sounds of Harmony concert tour, which began in the summer of 2024.
Minister Farrakhan offered words of encouragement to members of the ensemble on February 25, 2024, at Saviours’ Day in Detroit: “All of you were so great, we have a talented family among us, and I want to encourage you to keep going and inspiring others to pick up an instrument and let’s make The Nation of Islam Symphony Orchestra a reality!”
For Sister Kameela Latif, the music reached somewhere deeply personal. “My experience was very spiritual,” she said. “I was feeling very emotional while I was listening to the music, and I was also feeling joy and happiness.”
She was particularly moved to see young musicians performing compositions of their own. “Their compositions were beautiful,” she said. “They really touched me.” The most meaningful moment came from her son. After watching the young musicians perform, he said, “Mom, I believe I can do this too.”
Student Western Regional M.G.T. and G.C.C. Captain Sajdah Karriem expressed similar pride as she watched the young musicians. “I am so excited about this event,” she said. “I’m so proud of our young people. It’s amazing to see them at this age playing these instruments.”
Photos: Yusuf Muhammad
For Sister Alitash Muhammad, who comes from a musical background, the concert was “absolutely electrifying.” She described it as beautiful and heartfelt. Her appreciation extended across the entire ensemble.
“I loved every single instrument all the way down to the cymbals, because I come from a musical background.” She was also moved that the tour came West. “I feel honored that they’ve come to the West Coast … to show their love for Phoenix, Arizona. I love that.”
Sister Maryam Muhammad was excited to see “the beautiful music, the beautiful talent.” She is the mother of 10 children, nine of whom play musical instruments. “We have classical, we have guitar, drums, piano, violin, viola, cello,” she said. “We’re trying to build our own little orchestra here.”
Sister Rashida Muhammad was inspired saying, “I think when given the opportunity, it just shows you the abilities that it doesn’t matter the age,” she said. “You don’t have to be a certain age to become successful or to master something.
When you have a made-up mind and a willing spirit, you can do anything.” Seeing young people accomplish something so extraordinary is simply “beautiful,” she added.
For Sis. Sakinah Muhammad, seeing young people represented within the ensemble created a connection to her generation. “I think it connects to us, especially having a lot of the ensemble representing the youth as well,” she said.
“We are a very musical generation. I love music. I’m always at concerts. I’m always at other people’s concerts,” Sis. Sakinah continued. “It’s good to finally be able to attend one of our concerts as well.”
Interim Student Minister Tremikus Muhammad of Mosque No. 32 had previously experienced the tour in Los Angeles. He thought he might experience the same concert again. What he encountered surprised him.
“I thought that I would see the same thing that I saw in L.A.,” he said. “But I didn’t. The spirit was new. And the spirit still touched me. This is an experience that is unimaginable, unspeakable,” he said. “You have to have it for yourself.”
For him, their presence challenges an image of Black youth too often associated with violence and chaos and replaces it with another image—one of young people who are highly gifted, intelligent, spiritually grounded and capable of translating their gifts through music.
The evening’s program demonstrated the breadth of the ensemble’s musical development. Act I included Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 5, performed by Bro. Timothy Muhammad, and Dmitry Kabalevsky’s Concerto in C Major, Op. 48, performed by violinist Bro. Abdul-Malik Muhammad with Sis. Vivian Mosley accompanied on piano.
The String Ensemble performed the third movement of J.S. Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor. Sis. Khadijah Y. Muhammad, soprano and vocalist also performed Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” with Sis. Vivian on piano.
The selection was presented as a tribute to Mother Sumayyah Farrakhan, the mother of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. That tribute carried particular meaning given the role Minister Farrakhan’s mother played in nurturing his musical gifts during his childhood.
Act II continued the connection between music and family with Jules Massenet’s “Meditation (from Thaïs),” presented as a tribute to Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, wife of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
The mistress and master of ceremony Sis. Arian Muhammad and Bro. Nasir Muhammad navigated everyone through the program as guests enjoyed performances by Bro. Markel Reed of “Ain’t Got Time to Die” and “Don’t Feel No-Ways Tired.”
The concert also gave everyone an opportunity to hear original compositions including “Evolution” by E.W. Hardy performed by Sis. Amirah I. Muhammad, “Moon” by Bro. Henry Leon Akbarkhan Muhammad, “Avenger” ‘
by Bro. Abdul Karriem Muhammad, and “The Wheel” by Bro. Farrad Muhammad. The evening concluded with “The Fight Song,” by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, performed by the ensemble.
Brother Hashim Hakim was in Phoenix for rehabilitation following a serious automobile accident. At one point, he said, doctors told him he would remain paralyzed. “I didn’t ever think I’d be able to come,” he said of the concert. “But I came to Phoenix for rehab and got blessed with the tour in Phoenix,” Bro. Hashim continued.
“The doctor told me I would be paralyzed forever,” he said. “But Allah (God) said, ‘I’m your doctor.’ And now I’m here.” Brother Hashim is an artist himself, and his relationship with music has been central to his recovery. “Second to Allah, music has been my healing agent,” he said.
Student National Secretary and Shura Executive Council Member Sa’ad Alim Muhammad has watched the performers develop as the tour has traveled. “What we’re seeing and discovering is that the young performers are becoming so much more confident and comfortable being on stage and presenting their craft.”
They have traveled to at least eight major cities around the country. At tender ages, they are learning that their gifts can carry them beyond their hometowns and introduce them to people and places throughout the country.
The audience enjoys the Sounds of Harmony concert tour in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 5.
The tour stop in Phoenix was special to vocalist, Sis. Khadijah Muhammad. She had never visited Phoenix. “It’s been amazing, actually,” she said. “Just seeing the mountains was beautiful,” she said. “The believers have been beautiful.”
She also had an opportunity to see the Phoenix home of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
Brother Sa’ad also spoke about Phoenix’s significance within the Nation of Islam. He pointed to its history and its connection to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, describing Phoenix and Chicago as distinctive places where he established residences and could find comfort and quiet of mind. “You all are special in Phoenix.”
