A Study on Modern Religion: Rethinking Hip Hop Music and Islam

In Islam, it is understood that any form of entertainment that is intoxicating is strictly prohibited. As such, the issue of whether popular music is allowed in Islam is often debatable, particularly when music is used as a medium for dakwah or spreading the message of Islam to the wider audience. The elements of hip hop culture, blending in with the message of Islam are attracting the youth especially among African American and ethnic communities in the United States and in the United Kingdom in understanding and accepting the teaching and values of the religion. It is estimated that 1.8 million Muslim converts living in the United States and in the United Kingdom, and a lot of the them came to Islam through some form of hip hop. The aim of this research is to discuss the elements of hip hop culture and how it blends with the teaching of Islam. Focus group, facilitated discussion and forum, close reading and analysis of documentary films and video blogging will be carried out to further enhance the understanding of this topic. The research intends to reveal the reason behind the conversion to Islam among the ethnic and African American youth in the United States and in the United Kingdom through hip hop music.