So, what is the big deal about the song “Hallelujah” by the artist Diamond Platinum? Isn’t it another hit that is rocking the air waves in Tanzania and overseas...?
I do not know much
about him apart from the fact that he is a Tanzanian artiste. His
international exposure has set high expectations as a Tanzanian
ambassador in music and arts.
While his fans are going
gaga, it is important to put on our thinking caps and closely evaluate
the potential impact of his new single track titled “Hallelujah.”
The
problem is not the use of the word “Hallelujah,” and certainly not a
problem using the word as a Muslim; but rather the context the word is
being used and how it is interpreted through the song.
In
his work Diamond contextualizes and interprets the word in a sensual
framework. Even if we were to conjure that he is “praising God” for the
gorgeous woman he is alluding to, his creative work renders itself to a
systemic problem.
The word can be used where married
couples are expressing the joy of sex as a gift from God. Apart from the
confines of acceptable norms of marital sensual intimacies, the word
will be out of context because God does not condone fornication and
related behaviors.
The word can be used in the joys of triumph and brokenness as exaltation of God regardless of the circumstances.
Therefore, Diamond and others who have wrongly used the word stand to be informed and pointed to the correct interpretation.
In
Diamond’s song, whether done strategically, arrogantly or out of sheer
ignorance - the bigger picture of the problem is a case of religious
defamation. How is this possible? Well, let me explain.
Just as Arabic is the original language for the Quran, so is Hebrew and Septuagint is for the Bible.
There
is lot of grammatical explanation but I will simplify and make it easy
to understand: the authentic meaning of word “Hallelujah” in Hebrew
means “let us praise the Lord.”
It is divided into two words – Hallelu – let us praise, and – Jah – which is one of the Hebrew names for God.
Hence,
Hallelujah – Let us praise the Lord. “Unlike other words in the Bible
that were translated, Hallelujah was left in its original form because
it was considered too sacred, too authentic to be violated in a way that
it would depart from the original,” Professor Jonathan Lipnick from the
Israel institute of Biblical studies explains in one of his lessons.
Now that we understand the sacredness of the word, let me explain how
possible the case of religious defamation can arise from the song. The
geo-religious space has changed significantly from the past. More
tension exits between religions as it is exhibited across the world.
If
religious sacredness is handled carelessly, the countries that almost
share an equal demographic of Islamic and Christian believers are at the
highest risk. Tanzania happens to be one of those countries that both
religions share the most space.
In the United Nations, the case of religious defamation took a long time to come up with a resolution from 1999 until 2010.
The
reason for the discourse was among others to ascertain that religious
defamation is a violation of human rights. The fact of the matter is
that religious defamation arouses tentious sentiments and polarizes
religious communities. Can you imagine for a minute; what if a Christian
artiste would equally misconstrue a sacred Islamic word?
What
if they contextualized it within sensuality and sensationalism-and by
doing so, they got some million impressions on social media….? Would it
incite or cause a type of intifada? Thus, a stitch in time saves nine -
as the old adage goes; a timely management of insensitive religious
expressions will save a lot of chaos. It was through my Facebook feed
that I saw a post that was oozing with agitation at how the word was
desecrated.
Then it got me thinking about the potential
negative impact of the song in the Christian community. But I was
comforted by the management of religious polarity in Tanzania between
Christians and Muslims. I use the word management because the potential
for religious feuds are volcanic.
Thank God that even
though Christians and Muslims are almost equal in numbers, religious
peace and stability has been managed amicably in Tanzania for the
solidarity of the Tanzanian people goes beyond religious differences and
tribalism.
And then I thought maybe I should just keep
quiet and let it be. My conscience wouldn’t allow me to do so as a
musical artist and as theology student who uses the word “Hallelujah” in
sacred worship of God. I reached a conclusion that it would only be
fair to share my comments and hopefully influence a positive discussion
and action.
The privilege of influence entails responsibility and accountability.
As a content creator, I must consider all the facts and facets to the best of my knowledge.
I
am not saying that the artist in question did not do his homework. I am
also not implying that people of all faiths do not have moral and
spiritual contradictions on sacred issues.
We will be
responsible for such contradictions both in secret and in public before
our Maker. For example; one artist that used the word “Hallelujah” in
expressing his contradictions was Leonard Cohen.
His
song “Hallelujah” has been quoted as being a beautiful, ironic and
melancholy masterpiece that relates to God and the artist’s emotional
journey. “The Song explains that many kinds of Hallelujahs do exist. I
say: All the perfect and broken Hallelujahs have an equal value. It’s a
desire to affirm my faith in life, not in some formal religious way but
with enthusiasm, with emotion…” Although he had his share of spiritual
and moral contradictions with the sacred word, his rendition of
“Hallelujah” sincerely connects God to his circumstances in life in
meaningful ways.
In all fairness, there are Christians
who abuse or blaspheme the sacred. However, in all social groups that
share the same codes, the tendency is to allow impunity within the
family but not for those who are not of the family.
Diamond
is a Muslim, and because of being of a different family, it is highly
likely for his presentation to be deemed as desecrating a sacred word in
Christian faith.
In conclusion, it is my hope that a
healthy discussion will arise for the sake of religious and civil peace.
I also hope that the artists will be careful on how they influence
their communities and the nation at large as good ambassadors.
Fame
and fortune that leads to distraction and disorder of people is
insignificant and a haunting legacy. There is an intricate balance for
freedom of expression and respect for religion that must be observed.
Religious defamation is an attack to human dignity that can incite violence if not managed.
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