In a world saturated with noise, Imam Tariq I. El-Amin is offering something rare: music that feeds the soul, centers the heart on Allah, and speaks directly to the real struggles of our time.
During our recent interview, I came to know him not just as a respected Imam, but as a producer of deeply conscious, spiritually charged music—crafted with the assistance of AI, and powered by a lifetime of artistry, faith, and community work.
A Life Prepared for This Moment
Imam Tariq’s journey did not begin with a software prompt.
He is a spoken word artist, a former band musician, a one-time gospel choir singer, a radio host and producer, and a long-serving faith leader.
All of these experiences—creative, technical, and spiritual—have converged into this moment, where AI becomes a tool, not a substitute, for his God-centered vision. He describes this as part of a larger initiative he calls the Conscious Connection Project: helping us become more aware of what we let into our minds and hearts, and offering cultural content that lifts us instead of numbing us.
Music That Helps You Love Allah More
This is not “background” music. It’s music that talks to you and about you:
- “God Comes First” reminds us that cash doesn’t rule everything—that integrity, righteousness, and the example of Prophet Yusuf (alayhi salam) are the real measures of success.
- “It’s Always a Time to Be Grateful” turns the hadith of saying Alhamdulillah in all situations and the ayat “If you are grateful, I will give you more” into living, melodic reminders. Gratitude for the job lost and the job gained, the rain and the sunshine, the tears and the healing.
- “The Fasting Life” speaks lovingly but firmly to young brothers facing constant temptation, reframing fasting as a shield from Shaytan’s influence and a path to true manhood.
- “Boss” flips the popular idea of “being a boss” on its head, teaching that the first fight is inside, and real power is governing the soul, not just the image.
- “Tranquility” beautifully embodies the Qur’anic vision of marriage as sakinah—a husband striving to protect, provide, and be a source of peace, while also receiving comfort, calm, and spiritual support from his wife.
Listening to these songs, you don’t feel preached at; you feel encouraged, inspired, and empowered—reminded that you are not alone in your struggles, and that Allah is always near.
Why This Listening Party Matters
On Saturday, the 22nd, from 8:00–10:00 PM, at the Taqwa Center for Community Excellence (Masjid At-Taqwa) in Chicago, we’ll be hosting a live listening party with Imam Tariq, as part of the broader experience around MASCON (taking place the 26th–28th).
This will not be a passive concert. It will be:
- A space to listen together, with intention.
- A chance to reflect on lyrics that speak to gratitude, restraint, death, love, marriage, staying on the straight path, and returning to Allah pleased and pleasing.
- An opportunity to engage Imam Tariq directly about his music, creativity, his messages, his use of AI, and his vision for healing our community through spiritually grounded art.
Listen to his music on all the streaming platforms and come with your favorite lines, your questions, your experiences—or simply come with an open heart. If you’ve been longing for halal, high-quality, emotionally rich music that strengthens your iman instead of draining it, this is for you.
Listen now, attend in person, and share with others. Let’s help build a culture where our art reflects our highest aspirations: loving Allah, loving the deen, and walking the straight path together.
Akanke is a native of Atlanta who now resides in Dayton, Ohio. She reverted to Islam in 1994 and is passionate about Islam and Islamic spirituality. Akanke is a graduate of Georgia State University, where she earned a degree in Communication, with a focus on film, TV, and cultural anthropology. Her career is diverse, and her interests span various creative forms of expression. From producing TV and radio shows to creating documentaries, writing, graphic design, and life coaching, she strives to make a lasting and authentic impact wherever she goes. Akanke has been a dedicated supporter of MANA since 2007, currently serving as the organization’s Board Vice President. In this role, she plays a key part in working with the Board President and Secretary to shape the organization’s trajectory. Additionally, she serves as MANA’s part-time Communications Director.
