Why I Sang Christian Hymn in Church, Muslim Artist Ere Asalatu

Islamic singer AbdulKabir Alayande, known as Ere Asalatu, has shared why he performed a Christian hymn at a church. He said Jesus Christ is recognized as Prophet Issa in Islam.

He spoke in an interview with actress Biola Adebayo on her podcast released on Friday. This interview came after some Muslims criticized his performance.

The singer stirred up reactions on social media when clips of him singing the Christian hymn, "Jesus is the only true friend," at a church went viral.

Asalatu explained that the Jesus mentioned in the song is the same Jesus recognized as Prophet Issa in the Quran. He said, "This Jesus we are talking about is Prophet Issa in the Quran, the child of Mariam. Is he no longer your friend? He is your friend, he is my friend. Prophet Muhammed didn’t deny Jesus Christ. Is Jesus no longer your friend? Was he not sent to you?"

He added that Islam teaches Muslims not to oppose Jesus. "Islam didn’t tell us to go against Jesus. I don’t know where they found theirs," he said.

Initially, Asalatu didn’t want to speak publicly about the issue. But he felt he should respond to questions surrounding it. "Although I said I won’t grant any interview on this issue, but as it is… anyone who refuses to answer a question when asked is a stupid person," he stated.

Asalatu mentioned that some Islamic leaders reached out to him privately. They encouraged him to keep doing his work despite the backlash. "I want to appreciate the true Islamic leaders who had called me and encouraged me to continue doing my work that the people dragging me on social media don’t know what they are doing," he said.

He described these leaders as knowledgeable. "These are people who are true Islamic leaders who know the Quran in and out and are also intelligent."

The singer thanked both his supporters and critics. He said the criticism helped him see where he could improve. "Although your hatred has done nothing to us, but you also made impact. We were able to pick out of the hateful words to make corrections because no one is perfect," he said.

Asalatu reaffirmed his commitment to Islam. He said he will continue to promote the religion. "Islam is a good religion and I will continue to preach Islam till my old age," he stated.

He described Islam as a structured religion that teaches modesty and guides how to live. "Islam is orderly. Islam preaches modesty in dressing. The religion explains how to live life," he said.

He criticized what he called overzealousness in some Muslims. He noted that some are too strict in how they interpret religious teachings. "Some people are over zealous. That’s who they are," he said.

Asalatu questioned why some people try to force others into religious practices. He pointed out that they did not help him achieve his success. "You didn’t force me to make it in life. You didn’t force me to come eat from your source of income. You didn’t force me to make money but you want to force me to make heaven. Does that even make sense? No, it doesn’t," he said.

He also questioned the concept of forcing someone to reach a specific idea of heaven. "Which heaven? Your own or which one? Your own heaven or which one?" he asked.

He joked about threats of violence over religious differences. "You can’t go to heaven if you are not dead. Do you want to kill me?" he said.

Asalatu mentioned that one critic suggested he deserved to be beheaded. "One of those dragging me said I am supposed to be beheaded. I am even trying to get the person’s number so I can tell him to come to my house to cut off my head in the presence of my children," he said.

He called for more religious tolerance. "Everybody should serve their God in their own way. Call your God however you can. Everything we do has a reward," he said.

He questioned some criticisms about photography and video recording. He argued that they are similar. "One of them said whoever takes picture will go to hell. Meanwhile, video is an upgraded version of picture and you are there making video and everyone is posting you on social media, yet, you are not against them," he said.

Asalatu also challenged claims about music in Islam. He said there are lessons in songs. "Some people said there is no music in Islam. We read in one of Muhammad’s Hadiths where he said there is knowledge in songs. If he wanted to condemn it, he won’t say there is knowledge in songs," he said.

He referred to Quranic teachings on musicians, saying the topic needs a broader view. "The same God who cursed the musician in the Quran. God said curse be unto all musicians. It is written in the Quran but if you read further, he said, except those who sing with the fear of God," he said.

Asalatu defended his music, asking if it promotes disbelief or insults anyone. "Did I abuse your mother with my song? Did my song say there is no God?" he asked.

He warned Muslims to be cautious about messages that could push people away from religion. "I know a Muslim who lost interest in Islam. He lost interest in all the religion," he shared.

Asalatu said the man was told that calling God "Eledumare" instead of "Allah" makes one an unbeliever. He disagreed, saying, "Help me. The difference is just the language."

He emphasized that Islam is about unity, love, and peace. He urged Muslims not to let social media arguments change how they see their religion. "Islam is not a troublesome religion. Islam is not a religion that kills. Islam is a religion of unity. Islam is a religion of love and peace," he said.