IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 19, Issue 7, Ver. VI (July. 2014), PP 43-48 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 43 | Page Nasyid as an Islamic Alternative Entertainment Sholeh Fikri & Siti Rugayah Hj. Tibek Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Abstract: Nasyidis a musical art which containsIslamic teachingsand lessons from social problems. Nasyid’s role is bi-functional, as an entertainment andas a religious and social message.Many other genres of music which can entertain and deliver messages and advicesuch as pop, rock and dangdutbutnasyid is special in its style and ‘color’and capable of being an alternative music.This article presents results of a study which used a qualitative methodon data from a survey of 308 respondents, interviews and observations done in the Northern Sumatera Province,Indonesia.Respondents of the survey agreed that nasyid is a viable alternative entertainment. Respondentsreasoned thatnasyid’s rhythm is beautiful,its performers are presentably decentand nasyid songs are well-liked by people of all ages. Keywords: Nasyid, entertainment, song, old, young, rivalry I. Introduction After a long day at work, or reading, or a long deep thinking, doing business, tidying up the rooms and so on,it is normal to feel tired and rest and relaxation are needed to refresh, recuperate or recharge our energy.Sometimes, a good rest can give new ideas and create new vigor and refresh our energy (Liz Mellor 2013:178). It is therefore not uncommon to notice that one‟s movement is more vibrant and energetic after a good rest, as compared to that before resting. Life survival is becoming more pressing and it requires man to think and work harderto be able to sustain and compete in the race to achieve his dream. To fulfill the needs of man, a healthy physique and a healthy mind are needed. A healthy body and a healthy mind need entertainment to avoid weariness, boredom and the feeling of tiredness.Meaning, life is not centered at fulfilling the physical needs only but also the non- physical or spiritual needswhich must be paid a special attention. One of the non-physical needs is the need for entertainment. Entertainment which is enjoyed almost daily is part of human nature. Al-Qardhawi expounded that Islam is a religion which is in tandem with human nature. Islam does not deprive man of things which are part of his nature such as enjoying a good laugh, rest and relaxation. In fact,Islam encouragesthat which brings joy to life. Islam likes in its adherents optimism and cheerfulness and dislikespessimists, feeling helplessness, and always seeing life as bleak (Yusuf al-Qardhawi 2005:20) The publication of the book "La Tahzan" by Dr. AidhMohammad Said Al-Qarni is a reflection of theemergence of more and more people who feel sad, difficult and restless in the life they are living. For those who always feel uneasy, life is full of difficulties, troubles and problems. Those who are restless see the world as bleakeven though there is lightand there are many ways to get out of difficulty one is in. Sadness and difficulty can come at any point in time to the rich or the poor. Difficulties are not only faced by the poor but also the rich. As a means of getting away from the troubles, there are many ways people choose including entertainment. Therefore, entertainment and amusement are part and parcel of a human life. As translated by MacDonald (1901:251), Imam al-Ghazaliin his bookexplicates the importance of entertainment in life: Or it is said that Music and Singing are sport (lahwun) and play, and so they are, but the whole of this world is sport and play[Qur., xxix, 64].…And all playing with women is sport except tillage, which is the cause of the existence of children. “And all jesting in which there is nothing vile is lawful.”That is quoted from the Apostle of God and the Companions(al-Ghazali 1998:381). Entertainment is very much needed to pacify the heart during difficult times and it can have a calming effect to the chaotic and restless mind. However,entertainment to a Muslim is not the aim but ablessing from Allah The Most Compassionate. Therefore, entertainment must follow the bounds set by Allah,the Creator of the universe (Abu Muawiyah Ismail Kandar 2011:37). Synchronous with the above statement,Imam Al- Ghazalisaid that "…that sport (lahwun) rests the heart and lightens from it the burden of thinking; and when hearts are overdriven they are blind, and resting strengthens them from serious work. So he, for example, who is persistent in study ought to cease work on Friday, for ceasing work on one day incites alertness on the other days (MacDonald, D.B. 1901:251). Excessiveentertainment or relaxation is forbidden in Islam as it is dangerous, just like it is dangerous to take an overdose of drugs which can detriment one‟s health. Therefore, relaxation and entertainment in Islam is for the sake of being closer to Allah SWT. The heart of Muslims should not beat except in accordance with what is praiseworthy, and should it be entertained for relaxation for a while,