Amir Junaid Hawkins, formerly known as Loon from Bad Boys Records, is at Haj this year. The Saudi Gazette caught up with him in Mina. Hawkins, now a Muslim, is performing his first Haj. He is very excited about the experience. This is what he had to say about his life and experiences. Tell us something about yourself. I was born and raised in New York City. I lived in Harlem, which was not a nice neighborhood to be in. It was in 2008, while visiting the United Arab Emirates, that I embraced Islam. How did you become a rapper? I had the gift of articulating words and constructing songs for artists. I wrote hit records that are popular today. What brought you to Islam? I traveled around the world a lot and constantly bumped into Muslims. Step by step I found myself more intrigued by Islam. The conclusion of this journey led me to the UAE, Senegal and Kazakhstan. In the UAE, I saw Islam being practiced openly and this inspired me to look at Muslims in a manner different than what the media depicted them to be. In Senegal, I learned that most slaves were Muslim. This really moved me. In Kazakhstan, I asked a friend how to say hello in Arabic, he told me it was ‘Asslam Alaikum.' I was also taught about the diversity of Islam and that it's a religion for all mankind. What were your feelings when you heard the Adhan for the first time? It struck me and inspired my heart. As an artist, I have spent hours in the studio trying to find words and music that could inspire a person's heart and here was the simple Adhan, which tapped into every effort I had made. It was very moving. It still inspires my heart in a way that I can't explain. When did you say the Shahada? It was in Abu Dhabi. I found myself at the crack of dawn looking at the Arabian Gulf, the first time I had a renewed appreciation of the creations of Allah. At that point something clicked in my heart. It was something I didn't want to lose. I knew that the only person who could explain it to me would be a Muslim. I ran to the hotel lobby and the first Muslim I saw, I asked how I could embrace Islam. I was actually calling a Muslim to call me to Islam. He asked me to raise my right hand and extend my index finger and say the Shahdah. The simplicity of the statement showed me the simplicity of the religion. I was living a life without a plan. Which religion were you following before you embraced Islam? I was a Christian. I was raised by my grandparents and my grandmother was a devout Christian. I was also active in the church. I was in fact spending six days a week there. I was an usher; I played the piano and I was in the Bible studies. It was there that I learned about the contradictions in the Bible and they made me think. What did you think about Islam before you embraced the religion? I was always aware of Muslims. We have a vast community of Yemeni, Pakistani and African Muslims in my area. I never had a derogatory perception about Muslims. The character and behavior of some Muslims made it impossible for me to embrace Islam. But when I was exposed to the excellent qualities of Islam, I became a Muslim. You lived most of your life in luxury, why then did you decide to leave all that? Many people label success by materialistic gains. That is not a true bar. The only thing that you cannot purchase is peace. I was not content with myself. The more successful I became, the emptier I felt within. Death is a reality and how can I be at peace when I can't take any materialist thing with me? Allah must have heard this cry in my heart that I wanted freedom from this life and its so-called successes.” I truly find luxury in worshipping Allah and seeking knowledge about Islam. What do you think about the large number of Muslim youths who are into rap music and creating violent lyrics? May Allah guide us all. We must fear Allah, there is no benefit in listening to violent music and trying to implement a lifestyle that is different from Islam. There are a lot of influences out there, it's difficult for the youth not to be influenced by that when this is affecting the young around the world. To the Saudi youths living in the land of Tawheed, I would say that you have more pride and dignity than any rap song can offer. It's easy to be Fifty Cent, but it's very hard to be Omar Bin Al-Khattab and Abu Bakr As-Siddiq because their love and pride for Islam surpassed everything else. Are you learning Arabic? Actually, I have been living in Egypt for a year now. I've been learning Arabic to understand the Qur'an. I truly believe it's incumbent upon all Muslims to strive to learn the language of the Qur'an so that you can understand it in totality. Why did you pick Egypt? I chose Egypt for many reasons; firstly because I'm not approached by many youths there. Most of them are not really into hip hop, which kind of puts me under the radar, unlike in Kuwait, the UAE or Saudi Arabia where the youths know me. I wanted to take time off learning Islam in Egypt and to protect myself. Before becoming a Muslim, I was a victim because I didn't have protection. Muslim youth are lucky if they are born in a Muslim country. What do you think of Haj? Haj is very spiritual journey. It is a test, because you're surrounded by millions of others who all want to do the same thing at the same time. Your personality is tested by the conditions. May Allah make it easy for all of us Insha Allah. What do you think of the Haj preparations? May Allah reward the Saudi government for safeguarding the pilgrims. Any last word for those who listen to rap? You'll be questioned about your time, your youth and your wealth. Do not waste any of these on this type of music. Where I come from gangsters end up in two places — dead or in jail. Don't waste your time doing things that can lead you to harm. The Qur'an and the Sunnah are the best guide to follow. __
