Ramadhan: How Muslim DJs are struggling to fast

During the Ramadhan period, Muslims worldwide return to the core values of Islam, abstaining from activities that could nullify their fast. They intensify prayers, refrain from visiting places like bars, adjust their fashion choices, and strengthen their faith.

However, for Disc Jockeys (DJs) whose profession involves entertaining people in bars and discotheques with music, the situation becomes challenging.

Ali Sejjemba, also known as Ali Breezy on XFM, explains that for Muslim DJs, it becomes a dilemma of survival versus adhering to religious principles.

Their livelihood depends on playing music, yet they are expected to refrain from listening to it during Ramadhan. If they abstain from playing music, they risk losing their income, which is essential for purchasing meals to break and begin the fast.

Ali Breezy highlights the evolving global lifestyle, where even some Muslim-majority countries have embraced music. He asserts that music has become an integral part of modern society, and playing it while fasting is normal for him, as long as he maintains his distance from alcohol.

"The world has really changed. Music is now part of the modern world and thats why even some purely muslim nations are changing their restrictions on music. I play music and fast and then keep a distance from alcohol," says Ali Breezy.

Similarly, Sowedi Bogere, known as DJ Sowe B, views his profession as a path chosen by Allah. He expresses hope that Allah understands his circumstances and intentions. Despite fasting, he continues to play music while abstaining from alcohol, believing that fasting is ultimately judged by Allah based on one's heart intention.

The question of whether their fast is acceptable to Allah stands answered. Muslim scholar Ismail Muleme opines that despite the challenges and the need to earn a living, both the environment and the job of being a DJ are considered forbidden in Islam. He suggests that their fast may not be pure and that the money they earn is not considered lawful, according to Islamic teachings.

"Being a DJ involves entertaining individuals engaged in activities deemed immoral in Islam, making the money earned from such endeavors is considered haram (forbidden). Muslim DJs should seek alternative employment for the sake of Allah hoping that He will provide better jobs," Muleme said.

However, Muleme acknowledges that Allah is the ultimate judge and knows the intentions of each individual, leaving the final judgment to Him.

Despite the challenges, there are numerous Muslim DJs that have continued to spins the discs. Some of these icluding DJ Shiru, DJ Meddie Rustu, DJ Zato, and Hijab DJ Aisha Bakery in Tanzania, among others. What happens to their fast?