Cultural Activities

Hossain Mohammad Salim at a Baul Festival

Championing Healthy Culture Against Extremist Fatwas

Under the guidance of Hossain Mohammad Salim, a cultural renaissance is being fostered to counter the false and extremist fatwas that have plagued society. He champions the Islamic principle that healthy, modest culture is not forbidden but is essential for awakening human conscience and resisting injustice.

The True Islamic Perspective

He clarifies that Islam does not forbid culture or music, but only prohibits obscenity and falsehood, based on clear Quranic principles and historical examples from the Prophet's (PBUH) life.

What Allah has not forbidden is permissible (halal).
Historical evidence shows the Prophet (PBUH) listened to music.
Refuting false fatwas that misrepresent Islam and stifle creativity.

Confronting Extremist Vandalism

This cultural movement directly challenges the extremist groups that have bombed cultural events, destroyed sculptures, and harassed folk artists under the false pretense of religion.

Standing in solidarity with cultural workers and folk traditions.
Correcting misconceptions that lead to confusion and fear.
Promoting culture as a powerful tool against injustice and extremism.

Maati Cultural Group: A New Awakening

He has fostered the 'Maati Cultural Group,' a dedicated cultural wing that uses art as a weapon to fight societal ills and inspire positive change.

Producing over 150 original songs against extremism and communalism.
Organizing cultural events and seminars across the country.
Engaging renowned artists and intellectuals to build a united front.

A Renaissance Through Cultural Practice

Honorable Imam Hossain Mohammad Salim participated as the chief guest at the traditional Bishu Shah Baul Festival in Chuadanga. (March 4, 2016)

On September 5, 2018, the Eid reunion event in Dhaka featured various cultural performances by children and teenagers.

A "Maati Music Cultural Evening" was held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro where members performed music, drama, and recitations. (November 5, 2019)

Cultural performance — In the keynote address, Honorable Imam Mr. Hossain Mohammad Salim refuted the misinterpretations of music under the guise of religion.

Central women’s conference — At the Krishibid Institute, the central women’s conference featured an array of cultural performances. (November 6, 2018)

Special discussion event — A special discussion and cultural event on the theme "Religion for the Welfare of Humanity, Culture for Peace." (April 10, 2015)

Former Chief Justice — The event featured prominent guests including former Chief Justice of Bangladesh Mr. Tafazzul Hossain.

The discussion and cultural event featured the late national award-winning actor Mr. ATM Shamsuzzaman.

Internationally renowned Lalon folk singer Farida Parveen was a prominent guest at the cultural event.

Maati Cultural Group performance — Maati Cultural Group's artists inspired the nation through their songs to engage in the struggle against injustice. (July 13, 2018)

Conference cultural segment — During the cultural segment of a conference, artists inspired the audience with songs against injustice.

Kushtia cultural event — In Kushtia, local Bauls and folk singers performed music, with Hossain Mohammad Salim as the chief guest. (February 15, 2021)

Baul performance — Local folk singers performing at the cultural event in Bheramara, Kushtia.

Honorable Imam at Kushtia event — The chief guest, Hossain Mohammad Salim, highlighted Islam’s perspective on art and culture.

Daily Bajrashakti anniversary — The 5th anniversary of Daily Bajrashakti featured performances by Maati artists and group dances by children. (December 18, 2018)

Children's dance performance — A group dance by children during the 5th anniversary celebration of Daily Bajrashakti.

Distinguished guests — The event was attended by prominent scholars, writers, actors, cultural figures, judges, and other distinguished citizens.

Audience at the event — A view of the audience at the special discussion and cultural event.

Dr. Arefin Siddique — Dr. A. A. M. S. Arefin Siddique delivered a speech at the anniversary celebration.

Renowned actor and Professor Dr. Enamul Haque delivered a speech against radicalism.

Justice Mohammad Mamataz Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Press Council, delivered a speech.

Renowned actor Nader Chowdhury delivered a speech at the event.

National award-winning actor Afzal Sharif delivering a speech.

Distinguished poet Farida Majid delivering a speech at the event.

Senior journalist Barun Bhoumik Nayan speaking at the anniversary celebration.

Tamanna Rahman, Lecturer in Dance at Dhaka University, delivering a speech.

Presenting a book — S. M. Shamsul Huda presented copies of the book “Culture in the Reconstruction of Civilization” to the guests.

Award presentation — Dr. Enamul Haque presented an award to Mr. Hossain Mohammad Salim for his significant contributions.

Rufayda Panni receiving award — Among the award recipients was Rufayda Panni, Editor of Daily Deshpatro.

Picnic cultural program — A picnic by the Turag River included a cultural program featuring music by Khandaker Nazmul Alam Shantu. (Jan 22, 2021)

Picnic by Turag River — Hezbut Tawheed's Dhaka Metropolitan Branch organized a picnic with the Imam as the chief guest.

Victory Day cultural program — A cultural program with students from Chasirhat Nurul Haque High School on Victory Day. (Dec 17, 2022)

Theatrical performance by students at the Education Conference organized by the school. (Feb 29, 2024)

Students' cultural performance — Students participating in the Victory Day cultural program.

Maati Music event in Dhaka — Maati Music organized a cultural event at Zahir Raihan Hall in Dhaka. (Dec 25, 2019)

Cultural performances — Members from various branches participated, showcasing songs, skits, and other cultural performances.

Honorable Imam as chief guest — The event featured the honorable Imam of Hezbut Tawheed, Mr. Hossain Mohammad Salim, as the chief guest.

Discussion on combating terrorism — A discussion meeting titled "There is No Alternative to Public Involvement in Combating Terrorism." (Jan 28, 2016)

Cultural event in Kushtia — A cultural event in Kushtia where local folk artists performed alongside Mati Music. (Dec 29, 2016)

Folk artists performance — Local folk artists performing at the cultural event in Bheramara, Kushtia.

Chief guest at the event — The event was honored by the presence of the honorable Imam, Mr. Hossain Mohammad Salim, as the chief guest.

Prize giving ceremony — Following the discussion, prizes were awarded to the winners of the annual sports competition. (Jan 30, 2016)

Musical performance by Mati Music — The event concluded with a musical performance by the artists of Mati Music.

Chandpur cultural event — Chandpur Shilpakala Academy hosted a discussion and cultural event. (Dec 7, 2023)

Guests at Chandpur event — The event was attended by local political and cultural figures.

Feni cultural event — Feni Shilpakala Academy hosted a cultural event titled 'Renaissance Through Cultural Practice.' (Apr 28, 2024)

Child artists performance — The event featured performances by Hezbut Tawheed's child artists, including drama, music, and recitations.

Mamunur Rashid speaking — A discussion event featured speeches by renowned theater personality Mr. Mamunur Rashid. (Nov 29, 2017)

Freedom fighter and renowned voice artist Mr. Mazharul Islam shared memories of the Liberation War.

Maati Artists performance — Performances were given by Maati Artists during the 4th anniversary celebration of Daily Bajrashakti.

Cake-cutting ceremony — Daily Bajrashakti celebrated its 4th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished figures.

Jamalpur cultural event — At Jamalpur Shilpakala Academy, Hezbut Tawheed hosted a cultural event and discussion. (Mar 8, 2024)

Performance at Jamalpur event — The event featured performances with the theme: “Renaissance Through Cultural Practice.”

Audience at Jamalpur event — The cultural event was attended by local political and cultural figures.

Performance at Kustia — Artists performing at the cultural event in Kustia.

Meherpur public meeting — In Meherpur, Hezbut Tawheed organized a cultural event and public meeting. (Jan 2, 2018)

Theme of Meherpur event — The theme was: “Misuse of Religion as an Obstacle to Progress."

Event at Meherpur Shilpakala — The event was hosted at Meherpur Shilpakala Academy.

Performance at Meherpur — A performance during the cultural event and public meeting.

Child artists at Noakhali — The event featured performances by Hezbut Tawheed's child artists. (June 2, 2024)

Rangpur cultural event — At the Rangpur Public Library, Hezbut Tawheed hosted an event titled "Renaissance Through Cultural Practice." (Mar 4, 2024)

Performance at Rangpur — The event featured performances by Hezbut Tawheed's artists, including drama, music, and recitations.

Guests at Rangpur event — The event was attended by local political and cultural figures.

Inauguration of Bajrashakti office — At the Daily Bajrashakti office inauguration, Maati artists performed music. (Jan 31, 2017)

Performance at inauguration — The discussion included local leaders and the general public.

Child artists' group song — Maati's child artists performed a group song at a cultural event in Uttara. (Dec 28, 2023)

Presenting flowers to Asaduzzaman Noor — A bouquet of flowers was presented to the then Minister of Culture Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor. (May 2, 2014)

Award distribution — Awards were distributed to winners of a competition, followed by a cultural performance. (Aug 3, 2018)

Prominent singer Khandaker Nazmul Alam Shantu called upon spectators to unite against extremism through his songs.

Public awareness drama — Maati theater artists presented a public awareness drama against drug abuse.

Hamd and Naat performance — Maati's artists performed Hamd and Naat in observance of the Month of Ramadan.

Correcting the Narrative on Art and Faith

Misconceptions and Extremist Actions: It is an established fatwa in our society that singing and playing musical instruments are haram (forbidden). Believing these false fatwas, extremist groups have repeatedly bombed various cultural events, destroyed sculptures, burned down music academies, and harassed folk singers. Many cultural workers are also confused, thinking they are sinning.

Islamic Perspective on Music: According to Islamic principles, what Allah has not forbidden is halal. There is no clear verse in the Quran that indicates the illegality of music. Allah has only set principles against immorality, sin, and oppression (Surah Al-A'raf 33). Therefore, a song with no obscene lyrics or indecent presentation has no reason to be considered haram. On the contrary, if a song awakens people against injustice, it can be a righteous act.

Historical Examples from Islam: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) himself listened to music. When Abu Bakr (RA) reprimanded girls singing in his house, the Prophet said, "Abu Bakr, let them do their work" (Sahih Bukhari, 987). He encouraged music at weddings and even allowed a companion to fulfill a vow to play the daf for him after a battle. He himself sang a work song ("Rajaz") during the construction of his mosque.

Embracing Healthy Cultural Activities: Neither Allah nor His Messenger has declared music haram. Healthy cultural activities awaken human conscience and inspire good deeds. Hezbut Tawheed encourages the practice of modest and pure culture. Its cultural wing, 'Maati Cultural Group,' has over 150 original songs and fights extremism through art. With the motto 'Let a new awakening come through the practice of culture,' we call upon all culturally-minded individuals to join us and use the weapon of culture to combat the crises faced by humanity.

HM Salim

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