Rock and Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Star's Revolution for Peace [Hardcover]

Having grown up listening to this band with its inspiring, upbeat and revolutionary lyrics that tore down the walls of bigotry, hate and racism; I could ostensibly relate parts of it to my own life. An author who sought inspiration from some musical icons in not just the west, but the east created a unique blend of music - which soon became his trademark signature style proved that by doing so he could transcend beyond music and bridge the opposites; be it culture, traditions, religions, nations or races. The book is also a classic tale of a heroic struggle against all odds, for this band unlike many spoon fed bands in the west, was confronted with a dictatorship that abhorred freedom through musical lyrics, powerful religious elements that worked to quell musical/melodic expression, and lack of tools for mass dissemination. Yet, Salman Ahmad's band Junoon rose to new heights and became South Asia's leading rock band. The band incorporated Western Rock, yet never let go of its roots and paid homage to mystic Sufi poets.

This book is also a recommended read for people in the west who wish to understand how moderate Muslims adhere to a softer side of Islam, which they believe is the true face of their religion. There is absolutely no room for religious intolerance, violence, and extremism in the true meaning of Islam. Salman engages in challenging spiritual, mental and physical journeys to distinguish the true side of Islam (a religion which literally means peace), from the side that was created as a result of the perception of a religion that was hijacked on Sept 11th 2009 by fanatics and hate mongers. At the same time, he draws parallels and debates on western talk shows with heavyweight stalwarts such as Bill Mahr on his critically acclaimed show "Politically Incorrect". His endeavors are colorfully illustrated in this book. The book also bestows confidence upon the youth of Pakistan; a Muslim nation which stands shoulder to shoulder with their western counterparts in this struggle for peace and tranquility.

From New York to Karachi, the book encompasses this unique rock star's journey in vibrant colors.

For nearly two decades, Salman Ahmad and his band Junoon have been viewed by critics and fans alike as the "Beatles of South Asia". While not widely known (yet) here in the United States, Junoon has sold 30 million albums worldwide, having amassed a fan base of admirers that includes Melissa Etheridge, Mick Jagger, and Al Gore.

Ahmad's newly released autobiography, Rock & Roll Jihad: A Muslim Rock Star's Revolution, documents Salman's serendipitous rise from humble beginnings to super-stardom. As a young teenager growing up in Tappan, New York, Ahmad soaks up American culture and is musically and socially affected by an eclectic cast of characters from diverse backgrounds who become his closest friends and influences. Among these are a religious Irish-Catholic guitar-player (Brian O'Connell); a precocious 13-year old with an appreciation for Islamic culture who forms a Beatles tribute band; a teenage Woodstock throwback who keeps kosher; and a pretty Homecoming Princess with whom Salman becomes smitten. Preferring to actively join his friends in their musical endeavors and garage bands rather than play the role of a musical spectator, he buys his first electric guitar in 1978-- a Les Paul purchased in Paramus, New Jersey-- and starts to play.

As the shy Salman proceeds through his high school years, he gains more and more confidence, surpassing his mentors and garage band mates in musicianship and instrumental skill in ways that he could never have imagined possible. His leit motif of bringing people together becomes the new mantra for his musical and spiritual life.

Upon his return to Pakistan after graduating from high school, Salman is faced with a nation and community on the verge of a breakdown. Lawlessness runs rampant, and General Zia has prohibited any form of artistic expression that differs from traditional Wahhabism. Salman enrolls in medical school, meets and marries his soulmate, and discovers that playing rock and roll at a school talent show can be a life-threatening proposition. Ultimately, Ahmad, Ali Azmat, and Brian O'Connell form the band Junoon and take on the musical, political, and religious establishment in Pakistan and South Asia. The band goes on to revolutionize popular music throughout the Muslim world by combining eastern and western musical traditions as harmoniously as Ahmad blended and balanced Pakistani and American culture while growing up in the United States. In doing so, Junoon peacefully changes a part of our planet, and Salman Ahmad becomes the most famous pop star in the history of South Asia.

In 2010, the world is more divided than anytime since the Second World War, but it doesn't have to be this way. Those wanting proof of mankind's potential to embrace our common humanity instead of our differences for the good of everyone on our planet will find comfort and a cause for optimism in Salman Ahmad's true story. A good and uplifting read from a courageous and talented musician, and possibly, future Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Too often our view of Islam is shaped by media stereotypes: bearded men and veiled women, terrorists and fiery preachers. In fact, the world's billion-plus Muslims are as complex as any other group of people on the planet and this book shows why. Although obviously Ahmad is not typical, the people who listen to his music are a cross-view of society in South Asia. In addition, for western readers, Ahmad's biography allows us to learn about Islam and South Asia while holding on to something familiar: a rock star's rise. That makes it accessibe, while at the same time feeding us lots of new information.
The book is well-organized and well-written. I found it a fast read but one that left a lot to think about. I can highly recommend it to anyone wanting an accessible way into this important part of the world.