Do Islams pray before a performance?

Question

I am doing a university presentation on Egypt and Islam is Egypt's most common religion. We have to be respectful before we perform and I was wondering if there are any prayers that would be said before a performance or before they use musical instruments?

Answer 1

Muslims (followers of Islam) pray five times a day doing what is known as Salat. While they usually (to my knowledge) do not have specific prayers or prayer necessities for performances, they often may say simple phrases that can be interpreted as blessings such as "Al Hamdu Lillah!" (All praise be to God) or "Inshallah" (God will it). Most blessings and prayers are centralized upon the idea of praising God. Therefore, most blessings might just be "Praise God" (Al Hamdu Lillah) or "God is Great" (Allahu Akbar). Even in daily greetings this is evident: "Assalaam Alaikum" (Peace be upon you) and the reply "Wa Alaikum Salaam" (And peace be upon you too).

As far as music and performance in Islam, the view on it has changed over the centuries. It is dependent on which Muslim community you are focused on. Some Ummah's (Muslim communities) are okay with most music, while others are more limited on the attitude toward it. In some Ummah certain music is considered Haram (forbidden). So when your doing research for performance and etiquette regarding the Muslim community, make sure do do enough research to cover appropriate grounds.