Ex-XPDC rocker Ali turns to preaching Islam

NEW DELHI: Mohd Ali Ismail (pic) of rock band XPDC says he has given up the limelight to live a life that can help him understand the meaning of his being.

The vocalist now sings a different tune, reflecting on the virtues enshrined in Islamic teachings.

He was speaking during an iftar (breaking of fast) here about his changed life and dakwah (propagation of Islam) work.

He shared meals with more than 100 people, who are mostly Malaysians, gave a Ramadan talk and posed for photographs.

Asked about his transformation, the 50-year-old said preaching the message of Islam has given peace and value to his life.

“My life is easier, there is a focus, and I am at peace with myself. Calling other people to Islam makes me feel that I am fulfilling my duty,” he said.

Does he miss anything he enjoyed as a popular music star?

“I do not miss anything. It should be our objective as Muslims to spread peace, brotherhood and harmony in society. I am doing it through dakwah.

“The real success in life comes from obeying Allah and avoiding what is forbidden. It doesn’t matter what powerful status or post we have if our lives are not lived in accordance with Islamic teachings.

“I have an unfaltering belief in ‘Dunia Sementara, Akhirat Selamanya (the world is temporary, Hereafter is forever),” he said.

Ali’s Ramadan talk was accompanied by devotional singing, showing that his vocalist’s skills remained solid.

His old fans would have greeted him with rapturous applause, but Ali would rather have them join him in the work he is doing nowadays.

Four other members of XPDC that was popular in the 1990s have also joined Ali in conducting dakwah.

Ali was earlier associated with another rock band called Terra Rossa.

He said what he is doing these days is not about lecturing others, but about sharing what he knows and learning from other people’s knowledge.

This spirit has taken him to India, and he is keen to learn more about Islam by meeting different people.

“Whatever work we do, it is important to remind ourselves that the worldly life is temporary. We need to follow Islam’s message by calling others to do good and by learning sunnah (the Prophet Muhammad’s way),” Ali said. — Bernama