H'mida BELKORISSAT :
This song, "Min Ajli Aynayka Ashiqtu Al-Hawa," holds a very special place in my heart. It takes me back to a time when Arabic music was at its absolute peak—rich in poetry, emotion, and timeless beauty.
Back in 1976, while I was living in Massachusetts, I bought the vinyl LP at Harvard Square in Cambridge, just outside Boston. At the time, I had no idea that this record would become one of my most treasured possessions, accompanying me through the decades.
Even today, whenever I place that record on the turntable and let it play through my JBL speakers, something extraordinary happens. From the very first notes, I'm transported back in time. The years melt away, memories come rushing back, and the music touches me just as deeply as it did nearly fifty years ago.
Oum Kalthoum's incomparable voice, brought to life by Riyad Al-Sunbati's magnificent composition and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal's beautiful poetry, reminds me of what Arabic music once was: sophisticated, profound, authentic, and deeply moving. Every word carried meaning. Every note served a purpose. Every performance came straight from the soul.
Listening to it today, my heart aches. Not only because of its breathtaking beauty, but because I can't help reflecting on where we've ended up. It's heartbreaking to see how so much of today's music has traded depth for instant gratification, timeless artistry for passing trends, and genuine emotion for commercial appeal.
And yet, all it takes is a few moments of this masterpiece to remember what greatness truly sounds like. It reminds me why Arabic music earned the admiration of audiences around the world, thanks in large part to the unmatched artistry and global presence of Oum Kalthoum. She didn't just represent Arabic music—she elevated it to the world stage.
Fads come and go. True masterpieces endure. And every time I listen to this song, I'm reminded that real music doesn't just entertain—it reaches your heart, stays with your soul, and becomes part of your life forever.
2026-07-24 17:30:47