The Muslim Association of Britain's (MAB) second annual anasheed festival, Celebrate Eid:2005, which took place on November 12^th at the Wembley Conference Center in London, took Muslim entertainment in the UK to a new level. Featured were established groups such as Raihan and Aa’-shiq Al-Rasul, as well as young and up-and-coming nasheed-stars such as the American 'boy-band' 786, and the traditional British Shaam. The show was hosted by the hilarious Allah Made Me Funny star Azhar Usman and the religious inspiration came from Sheikh Johari Abdul Malik and Egyptian television personae Moez Masoud. The greatly successful concert targeted Muslims as well as non-Muslims and presented a great chance to break with stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. Donations were also collected for earthquake victims in Asia. In this manner charity, entertainment, and above all Islam, were celebrated at the event. The IslamOnline.net offers you a taste of the colors, sounds and spirit of the event with an exclusive interview with Azhar Usman, a photo gallery, a review and sound bites from the featured artists.

Azhar is an up-and-coming charismatic American Muslim comedian who has won a prominent presence in the world's major media outlets. Combining in one person the elements of comedy, politics, ethics, culture; Azhar makes a hilarious phenomenon. After spending some time in the comedy business, he founded the Official Muslim Comedy Tour, Allah Made Me Funny, with renowned comedy writer Preacher Moss.

Not only is Usman a prominent comedian but he also uses his skills and experience to draw attention to various topics of concern to Muslims. He is also a board member of The Nawawi Foundation which encourages integration and development of the Muslim community in the US through research.

Azhar lightened up the Nasheed Festival celebration with his comic gift.

To listen to an interview with Azhar click here

For a taste of the inspirational sounds of the artists that performed at the festival click here.