Rabbani (Devine) is the debut studio album by Malaysian nasheed group Rabbani. It was released on 22 May 1997 by Permata Audio and EMI Music Malaysia.
Background and production On 1 March 1997, Rabbani was formed by Permata Audio, a nasheed music production company based in Kuala Lumpur. The group consisted of one lead singer, six backing vocalists, and six musicians. Besides performing nasheed, most of the members were full-time employees at Permata Audio, serving in roles such as marketing, administration, event management, studio coordination, and music production. They later signed a record deal with EMI Music Malaysia.
Their self-titled album was recorded at Permata Studio in Kuala Lumpur and produced by Sohibul Fadil Hj. Sabikin. For their debut, Rabbani focused on classical nasheed, reviving traditional Islamic songs while also including original compositions by the group. The album featured 14 tracks and incorporated influences from Middle Eastern and Central African rhythms. Its lyrical themes centred on devotion to God and the teachings of Islam.
Group leader Asri Ibrahim stated that the group's strength lay in presenting their music live with a full band, aiming to replicate the studio sound in their performances. The album included new versions of P. Ramlee's "Alhamdulillah" and "Berkorban Apa Saja". Rabbani also re-recorded an earlier song from their time with Nada Murni for the album.
Track listing
Release and reception The album was released on 22 May 1997. It was well received upon release and sold over 30,000 copies in 2 weeks. As of 1998, the album sold over 90,000 copies.
Writing for The Straits Times, Junaidah Dahlan described the album as "more classical, less catchy and more serious-sounding," praising Asri Ibrahim's vocals and the group's harmonies.
Personnel Credits adapted from the album liner notes.
Rabbani – vocals, vocal arrangement Asri Ibrahim – lead vocals, songwriter (tracks 7, 8, 9, 13) Sohibul Fadil Hj. Sabikin – music concept, arrangement, producer, songwriter (track 13) Mohd Arzmy – executive producers Nizam – arrangement, musician Hamzah, Omar, Zulkifli – musicians Hj. Akhmudi – songwriter (track 1) Mohd Nawawi Ibrahim – songwriter (tracks 2, 5) Aminuddin Sani – songwriter (track 5) P. Ramlee – songwriter (tracks 3, 10) Jamil Sulong – songwriter (track 3) S. Sudarmaji – songwriter (track 10) Haron Omar – songwriter (track 11) Mohd Radzi – songwriter (track 11) Yusuf Sabri – songwriter (track 14) Mohd Sofwan Abd. Rahman – songwriter (track 14) Mohd Asri Ubaidullah – coordinators, songwriter (tracks 8, 9) Azmi Ali – coordinators Permata Studio – recording studio Permata Studio technicians – recording engineers Shahnazron, Permata Studio technicians – mixing engineers Black Genesis Mastering Lab – mastering and editing Tapa (DEXS), Nizam (DEXS) – concept and design M. Naim Hj. Husain – calligraphy Zen – photography Mas Omar, Kit, Shima, Asim, Anwar – production management Khairyl Yassin – marketing Performance & Artist Management Department, Permata Audio – management
Certifications
Release history Region Release date Format Label Malaysia 22 May 1997 CD, digital download Permata Audio, EMI Music Malaysia
References
External links