A holiday choral concert at Blaine High School in Minnesota Thursday evening was to feature students singing an Arabic song that includes the phrase, “Allahu Akbar,” which translates to “God is great,” and has been shouted by Islamic terrorists during attacks on the West.
Parents in the Anoka-Hennepin School District questioned the choir teacher’s decision to use a song about Ramadan at a holiday concert, reports local CBS WCCO news.
The song is titled “Eid-un Sa’Eid,” and it was written by Zain Bhikha. Some of the lyrics of the song are:
Eid-un Sa’eed-un Yawm-un farhaan-un Yawm-un jameel-un Eid-un Sa’eed Eid-un Sa’eed-un Yawm-un jameel-un Yawm-un farhaan-un Eid-un Sa’eed.
All over the world
Under the big-blue sky
Muslims unite to worship Allah
It’s a time of brotherhood, a time of peace
Muslims are singing praises to Allah
Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar
La Ilaaha Illa-Allahu
Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd
Families are gathering
Remembering Allah
And that His Love is the Greatest by far
All Praise for You Allah
According to the news report, the district said they have received some complaints about the song both from parents and others in the community.
“Songs are not performed in a worship setting or to promote religion,” the district’s statement said. “but rather in [an] educational setting where students are learning and performing music.”
On Facebook, however, one person reportedly posted, “No child should be forced to sing a song about the Muslims and the religion of hatred.”
Another parent said that – considering the recent attacks by Islamic terrorists in Paris and San Bernardino – the song would be “insensitive.”
A district spokesman said the song was to be sung during an audience participation portion of the concert, when both Christian Christmas songs such as “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night” as well as a Jewish song would be sung. A hallelujah chorus was also reportedly to be part of the program.
The district reportedly said any students who did not feel comfortable singing the Arabic song would be released without their grades being affected.
District communications staff did not immediately respond to Breitbart News’ phone calls or emails requesting comment.
**Update**
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