AR Rahman’s thoughtful reply to fatwa receives applause

AR Rahman’s thoughtful reply to a fatwa issued against him by a Mumbai-based group has received applause from netizens. Rahman penned a lengthy statement and put forth his views sensibly. Raza Academy, which initiated the fatwa against Rahman for composing music to the Iranian film Mohammad: Messenger of God, is yet to respond to Rahman’s winning reply.

Rahman’s statement

This letter is for all those people who have been aware of the recent events concerning me. Assalaamu Alaikum WaRahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu May Allah (sbt) bestow Infinite blessings on the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

“Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Mawla (protector). And in Allah let the believers put their trust.” Qu’ran (Surah Tawba, Verse 51) 

I am not a scholar of Islam. I follow the middle path and am part traditionalist and part rationalist. I live in the Western and Eastern worlds and try to love all people for what they are, without judging them. I didn’t direct or produce the movie “Muhammad (PBUH), Messenger of God.” I just did the music. My spiritual experiences of working on the film are very personal and I would prefer not to share these. 

Mr Noori, a member of the Raza Academy, has said in an interview featured in “The Bayside Journal,” why he believes it is important to voice a complaint: Mr. Noori: “See, as Muslims we have to do something about it since it is against our religion so that tomorrow, if and when, we face Allah He doesn’t say that you didn’t do anything to stop this from happening. So we have to try.” 

My decision to compose the music for this film was made in good faith and with no intention of causing offence. In fact, the decision was based on a similar point of view as expressed by Mr Noori. What, and if, I had the good fortune of facing Allah (Sbt), and He were to ask me on Judgment Day: “I gave you faith, talent, money, fame and health…why did you not do music for my Beloved Muhammad (sals) film? A film whose intention is to unite humanity, clear misconceptions and spread my message that life is about kindness, about uplifting the poor, and living in the service of humanity and not mercilessly killing innocents in my name.” 

“We have not sent you (Muhammad PBUH) forth but as a mercy to mankind ” (Al Anbiyaa’ 107) 

Today there is a blur between the real world and the virtual world and I have been taken aback to see that, for some years now, unethical, unacceptable and unkind remarks are made online concerning the Holy Prophet. These abhorrent comments are no doubt due to a lack of understanding. I have always felt that we must counter this reaction with love and kindness, and through the audio-visual media reach out to people who wish to broaden their understanding. 

We are indeed fortunate and blessed to live in a country like India where religious freedom is practiced and where the aim of all communities is to live in peace and harmony sans confusion and violence. 

Let us set a precedent in clearing conflict with grace and dignity and not trigger violence in words or actions. 

Let us pray for forgiveness, and from our hearts bless those who suffer in the world and bless the country that we live in. To so pray is to reflect the noble and enlightened nature of our Beloved Muhammad (PBUH). Aameen