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DNA (September 16, 2015)

AR Rahman has reacted to the fatwa against him for composing the music for Muhammad: The Messenger of God by saying that he had no intention to offend anyone and has done it in good faith. The fatwa was initiated by Indian-Islamic organisation called Raza Academy, which had a problem with the title of the film directed by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi. They complained that the title of the movie being that of the prophet, it would be disrespectful if people take the name of the movie in vain.

In a letter written to the Academy on his Facebook account, the Grammy award-winning composer says, “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.” He says he has not produced the movie only done the music.

In his message, Rahman quotes Noori from an interview to a journal saying that all Muslims have to do something about the movie because if and when they meet Allah and he asks them what they did to stop the movie, they will not have an answer. To this Rahman says, “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 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.”

He further says that we are blessed to live in a country like India where religious freedom is practised. “Let us set a precedent in clearing conflict with grace and dignity and not trigger violence in words or actions.” Kudos to Rahman.