AR Rahman seems to be seriously hurt with the Fatwa issued against him by a Sunni Muslim group, Raza Academy from Mumbai for composing the music for director Majid Majidi’s Iran film ‘Muhammad – Messenger of God.’ Though Rahman took up Islam in mid days of his life, he observed religious freedom by composing tunes for a wide variety of films without any religious implications.
However, ‘Muhammad’ bought him in middle of controversy. Reacting to the Fatwa, Rahman posted a page full of his interpretation to the whole issue which highlights the following:
1. I didn’t direct or produce the film I just did the music. My spiritual experiences of working on the film are very personal and I would prefer not to share these.
2. My decision to compose the music for the film was made in good faith and with no intention of causing offence.
3. What if I had the good fortune of meeting Allah and he asked me on the Judgement day, 'I gave you faith, talent, money, fame and health... why did you not do music for my beloved Muhammad film? A film whose conception was to unite humanity, clear misconceptions and spread my message.
4. 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.”
5. 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 life in peace and harmony sans confusion and violence.
6. I am not a scholar of Islam. I follow the middle path and am part traditional and part rationalist. I live in the Western and Eastern worlds and try to love all people for what they are, without judging them.
7. 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 enlightening nature of our beloved Muhammad.