It is well known that a Mumbai based Muslim organization named Raza Academy has issued a fatwa against musician AR Rahman and Iranian Filmmaker Majid Majidi for making a film titled ‘Muhammad: Messenger of God’. Rahman has finally responded on this issue by posting a lengthy explanation on his Facebook page.
“This letter is for all those people, who have been aware of the recent events concerning me. I’m not a scholar of Islam. I follow the middle path and am part of 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. My decision to compose the music for this film was made in good faith with no intentions of causing offence,” he said.
Rahamn further said, “In fact the decision was based on a similar point of view as expressed by Mr. Noorie. What, and if, I had the good fortune of facing Allah, and He were to ask me on 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 intention is to unite humanity, clear misconceptions and spread my message that life is kindness, about uplifting the poor, and living in the service of humanity and not mercilessly killing innocents in my name.
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.”
I posted a new photo to Facebook http://t.co/lXR0j1rhqy
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 14, 2015