AR Rahman speaks on fatwa against him, defends Prophet movie

New Delhi: Oscar winning Musician A. R. Rahman has finally spoken up on the fatwa issued against him for working on the film on Prophet Muhammad. The fatwa was issued last week by Mumbai-based Sunni Muslim group, Raza Academy.

The fatwa also condemns film's director Iranian Majid Majidi.

Rahman wrote a open letter to "all those people who have been aware of the recent events" concerning him and shared it on his social media account.

Here is the complete text of his letter:

In the name of god the most  compassionate and merciful

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),messager 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 intension 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 Judgement 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 practised and where the aim of all communities is to live 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