What Is A.R. Rahman’s Original Name? Why Did He Convert to Islam?

indiatoday.in

 

“Jab kahi pe kuch nahi, bhi nahi tha, vahi tha vahi tha”- Kun faya kun (Be, and it is)

Close your eyes, put on some good headphones and listen to each word of Kun faya kun. When you get back to reality, find the meaning of this famous Sufi song and listen to it again. I promise you, it is the closest you will be to spirituality and finding a deep sense of relief.     

Kun faya kun is one of the most renowned Sufi songs to be released in the 2000’s that belongs to the music maestro, A.R. Rahman. The Rockstar music album had touched the souls of millions across the world and Kun faya kun was one of the best highlights in Rahman’s career.

Who is A.R. Rahman?

Allah Rakha Rahman is an Indian music composer, producer, singer and songwriter. His work is portrayed in Hindi, Tamil movies that have won him many national and international awards. 

His music in SlumdogMillionaire in 2008 won him a Golden Globe and two Academy awards which was a first for an Asian. Jai Ho and O… Saya captivated the international audience.

Popular videos of Rahman, his Berklee College students singing his songs including Jai Ho, Vande Mataram, Dil se re and several medleys were released in 2014 which won the hearts of true hindustanis. 

Rahman is nicknamed ‘Isai Puyal’ (Musical Storm) and the ‘Mozart of Madras’ for his incredible contribution to music. But why is Rahman called the Mozart of Madras?

A Young Dileep Kumar

He was originally born in a Hindu family in Madras on 6^th January, 1967. His birth name was A.S. Dileep Kumar and was given to him by his father, R.K. Shekhar who worked in the Malayalam film industry as a music composer.

Dileep Kumar followed his father’s footsteps and began to learn the piano at a mere age of four. Although he was interested in electronics, the presence of music in his house helped him discover the art during his free time.

When the little maestro was 9 years of age, his father expired and a young Rahman began to play piano professionally to put food on the table. He was 11 years old when he had to drop out of school to support his family. 

Fate had its way and he earned a scholarship at the Trinity College, Oxford where he received a degree in western classical music.

Why Did A.R. Rahman Convert to Islam?

While a young Dileep Kumar strived to earn and support his family, his mother followed the path of spirituality. During her husband’s illness and after his death, she visited various places of worship. She consulted many holy priests, religious preachers to seek mental peace.

This is when she met Qadri sahib (Syed Karimullah Shah Qadri), a Sufi preacher who at that time was unwell. Rahman’s mother, now Kareema Begum, took care of his health and he regarded her as his own daughter In return, he would impart his teachings which deeply moved Kareema Begum. She was an open-minded woman and followed all faiths.

Dileep Kumar had also met Qadri sahib on several occasions. He heard his first ever qawwali from Quadri sahib and described his experience as “unexplainable in science”. He felt an unusual connection to his mother, to God and to spirituality. He finally gained direction.

He learnt about Sufism through music. He learnt that God treats everybody equally regardless of a King or a Slave. Although Qadri sahib was not a singer, on one occasion, he sung his qawwali, ‘Khwaja’ which left Rahman mesmerised. Rahman recollected the experience and said, “one could feel the butterfly and sweet smell around the place”

A year after meeting the saint, they moved to a house in Kodambakkam which reminded him of the words of Jesus Christ, “I wish that you were cold and hot. Because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth”

Dileep Kumar was aware that he needed to choose his path and since Islam and Sufi uplifted himself and his mother, they decided to convert their faith.

From Dileep Kumar to A.R. Rahman

Until 1998, Dileep Kumar composed different scores for documentaries, jingles, advertisements which according to him, contributed to his discipline as a musician. His film industry career began in the 1990 with a Tamil film, Roja.

Just before the release of his debut film as a composer, Dileep Kumar and his family visited an astrologer to read the horoscope of his younger sister who wished to get married. This is when he expressed his interest in changing his name.

He was of the opinion that his name did not suit his identity and was eager to change it. The astrologer, who followed Hinduism, suggested a few names- Abdul Rahman and Abdul Rahim. A 21 year old Dileep Kumar loved the name Rahman and his mother suggested that he should add Allah Rakha which means, Protected by God.

Music, a Universal Language

Allah Rakha Rahman and his family had been though immense pain in their life. A young boy of 11 began to earn the family’s bread and his prayers were answered in the form of his art…. music. He understood spirituality through the language he understands…. music.

They were at peace while following the path of Sufism. While learning about spirituality and Sufism, Rahman said that he experienced a vibration that is peculiar to explain. He learnt how everything, yet nothing really matters. It was a dichotomy of having and not having something, but none of it mattered in front of the higher power.

A.R. Rahman’s songs today are regarded as national treasures. His spirituality is portrayed brilliantly when he composed and sung ‘Khwaja mere khwaja’, a devotional song to a Superior power. Kun faya kun is another one of his qawwali/ sufi song that has enamoured crowds of all religions and continues to influence young minds.

He is a musical genius that has showed the country the power of music. Irrespective of a person being an atheist, agnostic or a staunch religious follower, his music is enjoyed universally. Whether it is the album of Lagaan, Dil se, Rockstar or Jodha Akbar, our maestro has proved that he can make people feel understood and loved.

A.R. Rahman is quintessential in proving that music and spirituality sees no religion. Religion is man-made and the so-called intellectuals have destroyed the oneness amongst people. Speak to those you love in the language they understand and you will be answered.

Written by Jerusha Patel