“Mein agar dunya ko saath rakh raha hun tou deen ko bhi sath rakhne ki koshish karha hun….mein abhi music nahi chorne wala” – Atif Aslam
In his latest interview with Hamid Mir on Geo’s program the Capital Talk, Atif Aslam, a renowned, and much loved Pakistani singer, expressed his longstanding desire to recite Azaan at the Holy Kaaba in Mecca.
He revealed passionately: “mere dil mein khuaish tou yeh hai k mein Khaana Kaaba mein kisi tarike se Azaan de sakun”
Recently, the acclaimed singer recited Asma-ul-Hasna (99 Names of Allah) in his mesmerizing voice, and not only did it win the heart of his fans spread all over the world (including India, where he has a sizeable fan base), but the internet was flooded with immense praise and appreciation for him.
Earlier in April 2020, amidst the outbreak of COVID-19, Atif Aslam made a Call for Prayer – Azaan, and it gave people a ray of hope and relief. Especially as it was delivered in the month of Ramazan. He is also popularly known for reciting the hamd Wohi Khuda Hai, and Tajdar-e-Haram that were released by Coke-Studio in season 12 and 8 respectively.
In response to the question about his feelings and emotions before the recording of Azaan, he replied: “Usse ek din pehle tou mujhe neend he nahi aye”.
He further added:
“zindagi mein insan buhat sare kam karta hai, kuch ache karta hai, kuch bure karta hai… I consider myself very lucky ke ye (99 Names of Allah) mere hissay mein aaye…mein explain nahi karskata ke kia kaifiyat thi”
Atif Aslam
He also spoke about his motivation and what served as an inspirational idea for him in the following words:
“Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) ke zamaane mein jub aise koi afaat aati thein tou log apni chaton par ja ker azaan dia karte they. Tou wahan se yeh idea mere dimagh mein aya…mera dil tha ke bus mein isko parh dun kisi tariqeay se”
Since then, his fans had been wondering if Atif Aslam was to quit the music industry, but he finally dismissed such speculations by stating “Yeh ek bara personal sisila hai. Mein agar dunya ko saath rakh raha hun tou deen ko bhi sath rakhne ki koshish karha hun….mein abhi music nahi chorne wala”
Atif Aslam also expressed how he wishes to highlight more about God through his music. For him, it is always a sign of pleasure and happiness when he witnesses the younger generation listen to Tajdar-e-Haram or the Names of Allah, and at the same time, gain insights about their religion.
However, he also clarified that “mein music nahi chor raha”. In fact, he shared that one of his music videos will be released in a few months.
Immediately after his interview with Hamid Mir, people praised him and wished him luck on social media. Soon Atif Aslam became the most trending on Twitter.
Atif Aslam’s decision to continue with music while striving for devoutness at the same time, is perhaps a dilemma that most young people might experience at a certain level. Often, the younger generation finds itself caught in the rift between deen & dunya (spiritual and material) whereby we do not wish to let go off our worldly ambitions but also hold onto the connection with Faith. Perhaps Atif’s journey on his gradual transition towards strengthening his Faith alongside his professional life might serve as an inspiration for many young people who have few role models to follow in these complicated (and questioning) times.
Watch the full interview of Atif Aslam
