MINA, 31 January 2004 — Music Director Allahraka R. Rahman, who has taken the Bollywood and Tamil film industries by storm with his original sound tracks, is here to perform Haj with his mother.
Rahman’s has had rave notices for his scores in Indian films and has won a cabinet full of awards for his unique music. He attributes his all success to God’s blessings. He says that he turns to his faith when seeking inspiration and guidance, and he was clear about his objective in coming here.
“I don’t want to mix religion with my profession,” he said when Arab News contacted him yesterday. Some of his fans who sought his autograph were politely refused, as Rahman emphasized that he has come to the House of God as an ordinary Muslim.
Rahman was immediately identifiable with his trademark long, curly hair. Clad in Ihram, he was the picture of humility and devotion.
There will be many well-known personalities among the pilgrims who would like to leave their celebrity status behind and perform their Haj in peace and devotion. That made a reporter’s job a touch more difficult.
A journalist from Pakistan’s national daily Dawn, for instance, said that for once in his lifetime he was not chasing news. “I am here for my salvation and this is the logical culmination of my being.”
A renowned cardiologist from Rajasthan, India, who is assisting the Indian mission in their medical camp said he had offered his help to the pilgrims. “Here am not a cardiologist or a bigwig but just a humble servant of God,” he said, requesting anonymity.
A celebrated publisher from India, who also wished to remain anonymous, said that he wanted to concentrate on his pilgrimage. He is performing Haj with his son, grandson and daughter-in-law.
“Yes, the businessman in me attracted me to the newspapers in Saudi Arabia. I am impressed with the printing of color on green paper. But this is purely a spiritual sojourn. I would like to know more about printing technology and the publishing business in Saudi Arabia, but to learn about that I will come some other time.”
The Valley of Peace, Mina, is probably the only place in the world where so many different and diverse people gather with just one aim. All are united in their single purpose — to seek the mercy of the Almighty.
