I was never acquainted with Sufism as a culture – for the first time I heard ‘Sufism’ in context of music. I got curious about the meaning of the word Sufi; It correlates to Safi meaning Pure. What is pure? That which is not maligned! That which outshines the surrounding darkness..
What bought me face to face with Sufi music was the song Kun Faya Kun from the Bollywood movie Rockstar starring Ranbir Kapoor. I did not understand the lyrics and the intricate music notes but my soul connected instantly.
8 years have passed since this song was released and I seemed to have developed a special bond with it. Whenever I am left to myself, a part of me hums this song. This is why I thought of writing an article ‘Kun Faya says Tathastu’ – as a tribute to this fantastic creation of A.R Rahman.
Talking a little about A.R Rahman, it is difficult to describe his nocturnal approach and originality in work in bare words. An article published in Verve magazine came in way and I found it defines his persona aptly. In the story the music maestro has said
“Your heart and mind need to be free. And you need to work towards greatness. That happens when you feel that you have to do something amazing. And despite striving for greater heights, as a person, you try to be as humble as possible…..”
This statement sums up what A.R Rahman is, in absolute – no filters. A composer par excellence and I am lucky to be able to connect to one of his masterpieces ‘Kun Faya Kun’
Kun Fayakun comes from Arabic words “Kun” which means “to be” or “to exist” and “Fayakun” which means “it is” .So its literal meaning is “Be, and it is“. The song glorifies the power of manifestation. The creator wishes “Be!!” and whatever he wishes comes into being. I would extend it to the mortals like you and me too. If we wish with virtuousness it does come true.
Image courtesy: creativeunited
Tathastu in Sanskrit means, “Aisa hi ho/ So be it” or “Aivmastu.” The Sanskrit word emanates power of self – the power to create. Yes, both Kun Fayakun and Tathastu are the dominions of God (omnipresent but never seen), but time and again we feel like we can also create and attract what we imagine. A classic correlation – Kun Fayakun says Tathastu, which reiterates Allah and Ram are one, Jesus and Raheem are same.
Now, coming back to the beauty of this composition, it unshackles the listener from grudges and disappointments. The following words from the song mean “Free me from myself”
O mujhpe karam sarkar tera
Araz tujhe, karde mujhe, mujhse hi riha
Ab mujhko bhi ho, deedaar mera
Karde mujhe, mujhse hi riha
Mujhse hi rihaaaaaaaa
In less than 2 minutes the song places so much positivity in complete surrender to our deeds whether good or bad and guides us to move forward for good.
Man ke mere yeh bharam Kacche mere yeh karam Leke chale hain Kahan Main toh jaanu hi naa
A salute to Mr. Irshad Kamil, the lyricist of this song, I wonder what was his source of enlightenment, that helped him weave something so abstract and make it so visible. A rare combination of words (lyrics as we call it) that helps you traverse into the realm of self- acceptance.
The soul is all pervading and transcendental – the following lines encourage one to welcome what others think and do, we come to appreciate the differences..
Woh Jo Mujh Mein Samaya
Woh Jo Tujh Mein Samaya
Maula Wahi Wahi Maaya
I am sure there is still a lot to this song which I have not absorbed. Leaving it at the note of infinity…..