Email
Print
ShareMumbai: Sufi music seeks Allah. And Kashmiri Sufi singer Abdul Rashid Hafiz says, "Kabhi Kabhi Allah samne betha hota hai (sometimes Allah is sitting right in front of me), aur kabhi kabi mananse bhi nahi manta (and sometimes how much ever hard I try Allah doesn't respond)." It's this deep spirituality and connect with the almighty that makes Sufi music special. To take Mumbaiites experience the divinity, Abdul Rashid Hafiz will perform at Ruhaniyat -- the all India Sufi and Mystic music festival which kick-starts today.
Talking about his music Abdul Rashid says, "Kashmiri Sufi has both, elements from the Hindu as well as the Muslim faith systems. For years together Hindus and Muslims have led a very harmonious life in the picturesque and the beautiful valley. And this reflects in the music." He adds, "There have been times when people have threatened us, warning us not to perform. But thanks to Allah Talla, those anti-social practices do not exist anymore."
In fact, Abdul is very proud of the fact that his Kashmiri Pandit friends, who have left the state to settle down in various places across the country, still invite him to perform at their events. "I have performed at many Hindu weddings and other events. This says a lot about the bond all the Kashmiris continue to cherish till date. Whatever the situation in our state, we are still united."
Nandini Mahesh, director, Banyan Tree, the director of the festival says, "Just like all other artist performing at the festival, Abdul Rashid is extremely talented. He knows thousands of songs and his Sufiyani Chakri is just beautiful. He may not be a star-star, but he is just brilliant."
