Oscar winning composer A R Rahman has responded to the religious edict, or 'Fatwa', issued against him and Iranian director Majid Majidi. He said he did not intend to offend anyone when he composed the music for an Iranian movie 'Muhammad: The Messenger of God' based on Prophet Muhammad. Rahman said in a message that he decided to compose the music in good faith and had no intention of causing offence. He said the film only intended to “unite humanity, clear misconceptions and spread... the message that life is about kindness.”
The film found itself surrounded with controversy in several Arab countries due to its theme. Islamic law opposes any depiction of the Prophet, even the ones in favour, for fear of idolatry. Mumbai-based Raza Academy has urged Muslims not to watch the movie, calling it a “mockery” of the religion. In the fatwa, that was issued last week, the Academy demanded that the Indian government ban the screening of the film, which narrates the story of the Prophet's life from birth to the age of 13. The 48-year-old musician was born a Hindu, but converted to Islam in 1989 and adopted the name Allah Rakha Rahman.
