Popular singer Rumana Morshed Konokchapa has set out her deep love for Islam, her faith and her commitment to following its rules in a long post on social media. She addressed the message to civil society on her verified Facebook page on Sunday night.
Opening the post by introducing herself, Konokchapa wrote that she is a Bangladeshi, an aware citizen and a proud Muslim. Besides the world of music, she said, millions of fans are the mirror of her love. On her family and education, she wrote that her father, Azizul Haque Morshed, was a deputy director of the Water Development Board, and her mother, Momenajahan, a noted Islamic thinker and social worker. Her husband, Moinul Islam Khan, is a composer and music director. She grew up in Dhaka, but the family’s roots are in Kazipur, Sirajganj.
Setting out her faith, she wrote: “I believe very strongly in the fundamentals of my own religion. I respect all other religions, but most of all I love my own religion, Islam, my Creator, Allah, and the greatest human being of all time, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).” She also wrote of her firm belief in the Day of Judgement, the gathering on the Day of Resurrection, Allah’s judgement and life in paradise.
Of those who mock the Prophet or sneer at Islamic manners, Konokchapa said this does no harm to Islam or to the Prophet’s standing, and she pays them no attention. She said she reads the Quran regularly, in Arabic and with its meaning in Bangla.
Criticising a view held by part of civil society about religion and humanity, she wrote: “Many say humanity is the greatest religion. Of course people must have humane qualities, but I see no problem if I work for humanity while being religious or God-fearing. Avoiding religious rules on the excuse of serving people seems like shirking to me.”
She added: “The ideas that you must be part of civil society to work for humanity, and that being part of civil society means denying religion, make me laugh with a little pity.”
Ending the post by restating her faith, Konokchapa wrote: “I want to say freely that it is not because I was born into a Muslim home, but from the firm belief of my heart, and with great love, that I hold Islam in my heart. Alhamdulillah.” She asked everyone to pray for her and her family.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report