With the increasing influence of cinema and popular culture on society, it becomes ever more important for Muslim religious leadership to guide the Muslim community in distinguishing between what aligns with the core beliefs of Islam and what contradicts them in both subtle and overt ways. Today, I humbly write to the respected Ulama, scholars, and Muslim leadership of India with a sincere and urgent appeal: to take a strong, unified stance against the normalisation of shirk (associating partners with Allah) in songs, films, and popular expressions that deeply contradict the essence of Tawheed– the cornerstone of our faith.
A notable example of this is the widely popular Bollywood song “Tujh Mein RabDikhta Hai”, which features repeated lyrics such as:
“TujhmeinRabdikhtahai, yaara, main kyakaroon?”
“Sajdesarjhuktahai, yaara, main kyakaroon?”
“Tu hi meriibaadat, tu hi meribarkat…”
These lines, as you will agree, are not mere poetic metaphors. They cross a clear theological boundary by attributing divinity, worship, and prostration – acts that are exclusively reserved for Allah – to a human being. In doing so, they misguide listeners, trivialise the concept of monotheism, and desensitise the masses – Muslims and non-Muslims alike – to the severity of shirk in Islam.
Our Holy Qur’an warns us:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, but He forgives anything else for whom He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:48)
How can we remain silent when such expressions are broadcast widely, sung at weddings, played in public gatherings, and consumed by young impressionable minds – often by our own Muslims themselves – without realising the gravity of the words?
A Call for Immediate Action
I respectfully urge the Ulama councils, Islamic organisations, and community leaders across India to:
- Issue a formal fatwa or advisory highlighting the impermissibility of such lyrics that include elements of shirk or elevate human beings to divine status.
- Engage with film producers and the media industry, urging them to avoid content that misrepresents or violates Islamic theological principles.
- Educate the Muslim public through Friday sermons (khutbahs), Islamic publications, and social media campaigns about the seriousness of shirk and the importance of safeguarding Tawheed in all aspects of life.
- Request regulatory bodies, such as the Censor Board, to consider religious sentiments seriously when approving media content, especially when it blatantly contradicts fundamental tenets of any faith.
- Encourage Islamic scholars in India to come together and develop content that promotes artistic expression without compromising Islamic values.
A Matter of Identity and Imaan
This is not about censorship for the sake of restriction, but about protecting the sanctity of our faith. Islam promotes beauty, love, and expression – but always within the bounds set by Allah. When our culture begins to blur the lines between divine reverence and romantic idolisation, we risk allowing shirk to enter our hearts through our tongues and ears.
Let us not remain silent while the essence of La ilahaillallah is diluted in the name of entertainment.
May Allah guide our hearts, protect our Imaan, and bless our scholars with the wisdom and courage to lead the Ummah with clarity and strength.
Disclaimer:
I categorically want to emphasise that this appeal should be made with the utmost respect for all individuals and institutions involved. It is not a call for public protests, disruption, or confrontation of any kind. I strongly advocate that all engagement on this matter be conducted through peaceful, lawful, and formal channels, in accordance with Islamic ethics and the laws of the land.