Legendary music composer A.R. Rahman embraced Islam in the late 1980s, a decision rooted in his search for peace.
In a 2000 interview, Rahman revealed that exploring another spiritual path brought tranquility to his life and his family. Why Did AR Rahman Convert To Islam? Rahman shared that during his father’s battle with cancer, a Sufi saint had been involved in his care. Years after his father’s passing, Rahman and his family reconnected with the saint, leading them to adopt a different faith.
Reflecting on this, Rahman said, “We met him again after 7-8 years, and it was then that we embarked on a spiritual journey that brought us peace.” A Multi-Faith Household In AR Rahman: The Spirit of Music by Nasreen Munni Kabir, Rahman described growing up in a home influenced by diverse religious traditions. While his mother practiced Hinduism, their home also displayed imagery from other faiths, including Mother Mary with baby Jesus and sacred sites from Mecca and Medina.
Acceptance from Society When questioned about whether changing his faith impacted his relationships, Rahman noted that their identity as musicians gave them a unique social space. “No one around us really cared. Being musicians gave us a certain freedom in society,” he remarked.
Choosing the Name AR Rahman The composer explained that his mother chose “Allah Rakha” after dreaming of the name, while “ Rahman ” was suggested by other family members. In Nasreen Munni Kabir’s book, Rahman also con.
