Everyone was blown away this week when Atif Aslam sang the hamd, Wohi Khuda Hai, in Coke Studio Season 12. Written by Muzaffar Warsi, the lyrics praise Allah as the One Creator of a system that runs and maintains an order of the universe in balance and harmony. Previously performed by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Wohi Khuda Hai is an essential part of Pakistan’s musical heritage.
(image credits:Kohi Marri)
“I’d like to dedicate this performance to my son,” Atif shared in a behind the scenes video. “He will grow up and listen to it and be proud that his father recited this hamd. I hope he understands what I said. I hope he finds his own journey and Allah in the process.” Reflecting on his life journey, Atif shared, “I still don’t think I’ve made it. When I started, for the first few years, I used to think, with fame and money, I’d made it. But after that, I asked myself, ‘What have you made? This is all material that you have.’ After that, the real search started. Even today, I am caught in that search. I will keep at it, always.”
Reactions From Fans
Naturally, everyone began to Tweet about how much they loved Atif’s performance as soon as it aired! Actress Mahira Khan tweeted, “Atif Aslam and Rohail Hayat in the house !! Ufff.. goosebumps and tears…”
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Aastha Aadeez couldn’t stop praising the hamd, “Isn’t it beautiful how someone is able to make even the non-muslims feel goosebumps! You don’t believe me? Listen to #wohikhudahai by @itsaadee !! Atif, thanks for blessing my ears”. While Mazhar Shehzaad had this to say, “The song is so good even atheists are going to be humming it in 2 days”.
However, the general public all agreed with Shayan Ahmed when he tweeted, “When Atif says ‘koi to hai jo nizaam e hasti chala raha hai wohi khuda hai’ I felt it. I finally found something peaceful today. This is so satisfying!! I literally got goosebumps all over my body”.
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“Kuch bolna banta bhi hai… sunne ke baad aisa lag raha hai kuch bolon ga toh uski disprespect hojayegi.”, stated an Indian Youtuber in a reaction video he made for ‘Wohi Khuda Hai’. He was noticeably awestruck by Atif’s performance and stated, “Aaj pehli baar inko itne dehaan se gatay hue dekha…Atif ki performance was effortless”.
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Animesh went on further to say that he didn’t want to spoil the moment by discussing the performance because the lyrics were still reverberating in his mind and he wanted to savor the moment as long as he possibly could.
‘Wohi Khuda Hai offers a unique perspective on Islam and makes you more aware of the effect words have on people. The lyrics are easy to understand and the message comes across crystal clear. We should all respect each other’s religion. Even though I’m a Hindu, this resonated deeply with me. Religion is sacred and you can’t form an opinion on a particular religion based on one instance’.
We at FUCHSIA agree. Music plays a vital role in promoting cross-cultural and cross-religious harmony and this year’s Coke Studio is doing just that! We wish Rohal Hyatt success this season and hope he returns next year as well!
