Popular Bangladeshi singer Rumana Morshed Kanak Chapa has spoken candidly about her religious convictions, her love for Islam and the relationship between faith and humanitarian values, addressing what she sees as misconceptions within civil society.
In a lengthy Facebook post published on Sunday night, the singer outlined her commitment to Islam and religious observance, while making it clear that she respects other faiths. She also challenged the idea that people must set aside their religious beliefs to work for humanity or be regarded as socially conscious citizens.
Beginning her post by introducing herself, Kanak Chapa described herself as a Bangladeshi citizen and a proud Muslim. She spoke warmly of her musical career and the affection of her fans, whom she considers a reflection of the love she has for others. She said she values and respects her admirers deeply.
The singer also shared details of her family background. Her father, Azizul Haque Morshed, served as a deputy director at the Bangladesh Water Development Board and was a man with a wide range of interests. Her mother, Momena Jahan, was an Islamic thinker and social worker. Although her parents were from Kazipur in Sirajganj, Kanak Chapa was born and raised in Dhaka.
Her husband, Mainul Islam Khan, is a composer and music director. She also emphasised her continuing interest in education, saying she regularly reads and learns about subjects beyond her professional work. She described herself as remaining as dedicated to learning as a committed student.
A personal commitment to Islam
Explaining her religious outlook, Kanak Chapa said she firmly believes in the fundamental teachings of her faith. Although she respects all religions, she expressed a particular love for Islam, Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
She stressed that she felt neither hesitant nor embarrassed about expressing her beliefs publicly. Remembering Allah is an important part of her life, she said, adding that she also reflects on death and the certainty of the afterlife.
Her post referred to her strong belief in the Day of Judgement, the gathering on the Plain of Resurrection, divine judgement and the prospect of eternal peace in paradise. She explained that her hopes for the hereafter coexist with her love for the present world and all living creatures.
The singer said the prospect of a joyful life in paradise gave her hope and that she felt no shame in acknowledging such beliefs. Her remarks presented faith not merely as a private conviction but as an important part of her personal identity.
Condemning mockery of the Prophet
Kanak Chapa also addressed those who ridicule Prophet Muhammad or make disparaging remarks about Islamic etiquette and religious practices.
She said she believed that people who mocked the Prophet might refrain from doing so if they understood the significance of their actions. In her view, such ridicule did not diminish the stature of Islam or the Prophet.
She added that she did not consider criticism of Islamic customs worthy of serious attention. Her comments reflected a firm determination to maintain her religious convictions despite criticism or mockery.
The Quran as a source of knowledge
The singer described reading as a continuing interest in her life, extending well beyond textbooks and formal education. Among the books she reads, she said, the Holy Quran remains a source of particular fascination.
Kanak Chapa explained that she reads the Quran in Arabic but also spends considerable time reading its Bengali translation to understand its meaning and underlying message. Her comments highlighted the importance she places on understanding religious scripture rather than simply observing its outward practices.
She indicated that her interest in reading and learning remains active, with the Quran occupying a distinctive place in her intellectual and spiritual life.
Faith and humanitarian work can coexist
A central theme of the post was the relationship between religious observance and service to humanity.
Responding to the view that humanity is the greatest religion, Kanak Chapa acknowledged that compassion and humane qualities are essential. However, she argued that people can remain devout while working for the welfare of others.
She said she saw no contradiction between being religious and serving humanity. In her view, using humanitarian work as a justification for avoiding religious obligations was not a convincing argument.
The singer also maintained that peace is a central teaching of religions. However, she rejected the notion that promoting peace or helping others requires someone to adopt the customs, dress or festivals associated with another faith.
She questioned the idea that a person must deny their religious identity to become part of civil society or contribute to humanitarian causes. Describing this way of thinking as something that prompted a mixture of compassion and amusement, she made clear that she did not regard religious devotion and social responsibility as incompatible.
Family values and personal conviction
Towards the end of her post, Kanak Chapa reflected on the importance of family guidance and personal values. She acknowledged that other families might be wealthier or enjoy greater social status, but said the rules established by her own family and guardians remained important to her.
She concluded by stressing that her commitment to Islam was not simply the result of being born into a Muslim family. Rather, she said, it came from her own firm convictions and deep affection for the religion.
Ending her message with the Islamic expression “Alhamdulillah”, she prayed for everyone’s well-being and asked readers to pray for her and her family.
Kanak Chapa’s statement offered a personal perspective on religious identity, humanitarian values and the expectations placed on members of civil society. Her central argument was that people should be able to maintain their religious convictions while respecting others and contributing to the welfare of humanity.
