'Faslon Ko Takalluf' speaks to the spiritual beauty of visiting Mecca and Madina: Ali Zafar

On the first day of Ramazan, singer Ali Zafar released his rendition of Iqbal Azeem’s naat, Faslon ko Takalluf – a kalam that is special to him. The singer hoped that his attempt brings a “sense of inspiration and reverence” to those who listen to him during this holy month.

Zafar penned a note on his social media while sharing his rendition to explain his process and motivation. “The holy month of fasting and cleansing our mind, body and soul is here. The opportunity to connect and reconnect on a deeper level with our creator is here. I’m humbled to share with you my rendition of Fasilon ko Takalluf, a naat that not just brings nostalgia but also speaks to the spiritual beauty of visiting Mecca and Madina,” he wrote.

The singer further added that those who have visited the holy lands of Mecca and Medina will be able to relate to the nostalgic appeal of this beautiful kalam. “This piece is close to my heart because I’ve been lucky enough to experience the transformative power of those holy lands firsthand. It can only be felt and no words can ever express those feelings. I am sure those who have been can relate to it,” he said. The black and white video sees Zafar reciting the naat with his eyes closed, with pictures of Mecca and Medina playing at the backdrop. 

Concluding with a prayer for all, he wrote, “Stepping foot in those sacred places is like feeling the weight of the world lifted off your shoulders. It’s a reminder that we’re all pilgrims on a greater journey, seeking something far beyond ourselves. I hope this rendition brings you a reminder or the same sense of inspiration and reverence that it brings me.”

Releasing a new track to celebrate the holy month of Ramazan is a yearly ritual for Zafar. From his take on Balaghal-ula Bi-Kamaalihi in 2021 to Maula in 2022, and now his devotional rendition of Faslon Ko Takalluf this year are examples of it. Earlier this week, Zafar shared a post that disclosed a performance of the timeless kalam, written by Azeem and recited by Qari Waheed Zafar Qasmi. Ace producer and singer Shuja Haider also released his recitation of Faslon Ko Takalluf in 2021. The kalam has become a staple in Pakistan, with many honouring its cultural footprint to date.

Last year, Zafar released the first single Maula off his fourth album Husn in Ramazan. The music video, directed by Waleed Akram, features Zafar in the iconic Sheesh Mahal of the Lahore Fort, surrounded by whirling dervishes.

Speaking about the soulful song and the thought process behind the album, the singer posted on his Instagram, “We all go through our journey and perceive life uniquely. For me, the most beautiful experience has been the path to unknown discovery which transcends beyond the realm created by the five senses that we perceive as ‘reality’.”