Popular Bangladeshi singer Rumana Morshed Kanak Chapa has shared a strong message about religious belief, Islamic values and humanitarian service, addressing questions she believes are often raised in discussions about religion and civil society. In a lengthy Facebook post published on Sunday night, the singer expressed her deep attachment to Islam, her respect for other faiths and her conviction that religious devotion and working for humanity are not contradictory.
Introducing herself, Kanak Chapa described herself as a Bangladeshi citizen, a socially conscious individual and a proud Muslim. She also expressed profound affection and respect for her fans, describing them as a reflection of the love she carries within her.
The singer spoke about her family background and personal interests. Her father, Azizul Haque Morshed, served as a deputy director at the Bangladesh Water Development Board and was a man with varied interests. Her mother, Momena Jahan, is an Islamic thinker and social worker. Although both her parents were born in Kazipur, Sirajganj, Kanak Chapa was born and brought up in Dhaka. Her husband, Mainul Islam Khan, is a composer and music director.
Kanak Chapa said she remains deeply interested in education and continues to read and learn about a wide range of subjects, approaching her studies with the dedication of a committed student.
A personal and deeply held religious conviction
Explaining her beliefs, the singer said she respects all religions but feels the strongest love for Islam, Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). She added that she has no hesitation or embarrassment about expressing her faith openly.
She also spoke about remembering Allah and reflecting on death, linking those thoughts to her belief in the afterlife. Her faith, she explained, includes belief in the Day of Judgement, the Plain of Resurrection, divine accountability and the prospect of eternal peace in paradise. She said she loves the world and all living beings, while the prospect of life in paradise also gives her hope.
The singer criticised those who mock the Prophet Muhammad or make disparaging remarks about Islamic etiquette. She said such behaviour would not change the status or significance of Islam and the Prophet in the eyes of believers.
Kanak Chapa also highlighted her engagement with the Quran. She said she reads it in Arabic and spends even more time reading it in Bengali to understand its meaning and deeper message. Her remarks reflected the importance she places on studying religious texts rather than relying solely on inherited beliefs or outward observance.
Religion, humanity and civil society
Addressing the argument that humanity should be regarded as the greatest religion, Kanak Chapa acknowledged that compassion and humane qualities are essential. However, she argued that people can serve others while remaining religiously observant. In her view, humanitarian work should not be used as an excuse to avoid religious obligations.
She maintained that the central message of every religion is peace, but questioned the assumption that working for humanity requires people to adopt the customs, clothing or festivals associated with other faiths. She also challenged the notion that being part of civil society necessarily means distancing oneself from religious beliefs.
The singer used her own family as an example, saying that she considers the rules established by her parents and guardians important, regardless of whether other families may be wealthier or more socially prominent.
Concluding her message, Kanak Chapa stressed that her attachment to Islam is not simply a consequence of being born into a Muslim family. Rather, she said, it comes from a firm personal conviction and genuine love for her faith.
She ended the post with the words “Alhamdulillah”, prayed for the well-being of her readers and asked them to pray for her and her family.
Her statement sets out a personal position on faith, religious practice and social responsibility, emphasising that, in her view, a commitment to humanity does not require abandoning religious identity.
