Sarod music maestro Amjad Ali Khan says he felt more connected to God and spiritually elevated after performing Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Speaking to Arab News, Khan said spirituality and music make a very good combination. “Sound does not belong to any religion. In every religion music is the way to reach God.”
He cited the attraction of melodious voice that comes from the mosque in the form of the call for prayer and the recitation from the Holy Qur’an. “They are really appealing,” he said.
He said he was happy to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
“Many people dream to visit these holy places. My sons Amaan and Ayaan have also enjoyed this spiritual experience.”
The Khans are in Jeddah, along with tablist Tanmoy Bose at the invitation of the Saudi chapter of Soorya, the world’s largest cultural society, to perform at the Indian Consulate premises today.
They have concerts at Sheraton in Dammam tomorrow and at Saudi Aramco in Dhahran on Friday.
The Sarod is a fretless stringed instrument with a teak frame, a goatskin soundtable, and a metal fingerboard with six to eight strings plus several sympathetic strings adding up to anywhere from 19 to 25 total. The instrument lends itself to improvization and graceful expression because of the ability for the musician to slide and glide between notes, much like a human voice.
In an exclusive interview, Khan, who is the winner of Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award in India, called for combined efforts by politicians, academicians, media persons, artists and businessmen to establish world peace.
“The whole world should realize the value of peace, the value of love, compassion, kindness and the value of unity. It is quite unfortunate that while we observe the Hiroshima Day on Aug. 6 every year, many countries still make nuclear weapons to kill people.”
He said the trend would endanger the whole world and make future of younger generations grimmer.
“I hope our leaders would realize the aftermath of this nuclear race,” he said. “The sooner they realize the better.”
Khan highlighted the importance of Prophet’s teachings. “I hope the younger generation will realize the value of these sacred places and teachings of the Prophet and Islam,” he said.
Khan has taken musical classes at Stanford and other Western universities. “I want to help them become better musicians. I also want them to be compassionate and kind people,” Khan said, asserting his belief in the link between music practice and a way of life.
Khan and his sons today engage audiences around the world with his interpretations of traditional and newly composed ragas, as well as with his cross-cultural music projects.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra premiered his Sarod concerto, Samaagam, in 2008. “There are good prospects for cooperation with other musicians including Arabs. Only sky is the limit,” Khan said.
Khan emphasized the need to take the blessings of God and gurus to achieve success.
“We believe that blessings and good wishes of parents are very important. Unfortunately some young people are not following this tradition. They think whatever they want they can get it like magicians. What I am today is the blessings of God and my parents,” he said while praising his fans around the world for their support.
“The oldest musical instrument in the Middle East is Oud and we have played with Iraqi Oud artist Rahim AlHaj and we produced an album titled “Ancient Sounds: Music of Iraq and India” in 2009. It was nominated for the Grammy award,” he pointed out.
Khan comes from a long and illustrious lineage of musicians. His father, Haafiz Ali Khan, and grandfather, Ghulam Ali, were musicians in the vibrant North Indian courts of Gwalior and Rampur. Khan said Ghulam Ali transformed the Afghan rabab into the Sarod and was the first player of the Sarod, which has become one of the most important instruments of North Indian classical music along with the Sitar.
Amaan and Ayaan, who have mastered the music at the hands of their father, were excited for getting the opportunity to perform Umrah. “I thank God for this blessing,” said Amaan.
He stressed his efforts to develop Sarod to make it more attractive to the youth. Speaking about Erod, which he developed with the support of his brother and is similar to a guitar, he said it can make 5,000 sounds. “Ayaan and I are trying our best to make our father feel proud. We are following our guru,” Amaan added.
Ayaan said he was overwhelmed by his visit to Makkah. “I feel extremely fortunate to be here. I feel like having received a call and feel very blessed. I consider it as one of the greatest moments in my life.” Ayaan praised Indian music lovers in Saudi Arabia. “We are proud to have amazing listeners who make us elevated by their love and affection.”
Ayaan co-authored a book with his brother, Amaan titled “Abba-God’s Greatest Gift to us” in 2002. This book was on his father’s life and was published by Roli Books, Lustre Publications under the “Family Pride Series.”
The Khans thanked Krishnamoorthy, founder of Soorya, and Rafeek Younus, international coordinator of Soorya, and all those who contributed to make this visit happen.
Younus, who is vice president of Saihati Group and managing director of Saudi Engineering Group International, described Khan as a down-to-earth personality who mingles with all types of people despite his reputable global position.
“We are honored to host him,” Younus told Arab News, adding that Khan has expressed his desire to visit Saudi Arabia again. He said Soorya has 33 chapters around the world apart from 22 chapters in India’s metropolitan cities.
Sarod maestro spiritually charged after Umrah
Sarod maestro spiritually charged after Umrah
2nd ‘Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought’ conference concludes in Makkah
- Participants from more than 90 countries discuss development of comprehensive Islamic identity
- 1,800-page ‘Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony’ prepared by 60 scholars
MAKKAH: The second “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” international conference concluded in Makkah early on Saturday, with participants from more than 90 countries adopting the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony.”
Held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the two-day conference gathered senior muftis, scholars, and thinkers who also approved the strategic and executive plan for the document “Building Bridges between Islamic Sects,” a media statement said on Saturday.
The conference was organized by the Muslim World League and held under the theme “Towards an Effective Islamic Alliance.”
The high-level session dedicated to the recitation of the conference’s final statement, which was issued at dawn on Saturday, was attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa; Member of the Council of Experts for Leadership in Iran, Sheikh Ahmed Mobalghi; Adviser at the Royal Court in Saudi Arabia, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hamid; Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais; Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Mustafa Qutb Sano; Member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Youssef bin Mohamed bin Saeed; and the Mufti of Sidon in Lebanon, Sheikh Mohamed Osseiran.
The attendees witnessed the launch of the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony,” which was supervised by the Intellectual Protection Center at the Saudi Ministry of Defense, and was prepared by 60 scholars over about 1,800 pages.
The encyclopedia was refereed by the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Fiqh Academy, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League to be a roadmap for relations between Muslim sects.
Participants also decided in the final statement to consider the “Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought” with its 28 articles as the basis and starting point for the path of joint Islamic action “scientifically” and “intellectually,” with a view to strengthening brotherhood and solidarity among the peoples of Muslim nations.
The attendees further extended their sincere thanks to the leadership of the Kingdom for the great services they are providing to Islam and Muslims.
They also affirmed their pride in the comprehensive Islamic identity, and their supportive stance toward the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land, and their rejection of displacement and destruction projects.
The conference witnessed several sessions addressing developments in Palestine, Sudan, and Syria, as well as issues concerning Muslim minorities around the world.
Medical scooters to help worshippers in Madinah
- The new initiative “reflects the Madina Health Cluster’s efforts toward visitors’ safety and wellbeing”
MADINAH: The Madinah Health Cluster has launched a new emergency scooter service at the Prophet’s Mosque to enable paramedics to provide quick medical assistance to visitors during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
With thousands of worshippers filling the mosque’s courtyards, moving through the crowds can be challenging for medical teams. The scooters will make it easier for them to “navigate busy areas, attend to urgent cases, and transfer patients to nearby hospitals and care centers if needed,” according to the SPA.
FASTFACTS
• With thousands of worshippers filling the mosque’s courtyards, moving through the crowds can be challenging for medical teams.
• The scooters will make it easier for them to ‘navigate busy areas, attend to urgent cases, and transfer patients to nearby hospitals.’
Ninety-one people have already benefited from the service since its launch, the SPA reported. All of them were referred to healthcare facilities in the central area, including Al-Shifa Health Endowment, Haram Emergency Hospital, and the Safiyyah and Bab Jibreel Urgent Care Centers.
The new initiative “reflects the Madina Health Cluster’s efforts toward visitors’ safety and wellbeing,” the SPA stated.
40 women rangers recruited for Saudi royal reserve
- Additions take female representation to 34% of team on International Women’s Day
RIYADH: Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve marked International Women’s Day by announcing the expansion of its pioneering all-women ranger unit, one of the largest in the Middle East.
“Women are breaking new ground at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, one patrol at a time,” Andrew Zaloumis, CEO at the reserve, said. “Their presence strengthens our conservation efforts, brings new ideas to the table, and helps connect our communities to conservation in ways we have never seen before.”
With 40 new recruits, women now comprise 34 percent of the reserve’s ranger team — surpassing the global average of 11 percent and setting a new regional benchmark. These 84 nature rangers play a critical role in protecting the reserve’s landscapes, culture and wildlife.
The reserve’s all-women ranger unit calls itself Al Anqas (the phoenix), symbolizing a new beginning for Saudi women in conservation. Through their daily patrols and interactions, the rangers challenge perceptions and engage local communities in meaningful discussions around nature protection and conservation practices.
Rogayah Awad Al-Balawi, a ranger from Al-Sudayd in Al-Wajh Governorate, embodies the spirit of the initiative. Her journey, from a traditional Bedouin upbringing to becoming one of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering female wildlife rangers, highlights resilience and determination.
She said: “The job was described as a ranger, which was a new concept for me. No Saudi woman had worked in this field before, so I didn’t know exactly what to expect.”
Now, alongside her colleagues, she regularly patrols the reserve’s vast landscapes, using her local knowledge to help safeguard its wildlife and habitats. “Having local women in these roles is crucial. We understand the land, its people, and its unique needs,” she said.
Asma Khdeer, senior manager of capacity building and natural resource use management, has played a key role in ranger training, and asked: “Who is there better to support local people to make meaningful change in their community than someone who understands the challenges?”
She told of her pride in watching new recruits navigate rugged terrain, track wildlife and participate in their first patrols, and added: “It felt like the stereotypes we’ve faced as women were finally being dismantled — not with speeches but actions. That’s what makes our work transformative. Women bring a unique perspective to conservation, thinking about families and future generations.”
Each year thousands of applicants compete for limited positions on the reserve’s ranger training program. Selected candidates undergo an intensive four-day selection process, testing their physical fitness, teamwork and character. Successful recruits then take on a rigorous nine-week training course led by Ali Al-Balawi, the reserve’s capacity-building supervisor.
The comprehensive training covers essential topics such as conservation management, technical field skills, wildlife monitoring, tracking, off-road driving, cultural heritage conservation, self-defense, incident reporting, first aid, and disaster management.
The reserve continues to reinforce its vision of creating a vibrant society and thriving economy by empowering local women and providing them with employment and training opportunities.
20,000 arrested for violation of regulations across Saudi Arabia
- The total number of violators apprehended across all regions reached 20,749, including 13,871 violators of the residency system, 3,517 of border security regulations, and 3,361 of labor regulations
RIYADH: Joint field campaigns to monitor and apprehend violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations were conducted across all regions of the Kingdom during the period from Feb. 27 to March 5.
The total number of violators apprehended across all regions reached 20,749, including 13,871 violators of the residency system, 3,517 of border security regulations, and 3,361 of labor regulations.
The number of individuals apprehended while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom was 1,051. Of these, 43 percent were of Yemeni nationality, 54 percent of Ethiopian nationality, and 3 percent of other nationalities. Additionally, 90 people were apprehended for attempting to cross the border out of the Kingdom unlawfully.
Individuals were arrested for their involvement in transporting, sheltering, employing, and harboring violators of residency, labor, and border security regulations.
The total number of violators currently undergoing procedures for regulatory enforcement is 40,173. The figure includes 35,862 men.
Saudi aid center delivers 950 food baskets in Kosovo
- The center also distributed 50 food baskets in the Ulcinj region of Montenegro, benefiting 250 people from vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans
PRISTINA: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center recently distributed 950 food baskets across the cities of Suva Reka, Prizren, Dragash and Gora in Kosovo. As part of the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Basket Project, the initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Islamic Sheikhdom in Kosovo, benefiting 950 families — totaling 4,750 people.
The scheme is part of humanitarian and relief projects launched by the Kingdom, through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to support needy countries and peoples worldwide.
The center also distributed 50 food baskets in the Ulcinj region of Montenegro, benefiting 250 people from vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans. This initiative is part of the 2025 “Etaam” Ramadan Food Basket Project in Montenegro, aimed at supporting those most in need.
The “Etaam” project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food baskets across 27 countries during Ramadan, reaching 2.3 million people, with a budget exceeding SR67.6 million ($18 million).
