interview:Iqbal khan

There are times in all our lives, when we desire the need for divine intervention; times, when life refuses to acknowledge the seemingly obvious and decides to take refuge in a world that is far away from ours. A world that gives the body and mind the spiritual healing that it yearns for. We, at Telly Chakkar.com decided to delve deeper into the lives of our favourite stars and know a little about their lives beyond the obvious.

You know him as the intense and rugged rock star, Angad of Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hain (Sony). A macho man who flaunts a bohemian style and flashes care a damn attitude - that's Iqbal Khan for you. But what is hidden beneath this striking persona is a very spiritual being who, in real life, is very much God fearing.

He observes fast for the entire month of Ramzaan, offers Naamaz five times a day, gives alms to the needy and is yearning to visit the Mecca. A pious Muslim, must say! Here's a soul-searching conversation between Sameera Kapoor and this gentleman.

"God is everywhere"
He is the supreme being and is omniscient. I am a firm believer of His powers.

"Religion is a way of life"
I see it as the path that leads us to God, because of whom we are here. Otherwise religion is something which is subjective. I do not like to boast about my religious practices. When I bow my head down during Namaaz, it's a moment that I share with God and myself, which need not be made public.

"God has always been referred to as a masculine gender"
But I haven't questioned this connotation as we were taught since childhood to refer to God as him and not her. It's the way it has been for generations, which we follow without questioning.

"I fast during the entire month of Ramzaan"
And I feel all the more energetic, except for the first few days when I feel a little famished and hungry. I think it's God who endows me with an unknown strength that enables me to go on with total perseverance and faith.

"There is a term Khuda-Dost in Islam"
It is believed that there are few guys who possess an aura which is unique in it's own sense, and they have the power to guide us through the path of God. I do believe in the existence of such men who are here not to prophesize about future or reveal the untold things, but are here solely to instill the faith in the releigion and to guide those who astray.

"The concept of marrying four times has been misused"
There was an era when wars were fought, and men lost their lives, leaving back widows and many unmarried women. Hence, the concept of having four wives was introduced. But, today the whole thing has been misunderstood and misused. The sanction to marry so many times involves certain critirea; foremost being getting the approval of the first wife. Now those flouting this requirement and justifying their deed by saying that it's mentioned in the Holy Qur'an deserve stringent punishment!

"I too have been a target of Islamphobia"
This was when I was rejected a UK visa just because I'm a Muslim. I feel helpless like my other fellow people and I am just waiting and watching how the things turn. I can relate with the growing fear both amidst the Muslims and non-Muslims. But what is ridiculous is that many Muslims are resorting to changing their names in order to hide their identity. How good will such a move be? Instead of fighting this evil, we are hiding from it.

"Whatever I am today is an answer to my prayers"
In my opinion, if one leads a life where you respect elders, love young ones, help the needy and don't harm anyone without your unthoughtful actions, then He answers all your prayers. At times when God doesn't, then that too is for your own good. It's just that its takes some time for us to understand his ways of functioning.

"I am a devout follower of the Five Pillars of Islam"
I follow everything that has been asked by my religion. I believe there is only one God, I offer Namaaz five times a day, gives alms (zakat) to the needy and fasts during Ramzaan. The fifth and only thing remaining is to go on pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca to perform Haj.

"Occult sciences are addictive"
According to me, Numerology, Feng Shui, Tarot Card readings, and all do possess some power beyond human conception. But I prefer not to follow them.