Rahman Ya Rahman by Ilyas Mao (Video Review)
The Glorious Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan, a gift of guidance from Allah and beacon of light for all of Mankind. Believing Muslims should strive to make a connection with the Qur’an during this blessed month and carry it over for the rest of the year and ideally for the rest of their lives.
Unfortunately, all too often the Qur’an sits untouched for long periods of time on our bookshelves or as rarely used apps on our smartphones. Even when read, sometimes the verses of the pages fail to pierce the heart and soul of the reader as it should.
This is why in “Rahman Ya Rahman” the lyrics are in essence a dua to Allah to make one develop a stronger attachment to the Qur’an and “open their heart” to its wisdom and guidance.
About the Artist
As mentioned in a previous review, Illyas Mao is a young nasheed artist that is both a singer, songwriter and producer. Aside from his soothing vocals, the talented Mao has the ability to use his voice to create melodious background instrumentals. His acapella musical scores have been used in documentaries and film.
Most recently, Illyas Mao has ventured into acting with his role in “Super Hijabi” alongside Baba Ali and Boona Muhammad. For Ramadan, Ilyas Mao dropped “Rahman Ya Rahman”, a very fitting song for the holy month.
About The Song
“Rahman Ya Rahman” is a song performed by Illyas Mao entirely in Arabic. Translated in English as “Benevolent O Benevolent”, the song was popularized by famous Qur’an reciter Sheikh Mishary Rashid Alafasy.
The song uses one of Allah’s 99 names “Al-Rahman” which means Benevolent or Merciful and is a heartwarming and almost desperate plea to Allah to aid his servant in developing a stronger love and need for the Qur’an as evidenced by the lyrics:
“Rahman Ya Rahman (Benevolent O Benevolent)
Help me O Benevolent
Open my Chest to learn Quran
Open My Heart with the love of the Qur’an
And pour the Quran in my life”
Ilyas Mao does a tremendous job of taking a Mishary classic and making it his own with his unique song style and background vocals. When listening to the emotional song, you can’t help but say “Ameen” to the verses which double as a heartfelt dua.
Final Verdict
While “Rahman Ya Rahman” is a perfect song to have dropped right around Ramadan, it’s a timeless song that can be played anytime of the year and serves as a great reminder to make the Qur’an–learning it and benefiting from its wisdom and teachings–a priority in our lives.
When you feel that your relationship with the Qur’an is stagnating, play “Rahman Ya Rahman” to move you to open the Holy Book and nurture that relationship so it nourishes your soul and strengthens your love and connection with Allah’s words.
