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What does Kun Faya Kun Mean?
Kun Faya Kun (?? ?????) is an Arabic phrase found in the Quran. It translates to ‘Be, and it is.’ In the context of this song, it represents the moment of creation and the soul’s connection to the Divine.
Kun Faya Kun is one of the rare songs that had me totally floored from the first moment I heard it. Easily one of AR Rehman’s and Irshad Kamli’s finest works, the beauty of the song is not just in the words or the music but in the complete conceptualization.
After receiving multiple request to translate this song, I decided to give it a shot. Firstly, I need to thank my dear friend Ahmed Shariff who explained to me the meaning of the title of the song and a few verses of the lyrics. Most of my work below are meanings that I could piece together from the web. Please feel free to correct me by posting a message in the comments section.
Kun Faya Kun Lyrics Meaning
Song: Kun Faya Kun
Movie: Rockstar (2011)
Lyrics: Irshad Kamli
Music: A.R. Rehman
Vocals: A. R. Rahman, Javed Ali, Mohit Chauhan
| Urdu / Romanized | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ya Nizamuddin Auliya, Ya Nizamuddin Salqa | Oh Ruler of the Saints, Oh Ruler of the crestfallen |
| Kadam Badhaa Le, Hadon Ko Mitaa Le, Aaja Khaali Pan Mein Pee Ka Ghar Tera, Tere Bin Khaali Aaja, Khali Pan Mein Tere Bin Khaali Aaja, Khali Pan Mein | Take a step forward, destroy these distances Come into this void, the home of your beloved Without you there is emptiness, come into this void |
| Rangreza(3) | He who fills me with color |
| Kun Faya Kun… | [He said] Be, & it is! |
| Jab Kahin Pe Kuch Nahi. Bhi Nahi Tha Wahi Tha Wahi Tha Wahi Tha Wahi Tha | When, there was nothing, He was the one, the only one. |
| Woh Jo Mujh Mein Samaya Woh Jo Tujh Mein Samaya Maula Wahi Wahi Maaya | He is the one who is in my soul, He is the one in your soul, O dear Lord, He is the one that is mystery |
| Kun Faya Kun, Kun Faya Kun SadaqAllahul-alliyul-Azeem | [He said] Be, & it is! Be, & it is! The truth is Allah, the sublime, the magnificent |
| Rangreza Rang Mera Tan Mera Mann, Le Le Rangaayi Chaahe Tan Chaahe Mann, | My painter, color my body my soul Take away the colors, from the body, from the soul |
| Sajra Savera Mere Tan Barse Kajra Andhera Teri Jalti Lau Qatra Mila Jo Tere Dar Par Se O Maula… Maula… | The Morning showers(blessings) rain on me And it cleans up the dark soul of mine which is like darkness of night. Its only for the drop of nourishment that flows from yours, Oh Lord… |
| Kun Faya Kun,Kun Faya Kun | [He said] Be, & it is! Be, & it is! |
| SadaqAllahul-alliyul-Azeem Sadaqa Rasulu-hun nabi-yun-kareem Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam | The truth is Allah, the sublime, the magnificent The truth is his Apostle May the blessing and peace be upon him |
| O Mujhpe Karam Sarkar Tera Araz Tujhe, Karde Mujhe, Mujhse Hi Riha Ab Mujhko Bhi Ho, Deedaar Mera Karde Mujhe, Mujhse Hi Riha Mujhse Hi Rihaaaaaaaa | It would be your generosity upon me, Oh master My request, Free me from myself Even I should see myself Make me free from myself From myself… |
| Mann Ke Mere Ye Bharam, Kachche Mere Ye Karam Leke Chale Hai Kahaan, Main Toh Jaanoon Hi Na | There is a mirage in my mind For the weakness of my actions Have got me where… I am lost… |
| Tu Hai Mujhmein Samaya, Kahaan Leke Mujhe Aaya, Main Hoon Tujhmein Samaya, Tere Peeche Chala Aaya, | You are in me, Where have you brought me I have given myself to you, In your footsteps I follow |
| Tera Hi Main Ek Saaya, Tune Mujhko Banaya, Main Toh Jag Ko Na Bhaaya, Tune Gale Se Lagaya Ab Tu Hi Hai Khudaya, Sach Tu Hi Hai Khudaya | I am your shadow You have created me I didn’t fit in the world Yet you embraced me Only you are the Just, Only you are the Truth… |
| Kun Faya Kun Kun Faya Kun… | [He said] Be, & it is! Be, & it is! |
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If you enjoyed the spiritual depth of Kun Faya Kun, you might also like our breakdown of the word Afreen and its poetic significance here.
Kun Faya Kun: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the literal translation of “Kun Faya Kun”?
A: It is an Arabic phrase from the Quran meaning “Be, and it is.” It refers to the absolute creative power of God.
Q: What is the spiritual meaning of the song in Sufism?
A: In Sufism, the song represents the soul’s journey from “nothingness” to “existence” through divine will. It is a prayer for spiritual liberation and self-realization.
Q: Where can I find the full English translation?
A: You can find the complete, side-by-side Urdu to English poetic translation right here on this page [link to top of your table].
Q: Is Kun Faya Kun a religious prayer or a Bollywood song?
A: It is both. While it was composed by A.R. Rahman for the movie Rockstar, the lyrics are deeply rooted in Islamic theology and Sufi poetry.
🎧 Best Way to Experience This Music
To hear the deep bass and soulful vocals of these translations/songs, I recommend these high-fidelity headphones:
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