e must be honest; we are not the biggest fans of television or digital productions, including game shows and talk shows that air every year during the month of Ramzan. The presentation feels taxing at best and disingenuous at worst, designed to cater to an audience that is already fervent in its religious pursuits throughout the year. These productions convey a crafted message that gets lost in translation and fades away once the month concludes.

However, sacred renditions are a different matter. When they appear as part of pop music shows, where the same artist is comfortable presenting pop songs as well, it appears as a personal choice, showcasing different facets of an artist’s talent. It’s not merely a seasonal effort but an endeavour that resonates with you for years and months after its debut.

In this regard, our top pick is ‘Aik Alif’ by Saeen Zahoor and Noori from the second season of Coke Studio. Released 14 years ago, ‘Aik Alif’ has stood the test of time and remains one of the strongest collaborations presented by a platform that was, at the time, the country’s premier pop culture music series, showcased on television, broadcasted on radio stations, and available on digital platforms such as YouTube.

A collaboration between the spiritual Saeen Zahoor and pop-rock group Noori, it was born when Saaen Zahoor and Ali Hamza joined forces to create something that conveys the true essence of faith.

It delivers a message about truth, letting go of superficial knowledge and acquiring true wisdom, the courage and strength bestowed by God, understanding what is inside your heart first, and battling your desires, not only Satan. Presented in multiple languages and supported by an entire band, there is a sacred and commanding message within this collaboration that urges you to not be ritualistic about religion but to recognize your own shortcomings. A divine interpretation, at its core, it embodies the true essence of religion. This sacred rendition is less about Noori as a band and more about a combined spiritual message by Ali Hamza and Saeen Zahoor, both of whom are exceptional. More than a decade later, ‘Aik Alif’ provides clarity and wisdom with conviction.

Another favorite is ‘Wohi Khuda Hai’ by Atif Aslam, which debuted four years ago when Mr. Rohail Hyatt, returned to Coke Studio after several years. This rendition is about balance and harmony, highlighting the divine power at work. It is essentially a prayer, an anthem that acknowledges that there is a creator and emphasizes how he is the one without whom the order of life would cease.

He is the one who understands the intention behind every action, the only one present in every season, transforming night into day and day into night. It enumerates all the divine capabilities and acknowledges the divine presence ruling over life, existence, and mercy manifesting in various ways. It is an appreciation of the divine force that guides us, grants us free will, and observes every little aspect of our lives as human beings.

Note: Atif Aslam has dropped a spiritual delivery for 2024 called ‘Allah Hu’ with a special effort on enunciation. Listen and see what you make of it. We find it beautiful because there is a conscious effort to transcend past renditions of devotional renditions, particularly in terms of language.