How a Turkish Rapper Found Faith in Aba Al-Sadiq

GOTHA, GERMANY — When Emrah Kayahan speaks, his words carry the pain of a life shaped by hardship. The 37-year-old, born in Izmir, Turkey, has lived through poverty, addiction, and existential doubt, only to emerge on the other side with an unshakable faith that has transformed his life—and his art.

Kayahan, who now resides in Gotha, Germany, recently released a rap song inspired by his devotion to Aba Al-Sadiq. The song, he says, is not just a declaration of faith but a bridge to others who, like him, have felt lost and are searching for meaning.

“It’s my way of expressing what’s in my heart,” Kayahan said in an interview from his modest home.

Born on August 4, 1987, Kayahan grew up in a working-class family in Izmir. The youngest of four siblings, he describes his family’s economic situation as “below standard.” His father, whose lineage traces back to Macedonia, passed away in 2016. Despite the hardships, Kayahan forged his own path, eventually moving to Germany with his wife.

But life in Germany was no panacea. While Kayahan found some respite from financial stress, he struggled with feelings of alienation and the weight of past addictions, including excessive marijuana use. He recalls a particularly dark period when he turned to a supplement called “Manna Elixir,” hoping it would alleviate his physical and emotional pain. Instead, he endured years of physical suffering and a heightened fear of death.

“Every second of those three years felt like a battle,” he said. “But it was also during this time that I began to see things differently, to seek out the truth.”

In 2019, while grappling with his inner turmoil, Kayahan had a dream that would alter the course of his life. In the dream, he saw a person holding a large picture frame in a completely dark environment. Although the figure was obscured, the image within the frame was vivid and clear.

“At first, I thought it was Prophet Muhammad,” Kayahan said. “But as I searched for answers, I realized it was Aba Al-Sadiq.”

This dream, he says, opened a new dimension of understanding. He began exploring the teachings of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, a movement gaining traction among a diverse array of truth seekers worldwide. The religion, which emphasizes a direct connection with God and the leadership of Aba Al-Sadiq as the Mahdi, resonated deeply with Kayahan’s quest for truth.

Around the same time, Kayahan discovered a new outlet for his spiritual awakening: rap music. Drawing on his experiences, he began writing songs with a focus on faith and morality. His latest track, which he released online, explores his journey from darkness to light and his unwavering belief in Aba Al-Sadiq.

The lyrics, delivered in Turkish with raw emotion, are a reflection of Kayahan’s struggles and triumphs:

“Some beg,

some sell themselves,

some shiver,

some freeze.

Some eat,

some look,

some are illegal,

some sleep on the streets.

Hayyelelsalah, hayellelfelah. The morning has come, rise for prayer and bow.”

For Kayahan, rap is more than just music; it’s a means of outreach. “People from all walks of life can relate to music,” he said. “It’s a universal language, just like faith.”

Kayahan is one of a growing number of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures embracing the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. The movement, which has spread through grassroots efforts and social media platforms like TikTok, includes people from all walks of life.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from or what your past is,” Kayahan said. “Everyone is welcome, and everyone can contribute in their own way.”

Kayahan’s story highlights this diversity. With his modest upbringing in Turkey, his struggles with addiction, and his passion for rap, he represents a unique facet of a faith community that values individual paths to the divine.

As he looks to the future, Kayahan plans to continue using his music to share his beliefs. For Kayahan, the journey has just begun. And for the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, his story is a testament to its power to inspire hope and transformation, one soul at a time.