‘I sing to heal others,’ says Sufi Singer Asiya Rafiq

Music is both comforting and uplifting for Abu-Dhabi based Indian Sufi singer Asiya Rafiq. Her earliest childhood memories, of her grandfather humming divine Sufi songs left a deep imprint on her heart. Raised by a single mother in the picturesque state of Kashmir in India, Asiya found solace in songs to soothe emotional upheavals. Today she is compassionate about spreading love and hope through her Urdu songs to heal many other women, who might be going through trauma and pain. A modest fashion designer based in Abu Dhabi, she has been a trailblazer designing transformable clothes for people of determination, under her brand Adaptive by Asiya. Certified as an Applied Behavior Analyst she conducts music therapy sessions for children with special needs.

Now widening her repertoire, she is focused on combining wellness and singing at women-only events. Her recent performance at the Upscale Women Entrepreneurs meetup in Dubai was much loved and appreciated. In this interview with Middle East Masala she spoke at length about her music and her life.

How did you discover your love for music and your ability to sing?

As children, we naturally absorb and imitate whatever happens around us. Growing up I recollect my maternal uncle playing a small tape recorder of Pakistani Ghazal singer Ghulam Ali’s songs. Over time, I found myself drawn not just to the melody, but also to the depth of the lyrics. Another powerful childhood influence was of my grandfather, who would hum Sufi songs while drifting off to sleep. His voice, even in sleep, carried great devotion that stirred something deep inside me.

My voice was a gift from God, that I honed with quiet dedication. I used to sing alone in my room, mimicking the singers I admired, repeating lines until I felt every word. That’s how my love for music slowly turned into a personal journey of expression and growth.

What songs do you like to sing today and what inspires you to sing?

Even as a child, I have always been a romantic at heart. A big part of that comes from witnessing the pure love between my grandparents, their bond was full of care, sacrifice, and devotion — everything that true love stands for. Growing up with them, I understood what real romance looks like in a sacred relationship. I love singing romantic songs — especially the ones that are gentle, meaningful, and soulful. They remind me of the kind of love I grew up watching.

Divine songs also truly make me feel alive. When I sing about Allah, about love that’s beyond human limitations, it brings a sense of healing and peace. My greatest inspiration to sing comes from gratitude. I often think of how many people in the world are going through pain, yet the Divine, has protected and guided me. Singing is my way of expressing that gratitude, of remembering Him, and hopefully guiding others towards the same light.

Are you trained in music? Tell us what you have learnt.

I’m mostly self-taught. Back in India when people first heard me sing, they began inviting me to perform at private gatherings, book launches and social events. But later I felt the need to take formal lessons .So I trained under an expert vocalist. As they say learning never stops. There is something new to discover in every song and every lyric even today. Although I enjoy singing covers, now that I’ve started writing and composing my own songs, I am discovering my own soul, one note at a time.

How many hours do you spend every day practicing your songs?

For me, singing is woven into my daily life. I sing while doing household chores, driving to work, and even during social gatherings. It’s like a natural rhythm that flows throughout my day. I also connect my singing with my faith. I read the Quran in a melodic voice, as it is encouraged to recite it softly and beautifully. That spiritual practice has also become part of my vocal training.

As an Indian living in the UAE, how does your music represent both these cultures? 

I was born in Kashmir,  a place rich in folk heritage and poetic expression, where we value antique traditions, soulful lyrics, nature and spirituality. When I first moved to the UAE, I found several interesting parallels, especially the shared love for divine Sufi songs. That similarity helped me feel at home here. Over time, I built several meaningful connections through my music, that have led to many performances at private gatherings and local events.

I also admire the gender segregation at events in UAE. As a Muslim woman, this gives me the space to express myself with ease, dress creatively, and enjoy the experience without the discomfort of a mixed audience. It aligns with both my personal values and my identity as a performer and fashion designer. That’s why I’ve today naturally gravitated towards performing at women-only events, or gatherings meant for healing the elderly, children with special needs, or people recovering from illness. These spaces allow me to combine creativity, modesty and purpose blending the essence of both Indian and Emirati cultures in a way that truly represents who I am.

Looking back what has been the most impactful facet of your life?

My personal life has deeply shaped who I am, both as a woman and a professional. One of the most painful chapters was when I witnessed was my parent’s separation. It was incredibly hard to see my mother juggling everything alone to provide a good life for me and my brother. Seeing her challenges drained me emotionally, but it also made me more empathetic, especially towards women and children dealing with emotional or financial hardships. It also fuelled my desire to create safe spaces through my wellness talks, healing music, adaptive fashion and my work with special needs individuals. Every aspect of what I do now is born from that early pain that I have turned into purpose.

Tell us about your memorable performances and especially the most recent one at the Upscale event?

In the past, I have performed at mixed gatherings, including at Global Village in Dubai and Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi. While those were valuable experiences, I now focus on women-only events, that I feel are more aligned with my values. The Upscale community is for dreamers, doers, and innovators. My wellness talk and singing was well-received by women entrepreneurs from different nationalities, as I combined soothing quotes and spiritual lyrics.

How do you merge your love for music while working with special needs kids? 

With my certifications in psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), I have been able to use music as a key therapy tool. Musical instruments such as the drums have shown amazing results, helping kids engage, express and heal through rhythm and sound.

In the future do you plan to release an album?

I don’t sing just to perform, but to heal, to guide, to reflect divine love, and to offer comfort to those in need. Whether it’s romantic songs inspired by the pure love of my grandparents, or spiritual verses that call upon the Almighty, my voice carries intention. When the time is right, my album will be a gentle musical offering, part wellness, part poetry, a deep voice of the soul. I can already imagine women listening to it quietly, finding pieces of themselves in the verses.

What is the latest on your brand Adaptive with Asiya?

Adaptive by Asiya is still evolving, as the concept of adaptive clothing, is not yet widely understood. I continue to showcase my designs in fashion shows, the most recent being at the Inclusive Fashion Show in London. I also create custom-made, fashionable pieces for individuals with unique body challenges to ensure comfort, dignity and style for all.

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