Dear All:
There have been wide discussions on Muslim and non-Muslim e-groups and websites regarding the Little Mosque TV series. The most recurring question has been:"Do Muslims Stand to Benefit from this Comedy Show; or Is it Likely to Bring More Harm Than Good?"
I had expressed the opinion that it is likely to bring more harm than good and had given my reasons for it (including, for example the copious use of insulting words such as "infidels", "heathen" etc. Even though they are meant to be jokes, those at the receiving end may not feel that way and it is more likely to create at least a sub-conscience hate towards Muslims, than endear us as 'good clowns').
In Canada, USA and other western countries, Muslims are the most law abiding, hardworking, family oriented citizens, with a high percentage of university graduates, intellectuals and professionals among them, who contribute immensely to the welfare of the nations which they call their homes. Despite all the false allegations about terrorism and fear-mongering etc.**, Muslims should walk tall, and be respected on our strengths, and contributions, instead of making fools of ourselves.
I was pleased to find many Muslims agreed with my viewpoint (while a few disagreed - opposing views, are vital, as they provide insights which we may have ignored). I was surprised to find out that even a French website carried one of my previous articles on the subject, but since I do not know French, I am not sure of their position on the subject.
There have been many more episodes since then, and based on opinions expressed on the internet, many seem to find them quite boring, silly, aimless, tasteless and mediocre. I watch them occasionally, simply because, fairness requires that my opinion must be made on facts.
One of my main criticisms was against using an actor who acts as a gay in a sexually explicit TV series. (I don't know if he is a gay in real life). In any case whether he is a gay, or just a gay-actor or whatever else he chooses to do with his life is none of our concerns.
I feel hurt that CBC and Zarqa Nawaz, knowingly engaged this person to act as an imam, while there are so many other actors, (Muslim or non-Muslim), who do not have such a dark side in real life or as a porn actor. In any case, most people I have talked to find this actor to be mediocre at best, and hence, there was no crying need to hire him to act in the honoured position of an imam.
Some non-Muslims may have difficulty understanding this, but for Muslims, certain symbols are very dear to our hearts and any dis-honour brought to them is very hurtful. Imams (religious scholars) hold a high position in the minds and lives of Muslims and any disgrace to them is no minor matter to brush off.
Here is a video (I thank Dr. Vajra for it), which shows the actor who plays the role of the imam in the Little Mosque, in his gay role. Although the sexual part has been deleted, it may still be offensive to some of the readers.
So, please be warned - if you are likely to be offended, do not watch it. For educational purposes, here is a glimpse.
Important note: Please watch the last segment at the end - a view of Muslims by a Canadian media journalist (Christina Williams, CTS TV). What she says underlines my viewpoint, why Muslims, who hold morality, modesty, and other values in such high esteem, would find this matter quite unsettling.
You can watch the video here:
Note** : On false allegations and fear-mongering, here is a video worth watching:
Meer Sahib P.Eng.
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