New Egypt-based Islamic TV channel caters to fully veiled women Washington Post Conservative Islam and its most visible hallmark, the niqab, appear to be on the rise on Egypt’s cultural scene as well, and the launch of Maria TV is an attempt to cater to that growing segment of society. A decade ago, the niqab was rarely seen in Egypt and it … See all stories on this topic » |
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| Hoping Muslims in Murfreesboro will enjoy some of Ramadan in new mosque Washington Post (blog) Some Murfreesboroans have asserted at public meetings that Islam is not a religion and that theIslamic Center of Murfreesboro is only a front for the sinister forces of Islam that are determined to make American children wear the living room curtains to school. See all stories on this topic » |
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| A Muslim’s love-hate relationship with Ramadan in July Washington Post (blog) Muslims throughout the world are marking the month of Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamiccalendar. (AP) I love the summer time. It is so much better than the winter, especially in my home town of Chicago. In fact, I start looking forward to the summer on … See all stories on this topic » |
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| BENADOR: Islam, Ambushing America Right Side News Ever since Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, and Representatives Gohmert, Franks, Westmoreland, and Rooney, launched their initiative to alert America from Muslim infiltration at the highest levels of the Obama Administration, all hell has broken loose. See all stories on this topic » |
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| “Islamic terrorism”, Oslo and Colorado TwoCircles.net By Syed Hassan Kazim,. On July 22nd, 2012, the Norwegian nation is in a mode of sorrow and mourning because it’s been an year since a ‘maniac’, ‘Mad man’,’ rogue’, ‘mentally derailed’ but not a ‘terrorist’ Anders Behring Breivik slaughtered 77 victims in … See all stories on this topic » |
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| Ald. Austin: I want Nation of Islam to patrol my ward, too Chicago Sun-Times Austin questioned why the 80-year-old Farrakhan and his army of men, known as the Fruit of Islam, had taken their appeal to the streets of South Shore before showing up in Area 2, which includes the West Pullman and Roseland areas besieged by gang … See all stories on this topic » |
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| Commercialising Islam Is Forbidden – Says President Jammeh, As He Gives Out … AllAfrica.com The president of the Republic has denounced the commercialisation of Islam, saying it is forbidden and will not be accepted in The Gambia. His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Yahya Jammeh was speaking Monday afternoon at State House grounds in … See all stories on this topic » |
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| Fatwa Issued Against Saudi TV Drama – The Hollywood Reporter By Scott Roxborough COLOGNE, Germany – A TV series depicting the life of one of Islam’s most revered figures has stirred up controversy and protest in the Middle East. Thousands have condemmed Omar, a 31-part historic drama from Saudi channel the Middle … Television |
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| Michele Bachmann’s Crusade Against Islam Tikun-Olam Tikun Olam … By Richard Silverstein Former Republican presidential candidate, Rep. Michele Bachmann, has declared a crusade against American Muslims in public life with her attacks on State Department aide, Huma Abedin and now, fellow Rep. Keith Ellison. She accused … Tikun Olam-תיקון עולם |
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| Islam in Thailand: A new way forward? – Peace and Collaborative … Islam in Thailand: A new way forward? The past weekend marked the start of the holy month of Ramadan in the Muslim calendar year; a time where Muslims fast, p… Latest Activity on Peace and… |
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| Florida law enforcement comes under scrutiny for repeatedly using … By Alex Kane Sam Kharoba, who believes that ‘Islam is a highly violent radical religion,’ has taught Florida law enforcement 21 times from 2005-2012. Mondoweiss |
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| US House candidate in Conn. compares Islam to cult – Yahoo! News From Yahoo! News: A Republican candidate for a Connecticut seat in the U.S. House of Representatives says he did not mean to disparage “peace-loving … news.yahoo.com/us-house-candidate-conn |
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FATWA ISSUED AGAINST SAUDI TV DARA
The series “Omar” depicts the life of one of the close companions of the Prophet Mohammed.
COLOGNE, Germany – A TV series depicting the life of one of Islam’s most revered figures has stirred up controversy and protest in the Middle East. Thousands have condemmed Omar, a 31-part historic drama from Saudi channel the Middle East Broadcasting Centre (MBC), saying its portrayal of the Prophet Mohammed and his companions violate the principles of Islam.
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The series tells the story of Omar Ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam and a close companion of the Prophet Mohammed who was also a key figure in the rapid expansion of the Islamic empire in the 7th century.
Omar is the largest-ever Arabic television production, boasting 30,000 extras and a production team hailing from 10 different countries who shot the 31-episode series over 300 production days. The series is currently airing during the holy month of Ramadan, the peak ratings season in the Middle East.
Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, one of world’s leading centers for Islamic learning, has issued a fatwa against the series, saying its depiction of the historic figures are sinful. Arabia’s Dar al-Ifta, Saudi Arabia’s Islamic legal research centre charged with issuing religious edicts, seconded that opinion.
Visual depictions of Mohammed and other Islamic religious figures are not explicitly banned in the Koran but most Islamic fundementalists argue such personifications must be outlawed because they can lead to the sin of idolatry.
Thousands of viewers across the Middle East have denounced Omar on social networks, calling for MBC to pull it off the air.
The show’s producers have defended their series, saying several leading Islamic clerics have voched for the historic accuracy of their depiction of Omar Ibn al-Khattab and his exploits.
Egyptian television critic Tarek al-Shennawi told AFP the airing of the series marks a defeat for such official Islamic institutions such as Al-Azhar.
“Many of these institutions are stuck on their old positions, while other institutions have long ago approved such depictions,” he said.
Indeed, MBC producers did not submit Omar to Al-Azhar for approval, as is often the case for Arabic shows touching on religious themes. MBC is marketing the series internationally and has sold broadcast rights to several channels, including Turkey’s ATV netwo