Ahlan Ramadan
With all the classes and cases, memos and journal articles, the last thing I should be doing is spending time watching TV. But as anyone who has experienced Ramadan in the Middle East, and as this BBC story goes, this is the season to be sitting in front of the telly:
When night falls across the Muslim world and the daily fast of Ramadan ends, the lights come on in the markets as shops and restaurants and cafes open, heaving with special delicacies.One of these TV series, as mentioned in the BBC piece, is Hur al-ayn or "Maidens of Paradise", a story about Islamist terror attacks in Saudi Arabia. Another is Muluk al-Tawaif (the "Petty Kings"), a period drama set in Islamic Spain during the era of the petty kingdoms or tawaif, sing. taifa. There's also a string of comedies and sitcoms, including, for the first time on Arab television, The Simpsons, dubbed Al Shamshoun (or "The Shamshoun family") - I must say I'm a little disappointed in the Arabic-speaking Homer. And let's not forget the latest edition of Superstar, the Arab world version of American Idol.
The omnipresent TV - forever muttering in the corner in living rooms from Beirut to Marrakech - also bursts into new life.
Music, comedy and drama with the biggest stars in the Arab world streams out far into the night. Ramadan is the biggest time of year for Arab television as the multitude of old and new stations that have sprung up in the past few years compete for the attention of tens of millions of Arab families brought together for the month-long celebrations.
More than 100 TV series are produced specially for Ramadan.
So here in Toronto, while I cannot experience the festivities, fireworks and late nights of Ramadan in the Middle East, satellite television means at least one part of that culture is here. Some might say all of this defeats the Ramadan spirit - after all, the month is supposed to be a time for spirituality, self-appraisal, community and generosity. But in many ways, this is part of the spirit of Ramadan. It brings together everyone, including non-Muslims, in a time that feels something like, as is often described for those of us here, a month-long Christmas.
7 comments:
The month is a time to repent by increasing in good deeds (prayer, reading and recitation of the Quran, etc.) and pleasing Allah.
I hardly think that sitting in front of the telly to be entertained by "music, comedy and drama" can accomplish these goals.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) says, "Ramadan has come to you. (It is) a month of blessing, in which Allah covers you with blessing, for He sends down Mercy, decreases sins and answers prayers. In it, Allah looks at your competition (in good deeds), and boasts about you to His angels. So show Allah goodness from yourselves, for the unfortunate one is he who is deprived in (this month) of the mercy of Allah, the Mighty, the Exalted." [Narrated by Tabarani]
Although the increase in T.V. ratings may be disheartening, one should take care to consider a few things. As mentioned in the article, many of the shows presented may have a positive impact by being inspiring, the same way that "Islam: Empire of Faith" was. Also, one can easily see that people in general do increase in good works, but it is unrealistic to expect that they become super-muslims where 24/7 they're doing nothing but taking part in virtuous acts (besides, that's what Sufi tariqas are for).
Of all the possible ways to spend time, why the telly? One has more of a chance of falling into forbidden or disliked acts with such a means, even if some programs are "inspiring."
Might I also point out that the comparison with Sufi tariqas is a false analogy- we are not being asked to abandon our families, jobs or schools.
We are only being asked to pay attention to the fact that this is a special month during which we have the opportunity to gain Allah's mercy and pleasure. As for virtuous acts, their meaning does not exclude those which are relaxing- playing with one's children can be a virtuous act.
One last thought on relaxation and rest:
"...Verily in the rememberance of Allah do hearts find rest..." (Quran- 13:28)
Might I also point out that the comparison with Sufi tariqas is a false analogy- we are not being asked to abandon our families, jobs or schools.
For the record, tariqas don't generally ask people to do any of this.
Omar, you may be right. But then where's the "false analogy" with what's expected in Ramadan?
I tend to agree with anon. The month in which the Prophet (saws) used to finish one whole Quran, and in the last year of his life two, where he used to spend the entire night in prayer, etc., we are watching "Ramadan" shows and then arguing about whether this is right or not, and arguing about other useless things. We're really messed up, man.
I'm reminded about something that I always used to hear a long time ago from my Tabligi brothers. They used to say that if the Sahaba were to see us today the only way they would recognize us as Muslims would be from our salaah...nothing else. Now that's disheartening.
Alright, here's my take on this whole thing.
There's no denying that sometimes Ramadan TV can be excessive and distracting from other things that one might be better off doing. Some of the content too would be deemed contrary to Islamic values (however one should note that it is a reflection of the overall social culture in Arab countries and should be looked at in that sense).
Despite that, I see some problems with some of the comments here.
Just because there is an 'exciting lineup' of special TV shows for this season, that does not mean that people are going to forget everything else and spend their night and day glued to the TV screen.
Secondly, a large chunk of the Ramadan TV includes shows that have significant religious content. Inspirational Islamic-themed dramas are just one example. Other examples include, as Omar mentioned, live transmissions of prayers from Makkah, sessions with Islamic scholars about Ramadan-related and other practical issues, kids' programmes about the virtues of Ramadan, family-oriented shows etc. The now-famous Dubai International Holy Quran Competition that brings together Muslim children from all around the world in a Quran reciting competition is one of the Ramadan events that receives TV coverage. Such shows are interspersed with the other more entertainment-oriented programs.
As Salman pointed out, it is unrealistic to expect everyone to shed their normal garb and become super-Muslims 24/7 during this month. What is more useful, in my opinion, is to make Ramadan so that anyone and everyone looks forward to it and shares in the whole community feel, which is manifest on TV inside the house, and outside in the form of festivals, open iftars, late night Ramadan tents with tea, coffee, sheesha and all kinds of delicacies for the whole family to enjoy. And no matter where you are, a masjid and the sound of the muezzin or the imam is never too far away. The Ramadan culture we're talking about encourages in some ways participation in prayer and worship, including salat el-taraweeh and qeyam el-layl.
Those who wish to shun the 'wordly' aspect entirely and focus exclusively on prayer etc., Allah yejzeekom kheir we yesaa3edkom fi mu7awelatkom - may God reward you and assist you in your effort. For the society and community at large, I am more inclined to think Ramadan TV is part of the spirit of this month, not in spite of it.
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