Television drama series Omar about the life of a seventh century Muslim ruler, Omar Ibn al-Khattab, is causing controversy across the Arab world by challenging a widespread belief that actors should not depict Islam’s central figures. The series, which was filmed in Morrocco and is being screened during Ramadan, was funded by MBC Group and […]
Television drama series Omar about the life of a seventh century Muslim ruler, Omar Ibn al-Khattab, is causing controversy across the Arab world by challenging a widespread belief that actors should not depict Islam’s central figures.
The series, which was filmed in Morrocco and is being screened during Ramadan, was funded by MBC Group and Qatar TV. Recent press releases from MBC had stated that several broadcasters across the Arab world had secured the broadcast rights to the series.
According to Reuters, the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates tweeted that he would not watch the series.
But even as Omar is attracting criticism, it is also attracting praise from Muslim viewers for the way it has tackled an important period in Islamic history.
Omar has been praised for its elaborate sets and costumes, visual effects and battle scenes. What has courted controversy, however, is the depiction of the first rulers of the Arab empire by actors. Such depictions have been forbidden in Islam to discourage idolatry.
The report added that Hatem Ali, the director of the series, and his team were prepared for controversy before the first episode was aired.
“We were prepared for this,” he said.
“Omar is the first television series that delivers such important figures. So people will be divided over this, and that’s understandable.”