New TV Series Sparks Sectarian Tensions During Ramadan
A newly launched television series for the holy month of Ramadan is igniting sectarian tensions across the Middle East with its portrayal of a contentious figure in Islamic history. This character, Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, is celebrated by Sunni Muslims but is viewed with disdain by many Shiite communities.
The series, entitled “Muawiya,” delves into the life of Muawiya, who played a pivotal role in the early years of Islam. As one of the earliest rulers, he established the Umayyad dynasty, marking the first instance of hereditary leadership within the Islamic world, where power was handed down within the same family. Muawiya is also recognized as a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the seventh century, chronicling the events that led to the first civil war in Islam, a conflict that set the stage for the enduring divide between Sunni and Shiite factions.
This controversial show has been produced by a major media conglomerate in Saudi Arabia, a nation that is predominantly Sunni. The series has faced significant backlash, particularly from individuals in Shiite-majority countries such as Iran and Iraq. Iraq’s media regulatory authority announced on March 1, coinciding with the start of Ramadan, that it would prohibit the broadcast of the series, citing concerns over its potential to incite sectarian discord.
- The regulator expressed that the airing of “historically controversial content” could lead to heated sectarian debates.
- They emphasized that such discussions might threaten social harmony and disrupt the societal fabric, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan.
