Al-Amn Magazine

Dr Saad Burshaid He pointed out Qatar Television’s long-standing celebration of Arab and Islamic culture through various dramatic works, in addition to shedding light on prominent figures in Islamic history, showcasing their impact on promoting Islamic values and spreading awareness about them. Dr Burshaid noted that most of these works draw inspiration from the lives of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) companions, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, major Islamic battles, and conquests, as well as significant periods of state- building in Islamic history. This also includes the lives of renowned imams. He noted the creative vision and the distinctive spiritual, cultural, and religious content of the productions presented on television, which have the capacity to address audiences of all generations effectively. Consequently, these works have garnered local and regional awards at prestigious international festivals and competitions, including the Arab Festival for Radio and Television, organised by the Arab States Broadcasting Union, and the Gulf Festival for Radio and Television. Among these works are the series “Al Imam,” which dramatizes significant events in Islamic history through the life of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, and the series “Al Qa’qaa Ibn Amr Al Tamimi. “Dr. Burshaid further emphasized that one of the most prominent examples of drawing inspiration from Islamic genius and historical icons in dramatic works is the series “Omar,” which aired in 2012. It was a joint production between the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) and the Middle East Broadcasting Centre (MBC), written by Walid Saif and directed by Hatem Ali. The series portrays the life of the second Caliph of Islam, Umar Ibn Al Khattab, exploring his personality, qualities, and the events and battles during his life. He highlighted that the events and historical details in the series were reviewed by a Sharia committee comprising several scholars of Islamic jurisprudence, biography, and history, led by the late Sheikh Yusuf Al Qaradawi. He added that the series has been translated into over 30 languages, marking a significant achievement for Qatar Television. The series was watched by millions worldwide, serving as both an exceptional creative and educational endeavour for Muslims around the world. It has since become an academic material studied by high school and university students. Dr Burshaid called for enriching Qatari and Arab dramatic experiences further by drawing inspiration from the nation’s historical icons and influential figures. He stressed the importance of strengthening Arab-Islamic culture through inspiring models in literature, arts, and drama. On a similar note, Iraqi writer and academic and Professor of Creed and Dawah at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qatar University Dr Mohammed Ayash Al Kubaisi emphasized in his statement to QNA the necessity of invoking historical figures and recalling them in education, literature, media, and arts to enhance the sense of belonging to the Arab and Islamic nation. Dr Al Kubaisi stated that when we recount the lives of leaders such as Khalid Ibn Al Walid, Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas, Abu Ubaidah Ibn Al Jarrah, or later figures like Tariq ibn Ziyad and Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, we revive the sense of belonging to this nation. He added that, “when we recall the biographies of imams and scholars such as Abu Hanifa, Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Imam Al Bukhari, or Ibn Khaldun, we present examples of individuals who encapsulate values like honesty, generosity, knowledge, and dedication in their symbolic dimensions”. In a statement to QNA, Dr Walid El Sayed Mohamed Marei, Egyptian writer and academic, member of the faculty at Al Azhar University and Al Azhar Global Fatwa Centre, emphasized that Islamic history provides one of the richest sources for dramatic storytelling. He noted that these historical events offer ample opportunities for projecting certain reflections on the figures and symbols that had a profound impact on human, political, and social life in these advanced eras. Dr Marei underscored the importance of portraying iconic and brilliant figures in Islamic history through drama as a means to introduce contemporary generations, particularly the youth, to role models worth emulating. He highlighted that historical dramas serve as a bridge between the past and the present, delivering these narratives to a far wider audience than specialized historians. Additionally, such works stimulate curiosity among ordinary viewers and provoke critical thinking or questions regarding the historical figure being dramatized. Dr Marei referenced two prominent figures in Islamic history who greatly influenced the Muslim world: Jabir Ibn Hayyan (d. 815 CE), the pioneer of chemistry who gained widespread recognition in Europe through the translation of his works during the onset of its scientific awakening; and Al Muzaffar Sayf Ad Din Qutuz (d. 1260 CE), who stopped the Mongol advance at the Battle of Ain Jalut, saving the Islamic state from imminent destruction. Regarding the ideal approach to inspiration and dramatic treatment, Dr. Marei stated that drama creators should avoid presenting the biographies of historical figures in a conventional or purely informational manner; accessing this material through verified historical texts is straightforward. qatar-tribune.com