In brief
The airing of "Muawiya" during Ramadan fuels controversy and concerns over social harmony in the Middle East.
The newly released Ramadan television series titled "Muawiya" is igniting sectarian tensions across the Middle East, as it portrays a polarizing figure in Islamic history revered by Sunni Muslims but deeply criticized by Shiite Islam adherents. The character at the center of the show, Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, played by Syrian actress Lojain Ismail, is a notable historical figure who founded the Umayyad dynasty and was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad.The series delves into the complex events of the seventh century that led to the first civil war in Islam, a conflict that continues to resonate in current sectarian relationships. Produced by a major media group in Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia, the show is facing severe backlash from Shiite-majority countries, particularly Iran and Iraq. Iraq's media authorities have taken a decisive step by announcing on the first day of Ramadan that they will prohibit the broadcast of the series related to the controversial historical portrayal, emphasizing that it risks exacerbating sectarian strife and disturbing social cohesion during the holy month.As the series progresses, reactions are expected to intensify, with communities urging for sensitivities regarding sectarian topics, particularly during a time meant for reflection and unity.
