JEDDAH –– An upcoming serial titled “Omar” based on the companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the second Caliph Omar Bin Al-Khattab will be aired on MBC this Ramadan. However, the serial prior to its release has sparked controversy, as the characters are based on the personification of the Prophet's companions. This has led to protesters running huge campaigns against the MBC channel and the serial. Syrian actor Samer Ismael will play the character of Omar while Caliph Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and Caliph Uthman Bin Affan are played respectively by Ghassan Masoud and Samer Omran, both Syrians. The serial showcases Omar's important role in Islamic history, his pleasant disposition, his propagation of the true message and the expansion of the Islamic state. It also sheds light on the strong faith and positive attitude of the companions and the image of Islam and Muslims. It is expected to be a source of guidance for the young generation. Many scholars of Islamic law have reviewed the serial and some of them believe that it should be aired. According to reports published in a Gulf magazine, there have been constant rumors regarding the screening of the series. Mazen Hayek, spokesman of the MBC group, has denied all allegations and said that they have not received any orders from the government to stop it from going on air. The cost of producing the serial is estimated to be around SR200 million, according to a report published in Al-Jazirah daily.
It will be shown on five continents during the holy month. More than 500 million viewers are expected to watch the controversial serial. Some people who are divided about the serial have created a hash tag on Twitter to campaign against it. While some have criticized the producers for spending an exorbitant amount on the serial, when it could have gone to the people suffering in Syria. Some Muslim scholars like Salman Al-Odah and Yousuf Al-Qaradawi are in favor of the serial, according to Twitter feeds. Agitated complainants have said if MBC does not stop the serial from going on air, they will delete the channel from their set-top box. On the other hand, viewers in favor of the serial feel that it will be educational for the new generation, as the youth does not spend time reading religious biographies these days. Muhammed, a Saudi government employee told Saudi Gazette, that he is confused about watching the serial. He said in the past serials made on Islamic history were really bad. Noura, a Saudi housewife, said, “Impersonating companions and prophets is wrong in my opinion. The actors who play these roles are not perfect people, and therefore watching those actors playing the character of companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) on one channel and on another playing an offensive character is disturbing.” The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh, has rejected the serial saying that impersonating the role of the companions is wrong. Aal Al-Sheikh said that those behind the serial should have written a book about the companion and translated it into many languages, instead of turning it into a TV production.
