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Saudi Arabia's "Muawiya Drama Series" Is an Attack on Ahl al-Bayt and a Dangerous Conspiracy to Distort Islamic History

Initially, he opposed the Prophet of Islam (PBUH), but after the conquest of Makkah, Muawiya and his family embraced Islam.

Shia News: Saudi Arabia’s "Muawiya Drama Series" is a serious conspiracy to distort Islamic history and insult the Ahl al-Bayt. The release of a drama series on the controversial figure of Yazid's father during the holy month of Ramadan is part of Saudi Arabia's new plan to fuel sectarian hatred, which has now been exposed.

According to details, a TV series titled "Muawiya," based on the life of the Umayyad leader Muawiya, has stirred considerable controversy in countries such as Iraq, Egypt, and others.

The first two episodes of the series began airing with the start of the holy month of Ramadan. The series, produced by the Saudi East Broadcasting Center (MBC), was filmed in Tunisia with a production budget of $100 million.

The series' writer, Khaled Salah, is an Egyptian journalist, while Palestinian-American filmmaker Tarek Al-Aryan directed it.

Recently, the broadcast of "Muawiya" was banned in Iraq due to the potential for sectarian tensions, and Al-Azhar University condemned the portrayal of religious figures, calling for a ban on the series.

The Middle East Eye newspaper describes Muawiya, the hero of the story, as a controversial figure among Shia Muslims.

Muawiya was born five years before the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and was the son of Abu Sufyan and Hind bint Utbah, who were among the earliest and most vocal opponents of Islam.

Initially, Muawiya opposed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but after the conquest of Makkah, he and his family embraced Islam.

According to Sunni Muslims, Muawiya became one of the scribes of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After the Prophet's passing, the first caliph, Abu Bakr, appointed him as deputy commander in the conquest of the Levant. Under the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, he was promoted, and during the caliphate of the third caliph, Uthman, he became the governor of Syria.

After Uthman’s death, Muawiya refused to pledge allegiance to Imam Ali (A.S) and, under the pretext of avenging Uthman, rose up against Imam Ali (A.S).

People of Syria pledged allegiance to him for avenging Uthman and waging war against Imam Ali (A.S), which led to the Battle of Jamal, the first civil war among Muslims, followed by the Battle of Siffin and Nahrawan.

In 40 AH, after the martyrdom of Imam Ali (A.S), Muawiya took control of Egypt and declared himself Caliph, making Damascus his capital.

After Imam Ali’s martyrdom, the Muslims pledged allegiance to Imam Hasan (A.S). A peace treaty between Imam Hasan (A.S) and Muawiya was signed, but due to the betrayal of Imam Hasan’s military commanders, Muawiya became the Caliph.

Many historical sources hold Muawiya responsible for poisoning Imam Hasan (A.S). Under Muawiya's rule, the Islamic territories expanded to North Africa, Anatolia, Central Asia, and present-day Iran.

Muawiya appointed his son Yazid as his successor, establishing a hereditary monarchy, despite the peace treaty with Imam Hasan (A.S). This eventually led to the tragedy of Ashura, where Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions were martyred.

Shia Muslims view Muawiya as someone who turned the caliphate into a hereditary monarchy, fought against Imam Ali (A.S), and poisoned Imam Hasan (A.S).

Ban in Iraq

Due to the Shia perspective on Muawiya, the new series was banned in Iraq, and the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission announced on Saturday that airing such controversial historical content could lead to sectarian debates, affecting social harmony and community peace.

The Iraqi commission instructed MBC Iraq not to broadcast the series, warning that it could also cause a diplomatic dispute between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Two years ago, Iraq's influential Shia cleric and political figure Muqtada al-Sadr called for the complete cancellation of the series.

He labeled "Muawiya" as the instigator of sectarianism, the one who harmed the companions of the Prophet, defied Imam Ali (A.S), and harmed the Islamic unity. He also accused Muawiya of being the first to plot the killing of the Prophet's companions.

He further emphasized that airing such a series contradicts Saudi Arabia's new and moderate policies and urged that there is no need to hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.

On the other hand, the Iraqi TV channel Al-Sharqiyah threatened to produce a series about the Iranian fighter Abu Lulu, who killed Umar ibn al-Khattab, in response to the "Muawiya" series.

Muqtada al-Sadr rejected both TV channels as false and divisive, as Muawiya does not represent Sunni Islam, and Abu Lulu does not represent Shia Islam.

He held those broadcasting such "false historical series" responsible for sectarianism.

Although MBC did not respond to this reaction, the two-year delay in airing the series could be linked to the potential for sectarian conflicts.

Portrayal of Early Islamic Figures

The portrayal of early Islamic figures, including Imam Ali (A.S) and Imam Hasan (A.S), could fuel sectarian tensions, which led to a legal and religious dispute in Egypt. A lawyer filed a lawsuit to stop the broadcast of the series due to the depiction of Imam Ali (A.S).

Saudi Media Influence

The series was written by Egyptian journalist Khaled Salah, and Palestinian-American filmmaker Tarek Al-Aryan directed it. After Palestinian actor Ali Suleiman withdrew from the role, Syrian actor Lujain Ismail took on the character of Muawiya.

Other actors include Asma Galal, Aisha Ben Ahmed, Jamila Shahe, and Eyad Nasr, who portrays Imam Ali (A.S).

In response to criticisms, the writer Khaled Salah stated that his aim was not to present a specific narrative and that history was not written in black and white.

He further stated that Muawiya was portrayed not just as a ruler but as someone who made mistakes and met the same end as anyone else.

The series was filmed in Tunisia at the Carthage Film Studios in 2023. Reports suggest that the initial budget was estimated at $75 million, but production costs exceeded $100 million.

The series was produced by Saudi Arabia’s largest TV network, the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC), founded in 1991 by Saudi businessman Walid Al-Ibrahim in London.

MBC dominates the media landscape in Saudi Arabia, reaching approximately 140 million viewers daily.

Despite the ban in Iraq and the fatwa against watching the series issued by Al-Azhar scholars in Egypt, the "Muawiya" series began airing at the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

The decision to air the series has sparked a new wave of debate, especially due to the portrayal of several important historical figures, with Al-Azhar continuing to oppose the depiction of these figures in cinema and television.

Exploiting the Sacred Month of Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is a time when many Arab TV series premiere, and this is not the first time that the Saudi channel MBC has faced protests for producing TV series about controversial events in Islamic history, especially those that fuel sectarian divisions between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

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Martyr Dr. Mohammad Ali Naqvi (RA) Was a Thought, a Mission, and an Ideology, Says Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas

The leader of MWM emphasized that Martyr Dr. Mohammad Ali Naqvi (RA) laid the foundation of the Imamia Students Organization, teaching youth awareness, self-development, and social service. He was not only an exemplary revolutionary but also a true advocate of Muslim unity.

Shia News: On the 30th anniversary of the martyrdom of the revolutionary ambassador and founder of the Imamia Students Organization (ISO) Pakistan, Martyr Dr. Mohammad Ali Naqvi (RA), the head of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) Pakistan, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafari, shared a heartfelt condolence message on his social media account. The text of the message is as follows:

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. ‘And do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.’ (Aal-Imran: 169)

Today, on March 7, as we mark the anniversary of Martyr Dr. Mohammad Ali Naqvi, we pay tribute to this great leader who dedicated his life to Islam, truth, righteousness, and serving the oppressed. Martyr Naqvi was a thought, a mission, and an ideology that still lives in the hearts of young people today.

By founding the Imamia Students Organization, he taught the youth awareness, self-building, and social service. He was not only an exemplary revolutionary but also a true advocate for the unity of the Ummah. His martyrdom is a message for us to dedicate our lives to the service of the true religion, spreading the light of knowledge, and defending the oppressed.

The blood of martyrs never goes in vain; rather, it is a light that guides and becomes a beacon for future generations. Today, we pledge to continue Martyr Mohammad Ali Naqvi's mission, Insha'Allah, and contribute to the elevation of our beloved homeland and the spread of Islam’s true teachings.

May Allah raise the ranks of the martyr and grant us the ability to follow in his footsteps. Ameen!

The memory of martyrs always remains alive."

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Ramadan: The Chief of All Months, Says Ayatollah Hafiz Riyaz Najafi

Ayatollah Hafiz Riyaz Najafi sheds light on the significance of Ramadan and the benefits of fasting.

Shiite News: The President of the Federation of Shia Madaris Pakistan, Ayatollah Hafiz Syed Riyaz Hussain Najafi, said that we are fortunate to have been granted the blessed month of Ramadan once again, the chief of all months.

He explained that fasting was made obligatory in the second year of Hijrah during the Battle of Badr. The year fasting was made obligatory, the Battle of Badr took place on the 17th of Ramadan. The Holy Quran gives great importance to three things: trade, will, and the month of Ramadan.

He further stated that one of the main objectives and benefits of fasting is that Allah has urged the believers to become pious so that His greatness is instilled in their hearts. By doing so, they can reach a level where they can express gratitude to Allah and become better individuals.

While addressing at the Jamia Ali Mosque of the Jamiah al-Muntazar Seminary, Hafiz Riyaz Najafi mentioned that Allah Almighty said in the Holy Quran: "O you who have believed! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous." He added that if one fasts on the 1st, 15th, and last day of every month, it is as if they have fasted the entire month. Similarly, if this is done for the entire year, excluding the days when fasting is prohibited, it would mean that one has fasted throughout the entire year.

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Protest in Parachinar against Takfiri Siege and Unjust Arrests Continues on 6th Day

The protest by the fasting residents of Parachinar against the siege, Takfiri terrorism, looting of caravans, and unjust arrests of innocent leaders continues for the sixth day.

In their speeches during the protest, social leaders Musarrat Bangash, Malik Zartaj, Inayat Hussain, Allama Mohammad Hussain, and other speakers emphasized the need for immediate action to resolve the issue, particularly by opening the roads that have been blocked for the past five months.

Shia News: For the past five months, the residents of Parachinar have been protesting against the siege, Takfiri terrorism, looting of caravans, and the unjust arrests of innocent leaders. The public protest at the Parachinar Press Club has once again gained momentum. The protest, which began during the holy month of Ramadan, continues on its sixth day due to shortages of food supplies and the difficulties faced by fasting people.

The protesters are demanding that the five-month-long road blockade be lifted immediately, and that an aid package be provided to the besieged population of Parachinar. They also demand that the families of more than 500 people, including children, who have died due to the lack of medical treatment, be provided with martyr compensation packages.

The protest continues at the Parachinar Press Club, where residents are voicing their demand for an aid package for the population of Parachinar and surrounding areas, which has been trapped for five months due to clashes and firing incidents. Due to the blockade, essential items such as dates and bread are not available for Iftar and Suhoor in the besieged areas.

In their speeches, social leaders like Musarrat Bangash, Malik Zartaj, Inayat Hussain, Allama Mohammad Hussain, and others called for the immediate opening of the roads to alleviate the suffering of the residents and provide necessary aid packages to the affected population.

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The passing of Ayatollah Ghulam Hasnain Shabani is an irreparable loss to the nation, says Maulana Basharat Hussain Zahidi

Hujjat al-Islam Maulana Sheikh Basharat Hussain Zahidi, in his condolence message for the passing of Ayatollah Sheikh Ghulam Hasnain Shabani from the Baltistan region and Sheikh Wali Maqdasi, a distinguished scholar from Shigar District, expressed deep sorrow and grief. He stated that Ayatollah Sheikh Hasnain Shabani was a prominent scholarly figure. He achieved high academic ranks in Najaf Ashraf and attained the position of Ijtihad. His academic journey began in Najaf, where he trained many scholars and students. He was also a jurist and the author of numerous books. His contributions to the field of knowledge were vast. His passing is an irreparable loss to the scholarly community. Scholars from the Gilgit-Baltistan region will always remember his academic services. May Allah grant him forgiveness and patience to his loved ones, especially his family.

In another part of his message, Maulana Basharat Hussain Zahidi mentioned the loss of Sheikh Wali Maqdasi from Shigar District, calling it a scholarly tragedy for the scholars of Shigar. In this moment of grief, we offer our condolences to all scholars of Shigar District and the family of the deceased. We pray to Allah to raise the ranks of both of these esteemed figures.