Unique’s ‘Make Me a Muslim’ TV Review
Make Me a Muslim was aired to British audiences tonight on Channel 4. I was lucky enough to watch it via a special invitation on DVD. It is a three-part documentary-drama showing a handful of British non-Muslim men and women (six to be precise) giving up their materialistic life for a spiritual three-week Islamic lifestyle, which is lead by three imams and a British female convert to Islam.
The participants have chosen out of their free will to live like devout Muslims in a span of three weeks. They have binned their bacon and alcohol, their promiscuity and for Luke, his gay tendencies. Each of these participants are still living in their homes and visit the imams at the mosque daily.
What worries me about this program so far is that the non-Muslims are required to live like devout Muslims immediately. In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad preached that gradualisation is a major part of Islam; thus a person should gradually go into projects and not dive into the deep end.
In this show, however, the Muslims leading this project have pushed these non-Muslims into the deep end. They expect them to dress modestly, pray five times a day, and fast for 17-hours. They expect them to change overnight, which is a considerably tough challenge. Luke, a homosexual, is expected to give up his desires while not really understanding why he must do so, since the imam who explains the reasons communicates to Luke in a blunt, tactless manner. I believe the leading modern imam should have spoken to Luke, since his English is more fluent and he is able to tactfully express the teachings of Islam in a way so as to make the other person fully understand the reasons behind certain teachings.
Another worry is the fact that two of the participants have come into the show to rant and rave about their fear that the UK is going to be run by Shariah law someday. They believe Islam has “barbaric laws” and they don’t want it in their country. Phil, a taxi driver who can’t give up his porn, bacon and beer, believes that “if a Muslim wants Shariah law, they should go to a Muslim country.” The leading imam soothes Phil’s worries, explaining that some Muslims only want specific areas of Shariah law introduced into their lifestyle, which includes marriage and divorce laws. It would not interfere with non-Muslims.
I believe that the patriotic Phil and Carol who rant on about how Britain is run by the British and has no room for Shariah law, have deep reservations towards Islam and this gets in the way of the two seriously taking part in the three-week trial. I actually wonder why they joined such a program, with all their resistance to follow the doctrines of Islam. Perhaps they plan to disrupt the show with their hostile attitudes in order to speak out to audience members who passionately feel the same way. They believe Islam is a threat, a backwards, barbaric religion and they leave no time to sit down and actually give the trial a chance. This is quite bewildering, to actually comprehend that there are people out there who are as narrow-minded so as to sign up for such a show and have another agenda; and giving Islam a chance is definitely not on the top of their list.
One thing we must remember is that embracing Islam is about believing there is no God but one God (the creator) and that the last Prophet to send the message of God was Muhammad. But Carol, who is cohabiting with a non-practicing Muslim, has not come on the show to find more meaning in her life. She does have another agenda. Her Muslim boyfriend has parents who cannot accept her into the family because she is from a different faith. She believes that taking part in the three-week trial will soften their hearts and make them see that she is actually willing to understand their way of life, if not embrace it wholeheartedly. She wants them to see that she is a “good girl” who is right for their son. I think this is the first danger for Carol not getting the full benefit of the three-week trial, because she quickly becomes frustrated when she doesn’t see instant results from her boyfriend’s parents, which risks the whole trial for herself and others. And because when you do something for God, you should do it solely for him, not for other people.
There are quite a few ironic scenes in the program. One ironic scene is when Dawn, one of the leaders, a British convert, takes one of the female participants shopping for modest clothing. This participant is a glamour-model, so covering up is something she is certainly not used to. While Dawn explains that a shirt should be below the waist, women shouldn’t wear tight clothing and the scarf must cover the hair and neck, I am confused. This is because Dawn is wearing tight jeans that show her figure and her scarf is tied in a way that shows the back of her neck, which may have been accidental. I believe if a person is going to be a role model, it is best to start with themselves, so as not to confuse the person that is being led.
A further ironic scene is when one of the imams, Muhammad, looks for a wife for Luke, who is a homosexual. He believes that finding a wife is the answer for Luke’s sexual preference. Luke believes it is not as simple as that. Muhammad goes out to the city centre and looks for a “beautiful girl”, which means not lowering his gaze, and talking to these women in an inappropriate manner that a devout Muslim should not be doing, i.e. “I’m looking for a beautiful woman, and you are beautiful, [wink, wink] for this man called Luke”. Again, if you’re going to be a role model and you are telling a guy like Luke not to talk to his girl-friends in an inappropriate manner because it leads the way to fitnah, then perhaps it is best that the imam should not have been caught doing this.
I believe the main imam, a British Muslim, had a vision for this program, to let the British public know that their materialistic life of sex, nudity, alcohol, binge-drinking and nightclubs is slowly rotting their society away from any morals and real meaning. He wants non-Muslims to look past the materialistic life and find a peaceful, spiritual life that has nothing to do with the immoral scenes we see in the streets of the West. He believes Islam is the answer, the cure, for such societal diseases.
I think he’s set himself up for quite a challenge; introducing Islam in a three-week period will only cause confusion and chaos. Since there is a the lack of time, you are forced to throw these non-Muslims into the deep end, which is not recommended for any person interested to look into Islam. And I believe a ‘us’ and ‘them’ camp (us the non-Muslims and them the Muslims) will form, which will influence the audience. Carol and Phill will lead the camp, as their frustrations begin to boil and their narrow-minded look at Islam and real agenda to coming on the program shows, which influences the other participants from taking on the trial as seriously as they set out to do.
Will the program give a positive look on Islam, a religion often mis-portrayed in the media? Only time will tell. I’m afraid this project could actually backfire on the imam’s initial vision. We know the life of television with its editing and rating-priority stands in favour of sensationalism. This means the audience may come out of the program having more hatred and less understanding towards Islam as when they first watched the program. It may create more of a divide in British society. It may leave British Muslims even more frustrated at the prospect of having a program which could have been in their favour actually not be in their favour at all. It all depends on what the Channel 4 producers want. And their decision on the program’s direction may make non-Muslims say no to the option “Make me a Muslim”.
Fully agree with everything you’ve said on here, and I didn’t really like the people they chose to portray islam on the show. Very well written and I think I’ll link to you on this one.
BTW are you able to say more about your ’special invitation’ to watch the show before it was aired?
piniyini
December 17, 2007 at 1:54 am
You are absolutely right Unique, even though the participants chose to volunteer at their free will, I see this more as a “Survivor Series”.
I have a friend who is proud to successfully have people embrace Islam – including his wife.
But his methods in the past were quite controversial according to me and several others. If he was introduced to a complete stranger, and was told that that person was interested in learning about Islam, within a span of only 10 to 15 minutes, he would go on non-stop, to talk about Islam, compare it to that person’s religion, explain its benefits etc.
Towards the end, he would say, “Now repeat after me – There is no God” —, “but Allah” — “and Muhammad is his Messenger” —– “You are purified of all your sins. You are a Muslim now”.
The look on that complete stranger would be priceless. What had just happened !
I’ll never forget the words of a revert to Islam, who said, “I searched the truth for several years and I found it in Islam and I spent many more years studying it. When I embraced Islam, all of a sudden, everything became Haram – and it came from within the Muslim community.
My parents kept a dog and one day, two Muslims visited me. As soon as they saw the dog, they shrieked, ‘Haram – Haram’ and vigorously pointed their fingers. The poor dog just stared, not able to figure out what his fault was !”
And I think this is exactly what is happening in this show.
Speaking of Dawn tight clothing, our MSA campaigned last year among the boys to baggy-up their clothing. It was quite a success !
Jaffer
December 17, 2007 at 2:09 am
pini, thank you
you’re very welcome to link away. I’m not sure I understand your question? You can e-mail me inshallah if you have any more questions. You can watch it online btw!
Jaffer, LOL! You are hillarious, I like
I agree it’s going to look like a survivors series. I wonder if it will get any coverage in the media, “hereos for standing up to Islam”
How do boys baggy-up their clothing? What did they turn up wearing the next day? hehe, mashallah.
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 2:22 am
Well, the campaign was targeted at a few fashion-consious guys. It was only a message to tone it down !
Most wear loose fitting jeans and long sleeved sweatshirts. Its cold up here anyways during the school year !
Jaffer
December 17, 2007 at 2:32 am
Yup spot on with everything there Unique. I don’t think the Imam who spoke to Luke was best suited for the conversation but their shopping trip was fantastic! “Value for money, buy a second for 9.99!”
I noticed they didn’t really focus on the family this week which was a tad disappointing because they seemed like they were quite up for it. Maybe we’ll see them next time.
I also didn’t agree with the style of clothing they chose for the glamour model, modest clothing doesn’t have to be Asian/Middle Eastern, what was wrong with taking her to a normal shop on the high street and simply choosing something decent? It was too much to ask, especially from someone who isn’t used to wearing sleeves never mind a kameez.
Finding a wife for Luke, bleurgh :s Definitely a producer’s decision.
mishymoshy
December 17, 2007 at 2:35 am
Jaffer, I forgot to write how sad I find it with the brothers who were pointing at the dog harshly. I mean, there has to be understanding and mercy! Poor puppy, poor guy too!
Mishmoshy, you’re so right with the asian clothes, I remember saying that out loud “you don’t have to go to an asian shop to wear modest clothing”. I forgot to write this in the review though, hehe. Thanks for including it
About the 9.99 thing, I laughed so hard! That imam is just too funny, I really don’t understand how he got on the show.
Thank you so much for writing in!
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 2:47 am
It was quite halairious when he said it standing leaning onto his side, left foot on his right knee, right hand covering his mouth, pointing with his felt hand finger, expression of fear on his face and shreaking, “A’udhubillah ! A dog ! Haram ! HARAAM !”
This was over 6 years ago but I remember it clearly because my friends couldn’t stop talking about it !
Jaffer
December 17, 2007 at 3:07 am
I think my review was more or less along the lines of yours: Can I Make You A Muslim?.
I haven’t seen the last two episodes though, so no idea if it will get any better… i hate to be pessimistic, but i doubt it!
iMuslim
December 17, 2007 at 3:08 am
Jaffer, this is what I’m afraid of in the show, one of the imams doesn’t really explain things tactfully, which you have to do when talking to another person who doesn’t know anything about Islam. I mean there’s a hadith where the Prophet said he would talk to someone according to their own knowledge. Oh well!
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 3:16 am
iMuslim thanks for sharing
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 3:19 am
Salaam walekum!
I agree with you: the idea that a non-Muslim needs to jump into a strictly devout Muslim lifestyle isn’t a good idea. It’s not a good idea to require this of new reverts, nor is it a good idea to require this of non-Muslims! It skews the idea of Muslims, building up this image that we are always practicing, never faltering, never having problems or letting our problems interfere with our faith. That’s what makes us HUMAN, it’s important! We all mess up from time to time!
Muslimah Media Watch
December 17, 2007 at 8:07 am
UM, please keep us posted about this show. I’d love to know how its effect on people turns out… Ironic scenes are very shocking actually and it is “a, b , c” Islam.
Sara
December 17, 2007 at 8:13 am
unique, I have wonderful news!! read my blog!!! i’m so happy!!!
youngMuslimah
December 17, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Just came across am interesting review of the programme:
http://maqasid.wordpress.com/2007/12/17/m3-make-me-a-muslim-comments-by-sidi-abu-muhammad/
Muslimun
December 17, 2007 at 3:34 pm
MMW, exactly! This is what worries me, people will be more confused when watching. Thanks for your comment
Sara, thanks for commenting sis
Sure inshallah! Exactly, abc seems to be forgotten in certain parts of the show…
youngMuslimah, where, where?! I’m there but there’s nothing about good news! Email pronto bella!
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Thank you for the link Muslimun, it is a good review in terms of analysing the incorrections of the show in detail via an islamic perspective.
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 3:38 pm
looks like blogger didnt publish my post:( i’m trying again now, check again. hehhe dont get tooooooo excited, its not abt me, but abt us WOMEN. abt justice .
youngMuslimah
December 17, 2007 at 5:36 pm
asalam alaykum , I live in the UK and I only found out about the show to day , inshallah will be watching it to day , prety shocked by what you said about the muhammad guy, how did you get the dvd ? man your in america you guys even manage to get our documentarys.:P
amal
December 17, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Youngie, I’ll check it out
Amal, you’ll be able to see it online if you missed any!
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 10:37 pm
I dont see the point of the programme. At all. Having them dress like a Muslim (what was wrong with that gay guys clothes? Seemed fine to me!), pray like Muslims and eat/sleep like them doesn’t mean they’ll begin to understand why we do what we do. You need conviction and faith for that. Them banging their head off the ground is just as useful as having me being baptised. The act in itself means (or would mean) nothing to me, I hold no value to it although I can understand it has meaning to those with that belief system. But to me its not.
Carol would be better of becoming “desi” if she wants to “win over” her bf’s parents – that usually does it for most desi parents who’s children are cavorting around with a gori/gora!
2nd part is on tonight. I’m going to watch it to see how bad it actually gets.
Can you imagine a Muslim going on a TV show called “Make Me a Xian?” I thought not. So much for interfaith dialogue eh. These TV channels have got to have another agenda for half of these Muslim orientated programmes they’ve been airing lately….such a poor technique to encourage understanding and accepting religious differences.
Sumera
December 17, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Sumera, exactly! Maybe someone will learn something, but in general its really pushing it.
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 11:43 pm
i totally agree. it was such a shame watching a programme that had all the right intentions yet going about it in a completely wrong manner. yet another chance for bigoted narrow-minded individuals to slate Islam and Muslims. ‘Twas a great shame!
rummage
December 17, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Yup rummage, it’s very sad. You might get more annoyed when you watch the 2nd and last episode!
Unique Muslimah
December 17, 2007 at 11:54 pm
So all in all it was a very poorly done Reality TV show. Something along the order of How the Other Half Lives.
Sad and exploitive.
Ya Haqq!
Irving
December 18, 2007 at 1:53 am
Welcome to my blog Irving!
I’ve seen you around and love the sign off signature you have, Ya Haqq! Has inspired me to think off a sign of signature, something unique like yours, but haven’t come to a conclusion yet!
About the show, yup. That’s about it. The 2nd episode is even more frustrating because you can clearly see tension and friction rising. Of course the producers are loving this, it brings in more ratings!
Jazak Allah Kheir for stopping by!
Unique Muslimah
December 18, 2007 at 2:25 am
Salaam Alaikum,
I know the sister involved Dawn and was talking to her tonight about the show. I am a bit disappointed by your remarks about how she was dressed, a muslim women is more then just her clothes and people do have different concepts of modest clothes for different reasons.
I guess this show is a UK equivalent of the “Muslim for 30 days show”, compared to that, I think Make Me a Muslim is doing a better job.
I think the title is a bit odd. ‘3 weeks as a Muslim’ would be more accurate but less alliterative.
Anyway, if you email me Unique, I can tell you a bit more and forward your concerns to Dawn.
Safiya Outlines
December 18, 2007 at 3:50 am
Such a disgrace
. Where can I watch the video’s online? Link, please 
??
Wow, I’m like the 27th to comment. I normally make it somewhere around the first fews.
(BTW, What’s youngMuslimah’s website?? If she doesn’t mind??)
AsianPranksta
December 18, 2007 at 4:10 am
Safiya, I did not mean any disrespect towards Dawn. I know we all have different ideas of modesty, but if you say don’t wear tight clothing to someone and you’re making them wear long shirts and long skirts, it means you shouldn’t wear tight clothes either (episode 1, tight jeans with short top and neck showing at the back), for the sake of being a role model. Like practicing what you preach. I would appreciate it if readers didn’t take my words out of context.
Perhaps you are disappointed because you feel you must defend someone you know, but I don’t think that should get in the way of being true to what Islam tells us about modesty. Barak Allah feeki for getting in touch!
Safsaf, the video should be somewhere online, I can’t get to the link right now…sorry! Young Muslimah’s site is on my blogroll which you can find on my facebook!
Unique Muslimah
December 18, 2007 at 4:21 am
Though i didn’t appreciate the first installment, I actually thought tonight’s episode was a lot better, masha’Allah… have written a second review… would be interested to see if you agree or disgree with my sentiment!
iMuslim
December 18, 2007 at 5:04 am
Does it air everyday at 8?
Yikess!!! They have to PRAY??? But they’re not Muslims, how can they pray?
-Zainab
Zainab
December 18, 2007 at 7:43 am
A good thing to keep in mind when watching shows like this is that they are entertainment masquerading as documentaries.
Quite often the producers of such shows pick volitile quirky people to feature in their shows because of the conflict that they will cause. Many TV producers seem to think that entertainment can’t exsist without conflict.
razzbuffnik
December 18, 2007 at 11:02 am
Zainab, good question! There are a lot of strange things happening in the show. According to the site it’s being aired every day at 8, since Sunday. I think today would be the last episode.
Razzbuffnik, so true! It’s like big brother and the likes. They think it will attract more audiences. Thanks for commenting!
Unique Muslimah
December 18, 2007 at 3:52 pm
If you want to watch make me a muslim on-line you can do so through 4 on demand on channel 4’s website which allows you to watch TV from the past 7 days for free. If you’re not in the UK or don’t want to download 4od then you can see the first episode here (its only part 1 but its not hard to find the following videos. I imagine episode 2 will be up soon): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNB6mAF1tO4
Sadly the user who uploaded it has the name “atheistmedia” and the comments on the video are…scary
mishymoshy
December 18, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Someone I know made the same comment you did about Dawn, Unique. For the most part Dawn was wandering about in tight trousers and a hippy hijaab (neck on show, and bosom’s obvious to all) and then snapped at Carol for not wearing hijaab properly.
Ha!
Sumera
December 18, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Only decent trainer out of the lot of them is Ajmel. I like him, he listens, is patient and explains things simple enough in small digestable pieces.
Sumera
December 18, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Thank you Sumera for backing me up. This was my point.
Ajmel is the main leader right? He is cool masha’allah.
Thanks mishymoshy!
Unique Muslimah
December 19, 2007 at 1:15 am
Never heard of this serial ………..
Which channel ?
Maryam
December 19, 2007 at 1:36 am
Dinara
December 19, 2007 at 2:14 am
This sounds really interesting but the confusion aspect worries me. Keep us updated inshaAllah.
Mona
December 19, 2007 at 10:38 am
Being a non Muslim, I thought it was fascinating. The non Muslims came across largely as narrow minded, immature and embarrassingly gross.
The only person who seemed to embrace the challenge was Luke, who was problably the least likely at first.
I would love to see a ”one month on” or something to see where everyone is now
Anna
December 19, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Maryam, it’s on channel 4 and you can see it online!
Dinara, thanks!
Mona, don’t worry too much inshallah
Anna, that’s really great. I did believe the participants were immature and narrow-minded, but I think it reflects the demographic that the show was targetting, you know? I’d really like to see a follow up too! Thanks for commenting
Unique Muslimah
December 19, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Hi All,
As a non Muslim, I found the program quite interesting – Although I did cringe at the way some of the non Muslims went on.
I also feel if the other three trainers where more like Ajmel (very calm, smartly dressed and understanding) it would have portrayed Islam as a more understanding and less restrictive religion as it came across at times (to me anyhow).
Overall enjoyed the little insight into the religion – I especially liked how Phil changed his views after working in the shop. This is what we all need, better mixing and communication which would show that we are all very similar in many ways.
Regards
Dave
Dave
December 19, 2007 at 9:34 pm
I found the kermit comment quite funny. And I agreed with Carol, those swimming costumes were hideous
Sumera
December 20, 2007 at 12:23 am
Thank you Dave for your lovely comment. I also wish the others were like Ajmel. I’m glad you learnt a little about how Muslims live.
Sumera, there were a few approaches to the show which I found would not really be used by “real” muslims! I’d never wear those kinda swimming suits for example
There are more nicer styles!
Unique Muslimah
December 20, 2007 at 12:43 am
I agree with your post Unique, i watched the second show and was cringing most of the way through! I really didn’t feel it was the right way to teach people about Islam. Maybe it would have been better if they lived with a Muslim family or something.. i think they did a show like that in the US?
Hayah
December 22, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Hayah, thanks for your comment
I do remember a show about 30 days being a Muslim! Muslims and non-Muslims I spoke to found this MMM show quite provocative.
Unique Muslimah
December 22, 2007 at 10:03 pm
assalamalaikum..
i watched the programme “make me a muslim”..it was vry different and a good attempt to open the norm of being a muslim..however the role models were not the best of choice…some how made islam look more fanatical…
i was happy with some of the way peple changed their minds about islam…
however the fact that some british people were screaming in the mosque..was totally wrong..how intolerant and rude to so in a religious place of worship..as a muslim would u do that in a church or guradwara…no because islam says tolerance and respect for evry bodies religion..
ajmal was fantastic and at the end of the day..i do feel that if not everyone it definatly changed or softened some peoples views about islam…
thank you
Nighat Abbasi
December 23, 2007 at 12:05 am
Thank you for your comment Nighat!
Unique Muslimah
December 26, 2007 at 10:38 pm
ME N MY FRIENDS ARE WORKIN TOWARDS THIS PROJECTT, OF BEING YOUNG, BRITISH AND MUSLIM WHICH WE IDEALY WANT TO BROADCAST ON TV, AS LATELY MODERN TECHNOLOGY IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET PEOPLE’S ATTENTIONS,.. LIKE WE KNOW WE OBVIOUSLY CANT MAKE A HUGE MASSIVE DIFFERENCE IN THIS DIVERSED SOCIETY, BUT WE FEEL RESPONISBLE FOR THE THINGS HAPPENING AROUND US, LIKE THE WAY ISLAM IS GENERALLY MISUNDERSTOOD AND MISREPRENTED IN CONTEMPORARY WESTERN SOCIETIES, AND WE JUST WANT TO LIKE JUST SHED LIGHT ON ISLAM AND DISPELL MANY OF THE PREVAILING MISCONCEPTIONS. WE WANT TO FOCUS ON VARIOUS OF AREAS, LIKE THE MOST COMMON ASKED QUESTIONS, “ARE MUSLIM TERRORISTS?”, “WHY DO MUSLIM WOMEN WEAR THE VEIL” “DOES ISLAM OPPRESSS WOMEN”, “DOES FAITH HAVE AN IMPACT ON A PERSON’S ACTIONS,?” “DOES RELIGION HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON YOUTH CRIME”, “YOUTH CRIME HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT ISSUE OF TODAYS SOCIETY, CAN RELIGION HAVE AN IMPACT/INFLUENCE TOWARDS IT..ETC ETC..
SOO REALLY WE JUST WANT TO TRY AND GET PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THE ACTUAL TRUTH AND CONCEPT OF ISLAM.. LIKE LATELY SAY IF A MUSLIM MAN DOES AN OFFENCE, IS ISLAM THAT GOES TO TRIAL, YOU DON’T SEE THAT HAPPENNING WITH MODERN FAITHS,E.G. CHRISTIANITY. SO ITS COMPLETELY UNFAIR TO JUDGE ISLAM BY THE WRONGDOINGS OF SOME, MISGUIDED OR IGNORANT MUSLIMS, OR BY THE DETORIATING CONDITIONS OF MUSLIMS AND THE BLATANT CORRUPTION THAT PERVADES THE MUSLIM WORLD. IT’S LIKE JUDGING THE CAR TO BE BAD BECAUSE THE DRIVER IS DRUNK AND HE CRASHES INTO A WALL.
THE MAIN QUESTION THAT SHOULD BE POSED TO ISLAM AND TERRORISM,, IS THAT “DOES THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM ENCOURAGE TERRORISM?” IT SURE DOESNTT BECAUSE ISLAM PROHIBITS ALL TERRORIST ACTS.
SO THEREFORE, IF ANYBODY’S INTERESTED PLEASE DONT HESISTATE TO CONTACT ME, I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL AND ALSO DO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS ON WHAT YOU THINK OF IT. THANK-YOU!
MuslimSisters
December 27, 2007 at 12:05 am
I’m interested! Email me inshallah
Oh wait, you have! I’ll reply 
Unique Muslimah
December 27, 2007 at 12:15 am
Thanks for your review. I just caught the program tonight. I thought that other than Imam Ajmal the other 3 mentors were unhelpful. The other two men weren’t familiar enough with non-Muslim British life to be able to put themselves in the participants places enough to reach them. And Dawn, was too dogmatic and I think came off to the women as self-righteous. Things might have worked better for her with them had she told them her conversion story – and overall if there was less emphasis on rules and more on the transformative nature of Islam and spirituality.
I found it interesting that Luke, the gay character was actually quite willing to embrace Islam – but that none of the mentors could talk with him sensibly about his sexuality.
One of them confused gender and sexual orientation – one of them tried to marry him off – neither could get where he was coming from.
I really disliked Carla, as on the one hand she would say she was trying to learn about Islam but then in the next breath would slam it and worse attempt to subvert the rest of the group. I don’t think she really is ready to meet Ash(raf?)’s parents.
Hafsa
December 31, 2007 at 6:52 am
Also, no one on the show adequately addressed the whole modest dress issue – actually what I should say is that the “modern” Imam talked coherently about it in his voice-overs but we never saw him really confront the women’s questions about it on the program.
Hafsa
December 31, 2007 at 6:54 am
I had no issue with Dawn’s clothing – since there are a range of acceptable modest styles/clothing and she is obviously a practicing Muslima.
Hafsa
December 31, 2007 at 7:12 am
Thank you for your comment Hafsa! It’s great to see how other people found the show!
Unique Muslimah
December 31, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Good review. I think it is hugely important in the media age we live in to be sufficiently critical of what we are viewing and I feel that in that case of ‘Make me a Muslim’ parts 1,2 and 3 that is definitely true. How much of any ‘reality’ tv show is reality? As somebody who has been reading about Islam for over 2 years now and who is considering converting I felt that there were lots of ‘mistakes’ in the show that were actually engineered.
For example why did the women cover their faces when they were going into the streets to invite people to their festival, firstly how many Muslim women actually wear niqab? Secondly how would such an appearance encourage people who know little or nothing of Islam to come to an Islamic event in Harrogate?
Secondly whether it was due to editing or deliberate choice of person, Dawn, God bless her was made to look like an uncompassionate, angry woman who didn’t want anyone to enjoy themselves, which would seem to reinforce many stereotypes that the West propounds about the ‘oppressed, miserable and covered Muslim woman’, this was expertly juxtaposed by comments from the indispensable ‘glamour’ model participant, “I would rather walk the streets in a bikini than cover my hair”. If the makers of the programme were being truly objective couldn’t they have found a Muslim woman who was joyful, understanding and compassionate to act as a mentor, the only glimpse we saw of that was the female Muslim party planner, she seemed really calm and fun it would have been nice to have more of that in the programme, why not have a female imam even in the programme?
I would echo the sentiment that they should have used the various mentors more judiciously, the ‘find the gay man a wife on the hightstreet’ was beyond ridiculous, it was like some sick ‘streemate Islam style with a very loud convert as the host instead of Davina McCall”, which again reinforced preconceptions that non Muslims have that all Islamic marriages are arranged and not based on mutual love, respect and equality. The same goes for allowing the less fluent imam tackle the issue of the homosexual participant, I think Ajmaal would have explained the logic behind the ban on homosexuality in Islam far better than the other imam was able to.
Again as somebody who is not a Muslim I felt that they should have focused more upon the existence of God and the beauty of Islam rather than reducing Islam to its rituals, which of course have their place but are meaningless if not attached to spirituality and the love of God, explaining God’s mercy and love would have been far more effective than focussing for 10 minutes upon the necessity of washing ones privates after using the toilet! I think the programme unfortunately served to exacerbate many misconceptions about Islam and missed some vital opportunities to demystify others, but I guess that is not really what boosts television ratings.
Sabha
January 5, 2008 at 4:56 am
ps I totally agree with what Sumera said, the kermit joke was hilarious and a good opportunity for Dawn to lighten up and relate to the other girls, what was the message muslim women shouldn’t laugh and enjoy themselves?
Sabha
January 5, 2008 at 5:14 am
Sabha, lovely comment, I really enjoyed what you had to say. Many of us feel it was just an exaggerated show to bring in the ratings. Lots of us did not agree with many of the tactics used. But like you said, that’s what boosts television ratings! I hope people don’t take it as a literal look at how Muslims are!
Unique Muslimah
January 5, 2008 at 9:42 pm
hello
I came across your blog because I’m writing an essay about the series! The essay is about many things including messages, audience perception and response. Your review and peoples’ comments have helped a great deal, thank you everyone.
On a personal note I agree with pretty much everything everyone has said and I’m really glad I picked the show to write about because through my research I’v got a much better idea about Muslim beliefs and Islam than the show gave. I hope to continue to learn more about Islam after the essay deadline because I’v found it very interesting and inspiring
sophie
January 7, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Thank you Sophie, wow that sounds so interesting! Welcome to my blog and I’m glad the post and comments helped in some way! If you have any questions just e-mail me at the top of the page there’s a link
Good luck!
Unique Muslimah
January 8, 2008 at 8:15 am
I recently discovered this program that I watched on youtube and I must say that I have same opinion as you. It’s nice to show what the Muslim religion is, but I think that all aspects have not been addressed, the period of 3 weeks is too short to explain all aspects of the Muslim religion. What is extraordinary outside irones you noticed is the fact that the majority of participants took for granted what they had learned in 3 weeks, gold if they really want to understand everything they had to continue to learn the non – Treaty during these 3 weeks.
Sorry, my English is too poor.
Can you translate your text in french, or Turkish?
sayfam
April 12, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Arrgh Unique I am being badgered by Dawn Bates herself, even so long after the show because I *dared* to express some negative views about it… why can’t people accept that they aren’t always 100% correct?
H
April 14, 2008 at 10:24 pm
[...] did a little googling and found a review from the program “Make me a Muslim” and it appears they took issue with that program just as we do with this one. A vast number of [...]
mnphysicists theological blog » will |u| be a disciple?: It was only a matter of time
August 24, 2008 at 12:03 am
Well this isn’t really a show meant to show the good side of Islam, nor the bad. Its not an Islamic conversion show either.
Like all shows – its about ratings.
The contestants they choose obviously, for those who aren’t too bright, are meant to reflect a larger portion of the demographic in London not necessarily seeking a ‘truth’ of any kind, but still game to give it a shot.
It doesn’t mean they want to convert, it doesn’t mean they are really seeking the ‘truth’.
And obviously they would have a mind of their own. Given the almost daily reports of bombings, etc etc in Pakistan, Iraq and many other countries (don’t say its the U.S. Many countries have been attacked by the U.S but they don’t respond with till this day present attacks against everything and everyone within their country and out of it.) Islam has a very bad name – let people have their thoughts and misconceptions and conceptions about things – if Islam is really the truth, people will embrace it regardless of whatever.
I personally think that you’re damned if you do, you’re damned if you don’t.
When they make a show to show Islamic life to people, Muslims complain.
When they don’t – its xenophobic.
If they criticize – out comes the riots, death threats, threats, complaints.
C’mon people. Give others a fair go. Islam is not the only religion in the world. You can’t expect everything to go exactly the way you want it.
DY
April 3, 2009 at 5:23 am