A regular feature where we look at the media events that affect the Muslims.
Movie Review: Assault On Precinct 13
Assault On Precinct 13 is more than Hollywood fiction. It is the best example in a long time, a perfect illustration of the state of the Ummah – under siege from all sides. Defence is in the hands of imperfect individuals. There is no time to train, no time to contemplate, no time to get the basics right first.
How an individual dresses or behaves or the values s/he holds are irrelevant. It’s quite simply a case of improvise or get slaughtered left, right and centre. When death stares you in the face, the enemy await outside and your life is on the line- it is amazing how easily personal differences are set aside.
Excuses, laziness and rhetoric vanish instantly and are replaced with the survival instinct: adrenaline, urgency and action. The fighting spirit emerges without discriminating between man or woman, learned or ignorant, trained or untrained.
The question is this: if a “Shia”, a “Salafi”, a “Tablighi” a “Brelwi” a “wahabi” plus any other individual found themselves under siege in an Assault On Precinct 13, with their lives in danger, how would they react? What if one of these individuals was not “practising”, another not having a Sunnah beard, another without his/her trousers above the ankles?
Or someone you totally disagreed with? Would it make any difference? And what if there was a woman amongst the men – would she be expected to take up the fight? How about a non-Muslim? Would s/he be included?
Of course! They would unite, fight and settle their differences later. So why do the majority of Muslims not see the wider picture? We are under siege. The Ummah is under attack from the media, politicians and secularism yet we remain blind to all of this.
We focus on our small differences and do not stick together to fight and answer those who are damaging our deen. UK Muslims would do well to watch Assault on Precinct 13 and apply the fiction to the fact.
To end with a quote from the film, “The problem is outside, not inside. Put the gun down Jasper!”
Director: Jean-Francois Richet
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Laurence Fishburne, Gabriel Bryne, Ja Rule
Showing in cinema since January.
Shariah TV
Another series of Shariah TV is coming soon on Channel 4. There will be a panel of Scholars who will be answering questions to a studio audience. It is a unique series of programmes where Muslims can ask questions and discuss the everyday issues about Islam on mainstream TV. For further details see:
http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/S/shariahtv/
Kingdom Of Heaven
Ridley Scott's 'Kingdom Of Heaven' will be out in cinemas around the 6th of may. It is based on the crusades between the Muslims and Christians in the 11th Century onwards.
If you watch this film then send us your review. Also you can have your say on this movie on The Revival Forums.
Islamic TV Channels
Muslims are quickly setting up their own media. In terms of broadcasting media Muslims have a Muslim channel called Islam Channel (sky: 836). It caters for the English speaking audience and covers a variety of programmes for Muslims. For more details see: http://www.islamchannel.tv
There will be another Muslim Channel in the UK called Bridges TV. Bridges TV states on their website: ‘An unprecedented new British Muslim Television Network called Bridges TV will launch soon following the successful launch in North America. Bridges TV was set up to help dispel the stereotypes and misinformation being propagated about Muslims on the airwaves.’
For full details see: www.bridgestv.co.uk
Don’t Moan - Take Action!
The Media: Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. It’s a part of your life. So if you watch a programme on the telly or read an article in the papers that you’re not happy with then don’t just sit there sulking- take action!
Over the last few months there have been many programmes and articles on mainstream media about Islam and the Muslims.
You may remember the documentary ‘Pakistani Actually’; several programmes on torture in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay and controversial documentaries on Muslim marriages.
Did your blood boil? Did you chuck something at the telly or did you have a good moan with your mates? Well now do something useful and analyse the media and if you are offended then make an official complaint!
Visit The Revival website for full details on how to make a complaint and take action