There have been some crazy discussions about hit Turkish series Dirilis Ertugrul lately. Some people want to encourage others to watch it for the entertaining show it is. And then there are some passionate (sometimes bordering on delusional) fans who can’t seem to digest any criticism of it. Last but not the least are haters who think that Ertugrul is an attempt to veer Pakistanis into the far right.
Nonetheless, a majority of drama watchers in Pakistan can’t help but be awed by its treatment of Islamic history and teachings. But it seems that the Jamia Dar Uloom Karachi doesn’t agree with this premise.
Recently, they issued a fatwa against watching Ertugrul, or any other show that depicts Islamic history or personalities for that matter.
According to the fatwa issued by Jamia Dar Uloom Karachi, watching the drama series ‘Ertugrul Ghazi‘, is inappropriate, or any other drama matter of fact.
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According to Urdu Point, Jamia Dar Uloom Karachi’s fatwa states that:
“Presenting Islam and Islamic personalities or their deeds through dramas or video films is tantamount to tarnishing the image of these personalities themselves as misrepresentation and misinterpretation in dramas is almost inevitable. Therefore, it is not right to call it an Islamic drama or to consider it as a service to Islam by presenting the role of high profile personalities in the form of such dramas.”
People React to Fatwa against Ertugrul
The globally acclaimed show, which has also been dubbed as the ‘Turkish Games of Thrones‘, is immensely popular in Pakistan. While a lot of young people had previously seen the series on Netflix, the Urdu dubbed version, ‘Ertugrul Ghazi‘ allowed a more general Pakistani audience to enjoy the series. PTV has brought the shows to millions of households, irrespective of class and status.
As an alternative to Bollywood films, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan introduced the drama to acquaint young people with Islamic history. The series presents a positive image of Muslims with Muslim heroes, as opposed to the Muslim terrorist trope we’re used to seeing on-screen.
"Today, the Islamic world is being played one against each other with traps".
Suleman Shah's wisdom is timeless. #ertrugul pic.twitter.com/gWADq0qxC6
— The Thinking Muslim Podcast (@thinking_muslim) January 4, 2020
Jamia Dar Uloom Karachi states that such dramas ‘distort the true identity of Islam and Islamic personalities‘, which in itself is attributed to costumes, dress, and speech which is not really in the service of Islam. They are further calling series like Dirilis Ertugrul a conspiracy against Islam.
According to this, making, watching, and showing such content is a sin and Muslims must abstain from them altogether.
As per Islamic scripture, any depictions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his companions is not advised. Ertugrul is not connected to these religious figures, but rather conquerers and historic events.
As expected, people had a lot to say about that.
Chalo …as if it wasn't bad enough that the entire left was screaming about brainwashing via #ertrugul, now the Jamia Dar Ul Uloom Karachi has issued a fatwa against ertrugul on the basis that Islamic personalities should not be depicted via TV/ film. Sab aa jao manjhan baicho
— Zarrar Khuhro (@ZarrarKhuhro) July 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/malogwal/status/1283454580802621441
Jamia Dar ul Uloom, Karachi issued a fatwa against Ertugrul on the basis that Islamic personalities shouldn’t be depicted on TV. Do they even think before issuing such Fatwa’s? There are series based on Hazrat Umer (R.A) and many others but #Ertugrul is what they’re worried about
— Izzat Haroon Riaz (@izzatriaz) July 15, 2020
Later Jamia Uloom Karachi stated that their fatwa was not related to Dirilis Ertugrul but a general statement. However, the timing of the fatwa makes no sense if not issued in the context of the series.
Probably the bashing they received on social media made them change their minds
— Caesar-i-Criminology (@rafayrants) July 15, 2020
I remember a sermon by bappa jani my MIL took me to zabardasti he said TV ko ghar sey nikal k bahir https://t.co/5rrnPMvsEl MIL was adamant to throw out tv.1 yr after madni channel was launched.😳phir tv halal hogaya.
— Sabina (@sabeenbedford) July 15, 2020
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People had theories of their own on what motivated the move.
KSA getting it's money worth
— Faisal Tanwir (@FaisalTanwir) July 15, 2020
Darul uloom karachi wale to wese he saudi se fund lete hen to saudi to wese he khlaf he saltanat e usmania k. Aur kutto ka kaam to bhonkna he hota he hr dor may. Saare drame dekhna na jaiz he phr to q k us may bhe behayai he. Ertugrul may to koi romance nhi he
— Censored (@Muhammadmaaz92) July 15, 2020
Must have received a command from deoband India, who are supporting BJP.
— Qkhattana (@qkhattana) July 15, 2020
The general sentiment remains.
https://twitter.com/anshabaCool/status/1283468640738836480
Will you be watching Dirilis Ertugrul in light of these rulings by the Jamia Dar Ul Uloom?
