Canada’s CBC network recently launched a new sitcom called Little Mosque on the Prairie that centers on some Muslims who have moved to a rural part of Canada (thus the name). CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster, believes that the series will break down stereotypes and improve relations between Canada’s Christian majority and the Muslim community.
Muslim blogs and forums have been abuzz with commentary on the sitcom, with many believing that this is something of a positive step for Muslims and Islam, whilst others are less than enthusiastic about its significance. Certainly, as Aqoul have pointed out, there was lots of hype surrounding its launch, with some Imams also reported to have told their followers to make sure they watch it. It’s therefore not surprising that it drew an impressive two million viewers for the debut.
Readers can watch the entire episode below.
35 comments ↓
Since more people are actually voicing their real feelings about this show, I feel that I will not hold back on some of my true opinions about this show. I feel that this show is an attempt in making Muslims look good but in fact, it makes a mockery of Islam and the Sunnah. These are the problems that I have with this show:
1. The Music
2. The fact that the actors are not apparently Muslim by name increases my anger.
3. The Khateeb is protrayed in such a brazen and arrogant way which makes me upset.
4. The way how the Quran is recited is so perverted that I don’t know who read it. Even Microsoft Sam reads better. I can’t beleive the recitation goes like this: Illalazina aamanu wa amilu salihaat wata wa so bil khusr wata waso bi sabr. They totally changed the meaning: Except the believers that that do good deeds and enjoin the truth and patience is changed to “enjoining loss and patience”. AUTHOBILLAH Changing the words of Allah!!!!!
5. The fact that they women were sitting “SO CLOSE” to the men is an abomination. Although I don’t dispute and deny that there are some scholars that say that a wall is not necessary (I don’t follow this opinion), BUT, i must say that that people talking during the Khutbah is unacceptable.
6. You can tell that the way how the people were praying were like “new Muslims”.
7. And if the Khatib was truly a “scholar”, I don’t know how the producer and director got the actors “to mock” the khateeb. Well thanks, thats how we muslims treat our “scholars”!!!
8. The show disgusts me so much when the contractor makes is look like as if “muslims” are ashamed of their religion and must “register” with the church under a some name. This shows that Muslims are sly, cunning and deceiving.
9. The sister in the pink without socks? Well i don’t know if she is even muslim or not in real life but sure doesn’t give a good impression of being a “wannabe” muslim.
“His sermons are going to drive me to drink alcohol.” - I want hurl. First of all, she’s not obligated to come for jumuah, firstly in the sense that’s i don’t know if she’s a muslim. Secondly, I think that they don’t have the concept that the sunnah says that Muslim women are prefered to stay at home. Thirdly, the fact that she comes, OKAY, but she doesn’t need to make such a comment.
10. The clean shaven imam (forget about the beard) and speaking like that on the phone to his parents like that is very rude and brazen. How dare he say, “don’t put dad on the phone.”
11. The imam that doesn’t pay attention to his “choice of words” in public shows how “dumb and brazen” muslim “rabbis” are.
12. To juxtapose an Imam with the notion of a priest and rabbi is disgusting and revolting.
13. There are 2 Takbeers between the ruku and “samiallah liman hamidah”
14. A music ‘going’ on during “samia Allahu liman hamidah”
15. The opening song is so retarded: OH MY NIGHT, my lover, lover.
16. “A goat is a bearded garburator and so is your husband” - To mock someone’s beard like that is sick. Indirectly mocking the sunnah but at least Muslims should not be making fun of other peoples husbands and their beards! Also, to protray “iftar” food as a garburator is mocking food. How dare they mock food when so many people are hungry on earth.
17. “We do not break the fast out front”. - Ashamed from being Muslim. Why do we need a sign. - Ashamed from Islam.
18. “praying for business to pick up. We can use the laundry room to wash the dead bodies.” Lying and stupidity.
19. Because the contractor “listed” themselves as contractors, they “ruined” the “imam” trying to prove his case to the police.
20. The Reverand with the new contract “shows us” as people that are shady and the Kuffar as the “clear transparent” people that want to make their contracts and agreement transparent. Well…shame on us.
21. “Tell me I’m adopted”. Shame on that daughter.
22. “Would you like to tell Jesus or I?” disrepect on the Prophet Jesus. Authobillah.
23. Kicking out the old imam is not nice. (apparently, he was fired without notice).
24. “Loopholes”. YES, we muslims are “sly and cunning and looking for loopholes.” God help
25. So when did Non HIjabi women come to advise the mosque when it comes to moving the month of ramadan to december for shopping!
26. I didn’t know that “shura” involved all people. Shura according to the sharia are with the scholars and experts, not everyone. (Islamic view of democracy.)
27. “I’ve learned a lot of humility and if I may do say so myself.” An oxymoron. SICK!!!
28. So that’s so good. The reverand holding the arm of the wife of the contractor. Real GOOD!!! Keep it up.
29. Deception towards the Imam when it comes to salary. I want to hurl. Grab a bucket.
30. The worst is the way how that girl was talking to the imam. “Semi-Flirting!” “Progressive Imam”- YUCK
There! These are my thoughts. No offense intended towards anyone
There are some things that I did not agree with or that were I did not feel an accurate portrayal of Muslims in America in terms of norms (like the imam shook hands with that one lady?)… but given the different audiences and the balances the show has to ensure, I think the show is excellent and fulfills its objective of briging gaps and trying to shatter misconceptions about Muslims.
I think the show is great.
This show rocks!
Keep it up
This isn’t about showing Muslims in a good light, it’s about selling advertising and CBC know that they can hype something like this up easily. It’s a pity they didn’t spend as much energy in developing the jokes as they did in PR because this was lamer than an Azhar Usman show. I really struggled to watch the whole thing and I was cringing for most of it. I’ve got nothing against comedy but call me weird but I like my comedy to be funny.
Also, how long can they keep going with the bomb and terrorist jokes? At some point they are just going to run out and then what? I suspect there will be a lot of pressure for them to be more and more risque and push the evelope in order to maintain the hype.
Is it just me
but I think the title is very creative. It is oddly reminiscent of “Sheep in the Big City”. Aside from the usual criticism, I think this venture should be encouraged. But I agree with Critic on the dumb terrorist jokes. They need to improve this show on a lot of levels. And please raise the laugh-o-metre a bit high because I’m finding it difficult…never been one for the slipstack humour. Send in the clowns.
I can’t see it being overly successful, but I think, despite the faults (the major one being that it’s not written terribly well and is overall not very funny for a sitcom), it’s one of the better attempts at giving Muslims some representation on television.
I haven’t watched it but may just to see what all the fuss is about but in general I can’t stand sitcoms, give me a good tennis match or formula one race anyday.
There is no doubt that humour has a powerful affect on people; you can break down barriers and win hearts by laughter much quicker than most other approaches. And one of the great things about comedy is that you can be offensive (without consequence, most of the time) - which is what makes it so funny. So it would have been a perfect opportunity to implement this instead of trying too hard in proving that Muslims are in fact [newsflash] normal people with a sense of humour, just like everyone else. That is why ‘Little Mosque on the Prairie’ is more suited to the non-Muslim audience than the Muslim one. And that is why it is more accommodating than it is funny.
Having said that, it’s a good start and will pave the way for more sophisticated Muslim sitcoms insha’Allah.
Are people aware that “Little Mosque on the Prairie” is a parody of “Little House on the Prairie” which was an extremely popular, squeaky-clean, apple-pie series about American settlers?
Yes we are aware, thanks Albert.
I remember watching it growing up, it was heart-breaking when the oldest girl went blind…now that’s good TV.
[…] Zarqa Nawaz, the woman behind the documentary, “The Mosque and Me” has just produced and released a sitcom that’s supposed to put a humorous spin on post 9/11 life. After a lot of media fan-fare, teasers during the airing of ”Pirates of the Carribean” (a sure draw) and other shows, and a promotional event involving camels and shawarma in Toronto, it first aired on January 8. When it actually came out, it wasn’t all that funny, wasn’t all that edgy, wasn’t all that great. I told myself, I’m not gonna talk about it, because everyone else will, so I won’t. And I don’t have to. A commenter on austrolabe very thoroughly sums up all the possible ways it could offend muslims, and overall, it’s just not a very funny sitcom. Because when you are trying not to offend anybody, your aren’t doing your job, and you aren’t very funny. Ask Russell Peters. […]
I think it’s a great show. I can put up with things I am familiar with as a Muslim and wonder how non-Muslims will understand it.
Come on, a joke like “Canadian Idol, American Idol…I say all idols should be abolished” [Babar] is funny! Laugh, people!
Non-Muslims are finally learning what woudu is and what taking teqbir means..My friends sent me MSN messages throughout the week after the show asking me what this word or that word meant…I had never gotten that attention before about the technicailities of being a Muslim.
Besides, how else will you get a bunch of cynics to finally know something about the religion of their neighbours? The time of “here, sit down, i’ll tell you all about Islam” is drifting away. Humour is a great way to get people’s attention and the Little Mosque humour is just the right kind… keep it up
For me, its more like the “weird mosque on the prairie”, not the little one… Arber, very little here represents true Muslim practices, they could have been more accurate, and still funny.
Maybe its the I-am-just-like Muslim syndrome.
Musings of a Muslim Mind
Watched the second episode, I change my mind
I do not watch television, but I do listen to C.B.C. Radio, and have been made aware of the show; after many on-air interviews with the programme’s producers and writers, and C.B.C. Radio reports of international coverage.
Many clips were played on C.B.C. Radio during this time, and I have to admit to thinking that the concept of the show is intriguing, the gags (not to mention the borrowed title) are somewhat lame. The only memorable line, for me, was the protestant/prostitute business. (note: Ex Ex Blogger did not find that offensive)
I have to agree that most of the previous posters have valid observations, except for the Ex-Ex Blogger guy, who seems to be humourless and overly touchy.
Perhaps the show will become more edgy and dynamic. If it doesn’t, it will be another “Trouble With Tracy”
I felt the show is brilliant and some parts were quite funny. It establishes and portrays (quite well) a North American Muslim culture and the issues that we do face.
I came to this site because I love the music on the show, and not being either Muslim or even Asian, I have no idea whether or not it’s appropriate for a show about Muslims.
but — I have read the comments above, and I’d just like to present my view, as a non-Muslim non-Asian.
There’s a whole lot of prejudice and fear out there. I don’t think that anyone expects this show to give a true representative of Muslims, and anyway, all Muslims are not identical. The show also has to be something that people are prepared to watch a second time. It has some interesting characters, some humorous dialogue, and some conflicts. What it really is good at, I think, is showing people who don’t know any Muslims personally that people are all just people. They have different religious beliefs and traditions, but they all want the same things out of life.
To the Muslim fellow who was so upset about how the show is not an accurate portrayal — remember — you are not the target audience. Most viewers will not have any idea of the inaccuracies — they are going to be reacting to much more obvious things about the show.
I’m really glad to see a show of this nature, especially when the political climate has been so noxious.
Now … about that music ….
I forgot to write about that part (protestant-prostitute). IF I could point out the subtle issues, I most definately would be offended by that. I only forgot.
Over sensitive?
You don’t know me…
“I’m humorless?” LOL!!!
If only you knew me…I kill my workplace with jokes and laughter!!!
Brother ExEx Blogger. Judging by your comments i think you are a blog version of Babar. Seriously.
This show is great, and as Arbër said, people after seeing the show start to re-think some of their typical stereotypes and start asking questions.
Cheer up.
Thanks!
Salam alaikom
I am completely agree with Ex Ex Blogger. I felt so bad when I first watched the show. Islam is not a joke, so better not to joke with Islam. Do you really think this is the best ‘humorous way of portraying Islam? Do you really think that the prophet Mohammed would have ever portrayed Islam in that way?? The truth speaks by itself. There is not need of mocking Islam to make others laugh or understand Islam or whatever the intentions of the producers of the show are.
Showing the real Islam is showing the beauty and sweetness of Islam. But this show doesn’t portray a real Islam. Because Islam is the word of Allah, Islam is not the mockery of the words of Allah.
Remember, every single thing we do in this life will be accountable on the day of judgement, so are you going to say that you mocked Islam for a good reason? There is any good reason for mocking Islam??
ahahahah I like when Jeton said Exex Blogger is the blog version of Babar ahahah…Anyways I loved the show and I hope they produce more episodes…Few things here and there are not funny ( imam checking out the girl ewwwww) and YES WHAT KIND OF IMAM DOESNT HAVE A BEARD…as for other things I think the show really opens up conversations between muslims and non muslims; that’s the best contribution that it makes.
selaam/paqe
PS. ( jeton and arber, u guys albanian?)
You guys need to relax.. This serial is potraying a “normal, middle class muslim family/mosque” in North America. They are not saying that they are there to preach Islam to us. The comments made by “1ExEx Blogger” — good points, but u know what? baby steps…always take baby steps… no matter what you say. we have to start someplace… don’t u shake hands with women at work? follow the intention…. puh-leez….. why do u need everyone in the show to be muslim?
I think this is the biggest problem we muslims face in North America… The older generation who migrate here are forcing their culture down our throats.
Islam is a universal religion. It is not binded in any culture.
This is an light hearted comedy show about some muslims in a remote town in Canada… so what? GROW UP! Have you ever seen a pakistani serial? or egyptian or syrian serial on TV? Are they following sunnah and all? I don’t think so!
Yes, Islam is universal, but is only one. What is haram is haram what is halal is halal.
The problem is that the show mocks Islam, and any muslim unable to see it is because they don’t understand their religion. I love my religion and Allah(swa). Mockering Islam is Mockering Allah (swa). Do you like somebody mocking your mother for example? Ah, yes, it is a show, then it is permisible? is all permissible on Tv?
we can open conversations with non-muslims without mocking Islam, you don’ need to be very intelligent to understand that.
If you don’t get offended, as a muslim, when watching this show, well, you should ask yourself whether you really understand your religion or not.
If you don’t respect your own religion you are not even respecting yourself
I think you guys are making a mountain out of a molehill.
You have to realise that satire is a good way to communicate, esp when you are the minority. Nobody is saying what they are potraying is the true Islam and that by watching that series, everyone is going to become muslim… Its entertainment…Most of the people who want to be in the main stream media…esp in the so called muslim countries have dramas which are so off base from Islam, why not take up issue with that?
There is a series in Pakistan, where the guy(obviously muslim) is married to two sisters at the same time. Is this allowed? Atleast some girls in this sitcom(Little…..) wear hijab, whereas most of the pakistanis don’t. What are you doing about that? NOTHING. You know why? Coz no one is asking you and nobody cares!
I think the show is great. it shows the human side of muslims. They are just normal people who ARE NOT angels and make their mistakes and have their sins and who are not terrorists who think only of hurting the non-muslims. i think this show would probably be negatively crticised by some muslims who follow the sect of some of our great imams who are a little more conservative that others. But thats ok. We arent all alike and positive criticism can bring good things.
All in all i think the show is great …it addresses lots of questions about islamic teaching and how they r implemented today and shows different types of muslims which proves how diverse they are in order to break the stereotype view for ANY arab muslim.
I, as a muslim, think the show is great and i hope it broadens the minds of those people who really wanna find out the truth about what our islamic community is like.
I discovered this show recently. I gotta be honest with you, first episode didn’t do it for me. I was so offended, there’s no word for it. But then again as I watched into the season, I realized it is only portraying what’s happening today in our society!
I agree with most of the people here. They should tell it as it is and show us the problems they face. Meaning, anything like the Holy Quran should not be twisted. Or anything our beloved Prophet S.A.W has said. For example the first episode when they’re praying and they all turn around to see what the noise was…no, it doesn’t happen in real life. Things that do occur though are like Yasir, caring about his company more than his religion, or Baber being too strict. Rayan being such a feminist. I think it’s what we all go through in our daily life.
Hafsa, about the other serials, they may not act in a Muslim manner but they’re not trying to show us about Islam. They’re merely soap operas who are Muslim.
ExEX Blogger, I think the comments like “Tell me I’m adopted” is funny and they do not intend any disrespect.
All in all, there are flaws in the sitcom, but it’s just an attempt to show others what it’s really like being a Muslim in the West.
To Ex Ex Blogger:
You chastise the oxymoron that regarding the ‘I’m humble’ comment, and then you brazenly brag about how you ‘kill the workplace’ with your dynamite jokes? Talk about hypocracy. It’s a television show that aims to reduce fear and hatred of Islam, not a media translation of the Hadith. Not all Muslims are stoic and true to the Quran, (the same can be said of the followers of every religion). This sitcom serves as a potrayal of realistic human tendencies. Not all daughters are subjugated and obedient, not all followers are hard core and believe that women should stay at home.
Isn’t the most important teaching of Islam to love, to live in peace, to not be judgmental and most of all, just be a good human being who harms no other? All these ‘i’m going to hurl’ and ’sick’ histrionics sound like the screeching of a ranting drama queen. Settle down.
Well said, Hum.
Some posters have expressed that they feel that religion is being “mocked”.
I think it would be fair to sit back, take a deep breath, and get used to fact that we, the people, are the target of the jokes, because of our human stupidity, foolishness, and lack of trust. No pious person is above shame or scorn.
Somewhere (your deity’s name here) is laughing or crying at his/her creation.
No,no,no your faith is not a joke. Do not you understand?
Your defense of faith is questionable. You seem to posit that your view of the world is definite. I challenge this.
If the show portrays how Muslims are nowadays then we’re really in for it. This is a wake up call to Muslims - the show is how the kuffar see our way of life because this is what we show them! No wonder our ummah is in the pits. We leave the Qur’an - not even able to recite (never mind understand), the shortest of verses properly and the authentic Sunnah so we lose - big time! If Muslims mock their own religion themselves - as shown in the series, then we better get started in educating ourselves and our children and find out how we will be able to live our lives in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure for real success here and in the Hereafter.
I only ever watched the first 2 or 3 episodes, I found the show quite funny.
What is also funny is that this debate is now nearly 1 1/2 years old. Keep up the good work.
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