Dubai: The month of Ramadan is often associated with the many works that regularly appear on Arabic screens. However, this year one show is standing out from the pack.
Currently being shown on MBC TV, ‘Al Gharabeeb Sood’ (Black Crows), directed by Hussam Kassem, Adel Adib, and Hussain Shawkat, is a drama that has broken away from lighter soap operas that typically appear during Ramadan.
For the first time, the programme depicts the rise of extremism in the region from the female perspective.
They are mothers, daughters, wives, and suicide bombers.
The show tells the stories of women who are join Daesh under various circumstances — some volunteer while others were forced into joining.
The show depicts Daesh as a ruthless criminal organisation run by corrupt leaders.
According to MBC, ‘Black Crows’ tries to show how terrorist organisations prey on people’s psychological, social and behavioural weaknesses.
Some of the episodes are based on true stories.
As the show tackles controversial topics, it is only natural that the show would generate wide debate.
Viewers took to Twitter immediately after the show aired on Saturday night to voice their opinions.
Some felt the show portrayed Islam in a bad light.
@Tmaaam1972 wrote: It encourages erasing Islamic identity and erasing a united Islamic community. It only encourages a more distorted image of the religion
Others said the show promoted terrorism.
@Athought_ wrote: While governments are doing the impossible to prevent the spread of terrorist ideals, ‘Black Crows’ does exactly the opposite by promoting Daesh.
On the other hand, some believe that the drama draws attention to the organisation and their agenda.
@Abdr_Man wrote: The show is nothing but a staged cinematic production meant to disrupt reality and feed upon the fear and naivety of the innocent.
Faysal Al Mutairi said that the series was “cheap” and that it focused only on Sunnis.
“The series simply ignores the terrorism by Shiites in Al Qateef in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria and what is happening to people in Iran’s Al Ahwaz,” he posted.
Another user, writing under the moniker of Lying Liberal, said that the series was targeting Sunnis.
“The channel does not air any series or even any reports on the Shiite forces in Iraq or in Al Qateef.”
Others however dismissed critical reviews.
“To the idiots who are upset because of the series: Have the courage to speak out and say that you support Daesh. There is no need to come up with all sorts of excuses and hesitations,” Rana wrote on Twitter.
He said that Daesh was a mindset.
“The series is about Daesh and the crimes committed by its members. There is no problem since you are well aware that Daesh does not represent Islam,” Hamsa Al Gahmedia wrote.
-Aya is an intern at Gulf News
