Ibraheem Ladi Amosa
In many Nigerian films, sensitive issues such as religion, gender, culture, and identity often come to the forefront, sparking public debate.
However, filmmakers from both northern and southern regions frequently perpetuate stereotypes while neglecting more profound, troubling issues that could advance our nation.
The influence of movies on Islam in Nigeria is significant. Whenever scholars advocate the pure teachings of Islam, filmmakers undermine them; when scholars tighten a principle, filmmakers loosen it.
We see daily degeneration in our youth as they imitate what they see on screen. As the saying goes, “A tree is not brought down by the axe but by the termites within.”
Our strength as a Muslim community is eroded not by external adversaries but by internal discord. Within the movie industry, Muslim actors, actresses, and musicians often prioritise financial gain over their religious duties.
Many are unaware of the Islamic guidelines that govern their profession, and scholars may either ignore or fear confronting them due to their fame.
We must guide them away from un-Islamic practices, so they can contribute positively to Islam rather than causing harm unknowingly.
Recently, the Muslim community in Nigeria expressed outrage over a film poster showing actresses robbing a bank while wearing Niqabs.
This anti-Muslim film depicts women in niqab wielding weapons and committing crimes, an overt act of Islamophobia. It is reprehensible and offensive.
Previously, a music video portrayed Fulanis and Muslims as killers and featured women in hijabs engaging in the notorious ‘Shaku Shaku’ dance. What is the producer’s intention in these portrayals of Islam?
What actions has the National Films and Videos Censors Board taken to protect Islam? Are there no Muslims on this board? Are there no Muslims in the movie industry? What is their stance on such portrayals? Why must Muslims in Nigeria be pushed to the edge before we see respect for our religion?
Furthermore, the most perilous enemy is the one who remains hidden. Disbelief and immoral behavior often masquerade as religious piety.
Tragically, some students from Islamiyya/Arabic schools, in full Islamic attire, engage in similar behaviour under the pretext of celebrating Maolid, graduation, hijrah, etc.
Videos of them dancing provocatively are shared on social media, sometimes even in the presence of religious scholars.
When admonished not to spread mischief, they claim to be peacemakers. In truth, they are the ones causing mischief, though they fail to recognise it.
The solution is not to condemn our Muslim brothers and sisters in the film industry but to address their un-Islamic practices.
We must build rapport with them, guiding them to contribute positively to Islam rather than causing unintentional harm. Additionally, we must ensure that anyone—Muslim or non-Muslim, from Islamic or non-Islamic schools—who misuses Islamic symbols is held accountable.
“The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment.” Let us act with wisdom and unity to safeguard the sanctity of our faith and community.
