True story
Patient: When is Ramadan starting?
Me: Mid July
Patient: What’s the exact date?
*The man was clearly not Muslim so I thought maybe he has Muslim neighbours who send him iftari or something, which would explain his eagerness to know the date*
Me: I think July 20th or 21st. Why?
Patient: Because of TV.
Me: What do mean?
Patient: They have the best shows on TV during Ramadan!
*Now I am thinking…Mashallah, this non-Muslim man probably watches religious shows on TV during Ramadan or watches live taraweeh transmission. I thought this because I know a lot of non-Muslims who like to listen to Quran recitation.*
Me: Oh? What kind of shows do you watch?
Patient: Soap operas. They have the best soap operas during Ramadan on Egyptian channels.
Me: Are you serious? Just during Ramadan?
(The real thought in my head was: HAIN!?!?!)
Patient: Yes, that’s what Arabs do during that month. They watch soap operas all day.
I was shocked and embarrassed. I have heard of people sleeping all day when they fast, but watching soap operas all day was new to me. I reassured him that that isn’t the way we are supposed to spend the holy month.
This incident reminded me of the emerging trend in Pakistani television of special Ramzan dramas. In the past years, there was Chaudween Ka Chand, Chand Par Dastak and Roza Kay Rozay to name a few. This year there is a quite a line up already:
-Bulbulay Ramzan edition (ARY)
-Band To Baje Ga (ARY)
-Larka Karachi Ka, Kuri Lahore Di (Express)
-Kis Din Mera Viyah Hovay Ga (Geo)
-Mahi Aye Ga (Hum)
These dramas are usually light comedies and have Ramzan related issues addressed in a humourous way. I will not lie but in the past few years I have caught a few episodes of these dramas. It’s like..you break your fast, start eating iftari and get carried away watching these dramas, all the while forgetting about Magrib. Ahhh! Because of my experience I am personally not in favour of these dramas, no matter how wonderful they may be. In the upcoming holy month, I believe this is the last thing that’s needed! I personally will not be watching them (inshallah, inshallah, inshallah!). It’s going to be hard, but I will try my best! I will be posting soon about the 30 day Ramzan challenge that I have set for myself.
What do you think? Ramzan dramas – Yay or Nay?
