Is Saudi Arabia Rewriting Islamic History with Mo’aweyah’s Legacy?

The TV series Mo’aweyah, which explores the life of Muawiya, the founder and first caliph of the Umayyad dynasty, has ignited controversy in Iraq, Egypt, and other regions. The series, consisting of 30 episodes, commenced airing with the start of the holy month of Ramadan, produced by MBC Saudi Arabia and filmed in Tunisia with a hefty budget of $100 million.

Written by Egyptian journalist Khaled Salah and directed by Palestinian-American filmmaker Tarek Al-Arian, the show has faced significant backlash. Recently, the airing of “Mo’aweyah” in Iraq was prohibited due to fears of escalating sectarian tensions, and religious authorities in Egypt, particularly from Al-Azhar, have condemned and banned the series for its depiction of religious figures.

Background on Muawiya

Middle East Eye highlights Muawiya as a contentious figure among Shia Muslims. Born five years prior to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) prophethood, Muawiya was the son of Abu Sufyan and Hind bint Utba, notable early opponents of Islam. Initially opposing the Prophet, he and his family converted after the Muslims’ conquest of Mecca.

• Muawiya’s Role in Early Islam: According to Sunni beliefs, he served as a scribe for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and was appointed deputy commander in the Levant’s conquest by the first caliph, Abu Bakr.
• Governorship: He became the governor of the Levant during Uthman’s caliphate and resisted allegiance to Imam Ali (PBUH) after Uthman’s assassination.
• Civil Wars: His actions led to the first civil war in Islam, marked by battles such as the Battle of the Camel and the Battle of Siffin.
• Establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate: After Imam Ali’s martyrdom, Muawiya declared himself caliph and established Damascus as the capital.

Shia Muslims criticize Muawiya for transforming the caliphate into a hereditary monarchy, opposing Imam Ali (PBUH), and allegedly orchestrating the poisoning of Imam Hassan (PBUH). His appointment of his son Yazid as his successor marked a significant turning point that contributed to the tragedy of Ashura, where Imam Hussein (PBUH) was martyred.

Banning in Iraq

Due to the sensitive nature of Muawiya’s legacy, the series faced immediate backlash in Iraq. The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission declared that airing such divisive historical content could incite sectarian strife, particularly during Ramadan, and ordered MBC Iraq to refrain from broadcasting it.

There are concerns that the airing of “Mo’aweyah” might lead to diplomatic tensions between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. This is not the first time the series has faced opposition; influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr previously called for its cancellation, attributing sectarianism and disunity to Muawiya.

Contentious Historical Representation

The series has been criticized for its portrayal of pivotal Islamic figures, including Imam Ali and Imam Hassan (PBUH). In Egypt, a lawyer filed a lawsuit against the series, arguing that such depictions could incite further division among Muslims.

Production Details

Directed by Tarek Al-Arian and featuring a cast that includes actors such as Lojain Ismail as Muawiya and Eyad Nassar as Imam Ali (PBUH), the series was filmed in Tunisia at Carthage film studios. Although initial production budgets were estimated at $75 million, costs eventually exceeded $100 million.

Khaled Salah, the series’ writer, defended the project by stating that his intention was not to promote a specific narrative but to portray Muawiya as a complex character who made mistakes, much like anyone else.

Controversy and Response

Despite being banned in Iraq and receiving a fatwa from Al-Azhar’s Grand Scholars prohibiting its viewing, “Mo’aweyah” began airing during Ramadan. The decision has led to extensive discussions online, particularly regarding its portrayal of historical figures, a subject that Al-Azhar has consistently opposed in film and television.

Last week, MBC Group released a promotional teaser titled “The Epic of Muawiya: The Story of the Empire that Wrote an Unforgettable History from East to West,” also available on the Shahid streaming platform.

Ramadan Programming and Historical Sensitivity

Ramadan is traditionally a peak time for Arab television, with networks unveiling new content to captivate audiences. However, this is not the first time MBC Saudi Arabia has encountered backlash for producing shows centered on contentious historical events that provoke differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

The ongoing debates surrounding “Mo’aweyah” reflect not only the complexities of Islamic history but also the challenges faced by media outlets in navigating sensitive topics. As conversations continue, it is clear that the legacy of Muawiya remains a deeply divisive issue in the Muslim world.