In brief
The new television series “Muawiya,” prominently featured during Ramadan, has started a controversy regarding its portrayal of a significant yet contentious Islamic leader. The broadcast, produced in Saudi Arabia, has faced backlash from Shiite-majority nations, most notably Iraq and Iran, prompting regulatory actions against its airing due to fears of stirring sectarian discord.
A new Ramadan television series titled “Muawiya” is drawing significant attention and controversy across the Middle East, igniting a potential sectarian divide during the holy month. The program, chronicling the life of Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan—a pivotal figure in Islamic history—is viewed positively by Sunni audiences but has sparked outrage among Shiite communities, particularly in Iran and Iraq.The show explores the tumultuous events leading to the first Islamic civil war in the 7th century, a period that deeply influenced the Sunni-Shiite split. As the founder of the Umayyad dynasty — the first hereditary Islamic leadership — Muawiya is a celebrated figure in Sunni Islam, while many Shiites regard him with disdain.Produced by a Saudi media conglomerate, the series is emblematic of the Sunni-led narratives prevalent in the region. Iraqi authorities expressed their concern over the potential for social discord on the series' airing. On March 1, coinciding with the start of Ramadan, Iraq’s media regulator announced a ban on the series, citing that its "historically controversial content could provoke sectarian debates" and ultimately disrupt national peace at a time meant for reflection and community.The reactions from the Shiite-majority nations underscore the delicate balance of sectarian relations in the region, and with Ramadan being a period of heightened sensitivity, the airing of “Muawiya” is raising eyebrows, leaving many to question the implications of its storytelling during such a significant time.
