Burning Hands

When I saw that Mohammed Hijab was starring in a drama series, I thought it was gonna be a cheaply produced, and badly acted show (no offense to Mohammed Hijab. It's just that I thought he'll be involved in the production and, as far as I know, he's not and never was a producer, or an actor). Damn, was I surprised. The high level of production blew me away.

Besides for the production, the message is really powerful. And the drama really intense and moving. I've been brought to tears at some parts (and not many things bring me to tears, I'm a "strong and tough man"). The characters feel like real people with real feelings, people some of us might know, and some of us might be.

It's main goal as far as I can see it, is to spread peace, and understanding between different religions and cultures. Which is a beautiful thing. Especially in this day and age, with all the interracial, and sectarian violence. It's something we all NEED to watch.

Not only was this an entertaining watch, but this was also a very important show. The conservatives have always represented muslims on their TV shows as terrorists, while the liberals always represented muslims as LGBT heroes. So it was high-time for us to take things into our own hands, and I'm glad one of us did just that. Good job!

Some important criticisms:

• The main character's acting was unfortunately a bit... rough. And it pains me a bit to say this. I understand that the main character is supposed to be a Da'iee, not a professional actor. And I also understand that he tried his best. But still. It was good for a first-attempt, but perhaps more cuts should be taken when recording the sequel so that Mohammed Hijab could feel more comfortable acting as Omar Ayyad.

• The subtext regarding the main message of the show may not be too suitable for a general audience. The lay audience is not as politically/philosophically aware as sometimes the show expects them to be. I definitely had a good time watching this as I have watched hours of Mohammed Hijab breaking down topics in the show. But still. When making a sequel, its essential to put this into consideration. The show must be presentable to a general audience of muslims and non-muslims while still keeping a nuanced image. This should be priority number one.

• The show lacked advertising. Not a big criticism, but it could have hit much bigger numbers if the general muslim community and wider british community were more aware of it. This may be a budget issue so I will not be as harsh about it.

Overall the show was very entertaining. I only really highlighted the criticisms because I love the people behind this show and I want to see them improve! <3 The acting (other than the MC's) was really top notch. The woman that played the right-winger lady was fantastic lol.

The ending left me starving for more. And I really do hope more comes out. Muslim representstion is just untapped gold in the western cinematic industry, and it is good that we are finally starting to touch it now.

Waiting for more :D.

Good heavens, what on earth did I just watch on Yoobie Toobie? Omar, upright, man of the people acts as a knight in shining armour to the inner city youth, with a day job as an English Lit teacher. Shades of To Sir, with love.

How anyone would give Omar a job as a teacher is beyond me. Realism and credibility don't get a look in. There is zero English Lit going on in that classroom. All we get are jarring monologues on what is on Hijab's mind.

An attempt is made to swing the lantern on oppressive culture of the west, racism and wholesale ignorance by non Muslims but even that is portrayed in an utterly ridiculous way. There's Omar as a youth, going through trouble and the reformed Omar of the present giving an education to misguided youth. Hijab just walks around like a Doctor Who Cyberman ready to zap anyone with a steely glare.

The acting and plot are dire, I mean it is unbelievably low calibre. Heavy on the stereotypes and pounded to dust with clichés. The two MI5 agents gave career destroying performances.

The drama is disjointed and lacks a clear narrative. Thing is though, how seriously are we supposed to take this as a drama?

Mohammed Hijab has made an effort to say some home truths but blimey, it was hard work watching this. I much prefer his seminars.

The daily struggles of ethnic minorities and especially Muslims living in the west. As the prophet pbuh narrated 'A time of patience will come to people in which adhering to ones religion is like grasping a hot coal'. Hear the true reality from those living it. Islam is surrender and submission to the most high (Allah) and Muslims do not bow down or submit to anything else or anyone. Justice is an important theme. It is with Justice that true peace would prevail. How can you achieve this? It's not by subjective ideas, but revelation from the most high This is the reality and the story of a people you will not hear from mainstream media. Fantastic work.

Been a follower of Ali Dawah and Hijab for quite a long time, but I never thought I'd see the day where Mohammad Hijab would one day produce a series highlighting struggles that muslims face.

This show brilliantly highlights hanging out with the wrong crowd, racism, bigotry and standing up to what's right, something I'll probably never see these big streaming services will never do, especially with muslims as the main cast.

Hijab does so well intellectually as his character for this show that I feel like he's natural for the role for obvious reason, this show highlights the hypocrisy of society when someone becomes pious and does nothing, they're deemed a criminal, but when they're not religious and join in gang violence, it's OK?

The series perfectly captivates viewers the tension building and my only gripe is that it's too short, even with 3 episodes, and I hope each character develops and more arcs would come Inshallah.