ALBAWABA - Powerful Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called on MBC satellite channel to ban an upcoming historical and religious series that displays the life of former caliph Muawiya I.
Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan is the founder and first caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate, who ruled from 661 until his death in 680.
— مقتدى السيد محمد الصدر (@Mu_AlSadr) February 14, 2023
In a Tweet, al-Sadr wrote: "I think its better that MBC T.V. halts airing Muawiya, as he is the head of sectarian strife."
The Shiite cleric maintained: "Airing these kinds of series is against the new policy taken by Saudi Arabia."
Shiites and Sunnis have had a long dispute over the history and the life of caliph Muawiya I.
لو تنتظر وتتابع المسلسل ثم يمكن تقييمه إيجابا او سلبا .. وإبداء الملاحظات عليه ..
— صالح الحناكي (@SA_ALHENAKI) February 15, 2023
Various reactions emerged online, where some people called Muqtada al-Sadr to watch the series before judging it. Others called on MBC to stop the series to avoid confusion and sectarian divisions.
About Muawiya series
According to media reports, the Muawiya series is scheduled to air during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. It was written by journalist Khaled Salah, and it is being filmed in Tunisia.
The main character of Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan is played by Syrian artist Loujain Ismail. Jordanian artist Iyad Nassar embodies the character of Ali bin Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Islam's Prophet Mohammad, and one of the first caliphs to rule following the prophet's death.
Artist Suhair bin Amara plays the character of Hind Bint Utbah, Muawiya's mother.
