MUSLIM WORLD: Malaysian reality-show contestants compete to be 'next top imam'
Malaysia's new hit reality show, "Imam Muda," or "Young Imam," is a lot like Tyra Banks' "America's Next Top Model," except that instead of, say, posing naked with tarantulas, contestants must wash and prepare a body for burial according to Islamic tradition.
"Imam Muda" pits contestants against each other in a series of challenges to determine who will make the best spiritual leader, or imam. In the featured clip, competitors try their hand at divorce counseling in order to prove they have what it takes to serve their congregation.
The winner, to be announced in the finale on July 30, will be sent to Saudi Arabia to pursue his religious studies, Upon his return, he will be given a car, a laptop and a position as imam in one of Kuala Lumpur's main mosques.
The show has proved especially popular among young people, according to NPR, which aired an interview with the BBC's Jennifer Pak about "Imam Muda's" appeal.
"You know, some people might question that perhaps this is not the best way to look for a religious leader," she said. "But the show creators think that this is the best way to attract more young people to learn something about Islam.
"And perhaps, you know, attract more of them to come to the mosque."
So far, the "Imam Muda" Facebook page has garnered about 46,000 fans who regularly post encouragement for their favorite contestants. It also appears to be a forum for the producers to solicit feedback and suggestions from fans about what kinds of challenges they would like to see the young imams take on.
"I would like to see their performance, such as Quran recitation, public speaking, nasyid (perhaps) with kids," wrote Yakinah Muhamad Nor, adding: "Invite Cat steven [sic] (sounds demanding?)"
-- Meris Lutz in Beirut
Video: "Imam Muda" is a reality show where contestants compete to become an imam. Credit: "Imam Muda" via YouTube
Screenshot: Contestants hear their next challenge. Credit: Meris Lutz
Be a part of the solution, not part of the problem. Focus on our similarities, not differences. Let our beliefs unite us instead of dividing us. And believe me there are those ready to divide us along the way.
Posted by: Al-Jauhar | August 01, 2010 at 03:06 AM
Salam
the winner of the Imam Muda final and the other finalists were offered scholarship to further their studies in Saudi. Malaysians are Shafie while the Saudis are Wahabbis. If women are not allowed to drive in the kingdom, its due to cultural norm in Saudi Arabia , nothing to do with Islamic laws. Many Malaysians have had their education in the Middle East including in Saudi Arabia for ages but none have tried to turn us into a Wahabbi-wannabes. I'm a Muslim woman wearing hijab, I teach at a university, I live on my own, I play soccer, I drive, I was an environmental activist, peace activist etc. no prob.
Posted by: Helli | July 31, 2010 at 01:03 AM
I have just finished reading the insightful book "The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday". I think it unfortunate that the winner of Imam Muda is going to be sent to Saudi Arabia for further education, given the extreme views of Saudi Wahabbis. Does Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, condone and/or promote the idea that women should be strictly segregated from men and from society at large by not being allowed to go out without a male relative, to drive or to laugh in public? Do Indonesians sing or dance? None of these activities are acceptable among strict Wahabbis, so how will this young contest winner lead his future congregation, given that the Saudis are most likely paying for all his prizes?
Posted by: Annie's Mom | July 24, 2010 at 04:12 PM