MURIC Calls for Ban on Movie Featuring Nancy Isime in Niqab
By Emmanuel Sixtus
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sparked a heated debate by calling for the prohibition of an upcoming movie featuring popular actress Nancy Isime.
The movie depicts Isime and other actresses in niqabs, which MURIC has labelled as inappropriate and offensive to Islamic cultural sensibilities.
MURIC, known for its vocal stance on religious and cultural issues in Nigeria, condemned the movie’s portrayal of Muslim women.
The organization argues that the depiction is misleading and disrespects the sanctity of the niqab, a garment of significant religious importance.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group’s director, emphasized that such representations can foster misconceptions and disrespect towards Muslim practices.
The call for a ban has ignited discussions on the balance between cultural sensitivity and creative freedom.
Supporters of MURIC argue that media representations must be mindful of cultural and religious symbols, which are deeply embedded in community identity and beliefs.
They believe the film industry should not trivialize or misrepresent these symbols in its quest for creative storytelling.
On the other hand, advocates for artistic freedom argue that the film industry has the right to explore diverse narratives and themes, including those related to religious and cultural topics.
They assert that movies can serve as platforms for dialogue, promoting understanding and empathy among different cultural groups.
Public response has been polarized. Some Nigerians share MURIC’s concerns, fearing that the commercialization and misrepresentation of religious attire could lead to misunderstanding and stigmatization of Muslim women who wear the niqab.
Conversely, members of the creative industry and other segments of the population defend the film’s right to artistic expression.
They argue that restrictions based on cultural sensitivities can stifle creativity and limit the diversity of stories that can be told, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the film’s intent and context rather than an outright ban.
This incident is part of a broader conversation about the portrayal of religious and cultural symbols in the media.
It underscores the need for filmmakers to engage with cultural and religious communities to ensure respectful and accurate representations, fostering a more inclusive media landscape.
Moreover, the debate highlights the importance of media literacy among audiences, helping viewers critically engage with content and appreciate its artistic merits while recognizing its limitations.
Yet, this shows how backwards African religious adherents are and the disagreement with modernization.
In other parts of the world, religion is considered a choice, and expression is solely on the message. There should be regard or respect for one’s religious learning, but religion shouldn’t be a barrier.
In Nigeria, the northern region is dominated by Muslims, and that has played into the political landscape of the country. The religious inclination from the extremism point of view is a serious concern for the country.
Often, Christians or people of other religions are attacked for professing their religion or expressing what Muslims believe is sacrosanct to them.
MURIC has for years sustained a media presence that threatens the peace of the public. The organisation has formed the habit of running to the media to make a public statement that threatens to incite Muslim faithfuls against organizations and persons.
The character of not approaching matters through the right channel has often led to religious killings in the north. MURIC has often spoken without putting into consideration the safety of their subject.
Deborah, a Christian based in the northern part of Nigeria, was killed after she was accused of blasphemy, and the trend had been going on before that event.
Christian faithfuls take seriously accusations that point to blasphemy or disregard for Islam, and with the public statement, MURIC tends to stoke up flame of religious crisis against a citizen of Nigeria
“We take this for granted, but MURIC is bankrolled by the top guys in the northern part of this country. They want to sustain a level of deterrence, and they use MURIC. These people have the ability to incite the Muslim public against Isime” Dailytab24 news contributor,” Dublin Okeke said.
Dublin further said that Isime and others should consider settling this kind of attack in a court of competent jurisdiction so as to have a legal deterrence going forward
“The truth is MURIC always come out and attack a brand. They attack anyone they want to attack in the name of fighting for Islam. But sometimes, when you juxtapose, you find out there is security risk and character assassination in what they do. The film in question will be avoided or scrutinised by a part of the country, which affects her brand and income. This is an artistic expression and not an attack on Islam. MURIC will continue if not curtailed, ” he concluded.
No one has tried taking the matter or media attack by MURIC to court. Most victims decide to allow the matter to die rather than giving it unnecessary attention.
