Speak No Evil: Muslim Experts Sound Off Over the Ongoing ‘Tash’ Controversy
By Huda al Saleh

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat- An episode of Saudi’s popular satirical comedy series ‘Tash Ma Tash’ entitled “Terrorist Academy” has stirred up a controversy that caused disputes among members of the Saudi society. From the first day it aired, the debate on whether the episode should have been banned or broadcast was the widely discussed bone of contention, with supporters of the show referred to as ‘secularists’ while those opposed were labeled‘fundamentalists’.

The matter escalated to the point where during the ‘taraweeh’ prayers (evening prayers in Ramadan), a number of imams prayed for the damnation of the show’s cast and crew, calling upon God to destroy them and “freeze the blood in their veins”. Meanwhile, others are campaigning to issue an official fatwa to boycott all the companies that sponsor the series. To top it off the show’s two main stars have received death and mutilation threats, while on a well-known fundamentalist website, a fanatical volunteer offered to blow himself up along with the two stars – to gain God’s reward.

Very nice article in Asharq Alawsat looking at the range of reactions “Tash Ma Tash” has created within the Saudi religious spectrum. From condemnation, to qualified support, to clear approval, these reactions demonstrate that the show has achieved its goal of getting people talking about the status of social and cultural issues that are often confusedly seen as “religion”.

Worth reading the whole piece.

Something noteworthy: The Saudi government has not taken any action to stop the broadcast of this controversial program.