Keeping The Faith & Women in Showbiz – Where Is Raqs e Bismil Going Right?
When Laila told Na Murad she cannot hire a paanch waqt ka namaazi, the statement hung in the air – like an uncomfortable silence. But then, she surrendered.
And later we see Laila waiting for Moosa to complete his prayers before she sets out with him.
What is writer Hashim Nadeem attempting to communicate to us?
That many people amongst us are fed up with the Islamic card? That a show of piety does not naturally deserve respect? For it was only after Moosa proved himself to be an honourable human being, (and a competent body guard), that Laila fell in with his namaaz schedule?
The writer has hit on a very sensitive nerve in our society.
We might not realize it, but there are many Lailas and Moosas in this world – those who look upon religious zeal with suspicion (and admit it publicly), and those who deliver their religious commitments with humility but who do not wear their faith upon their sleeve. Both species are rare; Laila, because she uttered publicly (and courageously), her inherent dislike of men who use religion to get a break in life, and Moosa, who is the polar opposite of that – strong in faith, yet, not for the world to see!
Confusing much?
Consider this: Have you come across friends who offer their 5 times prayers in quiet regularity and at times, you don’t even notice when they started and finished their namaaz? They might not show any overt signs of religiosity, yet, such is their subtle devotion to Allah, religion resides in their hearts, not as a badge to show off.
Have you noticed people who suffer overtly religious behaviour by others in public and try not to be politically incorrect by calling them out (yet our Laila is a moon phat, straight-talking woman, so she did just that) but secretly wish their religious comrades to be more subtle about their faith?
That is exactly what the Laila – Moosa interaction was all about.
The Laila’s of the world will respect your devotion to God once they are reassured you do it for you, and not for the world. The Moosa’s of this world do not need to shout out their faith from roof tops. It resides within their hearts – exactly as the Creator meant it to.
And that, my dear readers, is the simple lesson in faith that might have escaped you and I felt it my moral responsibility to highlight it for your greater understanding – a seemingly minor interaction yet one that reflects deeply on our perceptions of people.
Some more Raqs e Bismil Learnings
Can the power of your faith convert those who are tired of listening? And when will we stop showing women in showbiz as victims of their circumstances?
Laila, despite her earlier reservations, submitted to Moosa’s commitment to prayers after appreciating his character – she seemed to have new found respect for the religious man in him. It was the true power of faith in Moosa that turned her heart, nothing less would have sufficed.
Also, can a woman never voluntarily join the entertainment industry as a career of choice?
We want to ask the writer why, (when he portrays such progressive thoughts) do we have to consistently show that women in showbiz are part of the industry due to a majboori and they seek a way out towards a more pious life?
Alif, Zebaish and now Raqs e Bismil all point towards the same narrative. Why is Laila working in the entertainment industry only because she must run her household, (husband seems to be no good at that)?
In an age where we are highlighting rape, working women and women’s rights within the family and marriage, when will we move past this one? Kind of ironical that the entertainment industry itself must take the first step to create change – dramas might reflect real life, but sometimes, it’s vital to send out a message so that real change can come from within!
