NewStats: 3,264,338 , 8,183,394 topics. Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 04:34 PM 4n4m6h

Stereotyping in Nolywood: Preserving Islamic Integrity by Ibraheem Ladi Amosa

In many Nigerian films, sensitive issues such as religion, gender, culture, and identity often come to the forefront, sparking public debate. However, filmmakers from both northern and southern regions frequently perpetuate stereotypes while neglecting more profound, troubling issues that could advance our nation.

The influence of movies on Islam in Nigeria is significant. Whenever scholars advocate the pure teachings of Islam, filmmakers undermine them; when scholars tighten a principle, filmmakers loosen it.

We see daily degeneration in our youth as they imitate what they see on screen. As the saying goes, "A tree is not brought down by the axe but by the termites within." Our strength as a Muslim community is eroded not by external adversaries but by internal discord. Within the movie industry, Muslim actors, actresses, and musicians often prioritize financial gain over their religious duties. Many are unaware of the Islamic guidelines that govern their profession, and scholars may either ignore or fear confronting them due to their fame. We must guide them away from un-Islamic practices, so they can contribute positively to Islam rather than causing harm unknowingly.

Recently, the Muslim community in Nigeria expressed outrage over a film poster showing actresses robbing a bank while wearing Niqabs. This anti-Muslim film depicts women in niqab wielding weapons and committing crimes, an overt act of Islamophobia. It is reprehensible and offensive. Previously, a music video portrayed Fulanis and Muslims as killers and featured women in hijabs engaging in the notorious 'Shaku Shaku' dance. What is the producer's intention in these portrayals of Islam?

What actions has the National Films and Videos Censors Board taken to protect Islam? Are there no Muslims on this board? Are there no Muslims in the movie industry? What is their stance on such portrayals? Why must Muslims in Nigeria be pushed to the edge before we see respect for our religion?

Furthermore, the most perilous enemy is the one who remains hidden. Disbelief and immoral behavior often masquerade as religious piety. Tragically, some students from Islamiyya/Arabic schools, in full Islamic attire, engage in similar behavior under the pretext of celebrating Maolid, graduation, hijrah, etc. Videos of them dancing provocatively are shared on social media, sometimes even in the presence of religious scholars. When onished not to spread mischief, they claim to be peacemakers. In truth, they are the ones causing mischief, though they fail to recognize it.

The solution is not to condemn our Muslim brothers and sisters in the film industry but to address their un-Islamic practices. We must build rapport with them, guiding them to contribute positively to Islam rather than causing unintentional harm. Additionally, we must ensure that anyone—Muslim or non-Muslim, from Islamic or non-Islamic schools—who misuses Islamic symbols is held able. "The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment." Let us act with wisdom and unity to safeguard the sanctity of our faith and community.

https://www.academia.edu/122347914/Preserving_Islamic_Integrity_Confronting_Stereotypes_and_Internal_Strife_in_Nollywood

How won't they be condemned when they spread Shirk, Kufr and innovated practices all around!

Whenever you are having trials you must visit one Alfa, Babalawo or Pastor as usual for your problems to be solved!

so before I comment I have to become a Muslim 😂 and speak against others, you see the problem with Islam.

manuelkel:
so before I comment I have to become a Muslim 😂 and speak against others, you see the problem with Islam.

Is it by force to comment?

I laugh at how grown men cry over something inconsequential.

You guys have been bleating for years to Seun. He's refused to change it. It's his forum. So what can you do to change that ?

Seun is even lenient. If I owned Nairaland, all of you will receive tribal marks just to comment.

And the writer will have bad handwriting

Humanity first before religion. All these writeup are uncalled for

Sorry, the world and its inhabitants has evolved beyond wearing robes, sandals and riding on camels.
Embrace the change.
You can't stop the socioeconomic advancement of earth cuz of your narrow mindedness.
Saudi Arabia and UAE has started reforming the conservative medieval cultures of their people.

Movie production is a drama (fiction and nonfiction)

There's no need to be religious about it!

Q

By the way... you 🫵 Nigerian Muslims. Your wahala is too much, most of you.

I'm a Muslim but if I become President, the first thing I would cancel is Government sponsored pilgrimage, Muslim or Christian.

If you can't afford to go on Hajj, pray at home. I would publicly announce to rich men to please be philanthropic and sponsor those who can't go. But Government money is to "refurbish" the country. Simple!

By the way, with all the trillions spent going on Hajj, many pilgrims return to embezzle money or molest their maids.

Same with Christians who pay tithes to Pastors and then refuse to pay tax. You sing loudly in church and then return to rape your maid.

Nigerians should focus on getting the basics of religion right FIRST. That includes not jumping the queue, not cheating anyone ( taking the share of 10 people for only one) etc.

Middle Easterners came and told us all that our forefathers religion was bad but theirs is superior. And mark these words : Jews for Christians and Arabs for Muslims are notoriously racist towards Blacks that they consider less than animals.

I have been to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE, I felt I was already in Heaven. I was shocked that our leaders visit these places, and still don't mind leaving Nigeria as a dunghill.

Just imagine the trillions Government has expended on pilgrimage directed to infrastructure and giving people basic moral education?

Shior.

Nobody has suffered more nollywood stereotyping than the igbos. Its nollywood that made most of us have many wrong impressions of them till today, you don't see them complaining and making editorials about it.

Daraph:


Shut the fvck up oga extrem.inist!

Let me check for existence of a brain here. 🧠

Oh. No wonder. Can't even spell EXTREMIST*

[quote author=AdolfHitlerxXx post=131154452]
Let me check for existence of a brain here.

next week do another one on porn cos the way muslims watch it now is alarming

aboki muslims that suppose to be real muslim still dey go phone shops looking for porn s

i wont even enter yoruba muslims

the double standard is alarming

nothing get stereotype in Nigeria movie more than traditional religion

You people need to keep shut! Most of your Imams and Islamic preachers will readily insult Christians and say Jesus isn't the Son of God. When Muslims direct movies, they make reference to Christianity and use Christian attire, yet nobody complains. . . But when it comes to your own turn to allow freedom of expression, you start attacking people and using violence.

Nobody has the monopoly of violence. One day, people will give you guys what you deserve!

Shirk,kufr and bidah are Islamic concepts that have nothing to do with Christianity.

AntiChristian:
How won't they be condemned when they spread Shirk, Kufr and innovated practices all around!

Whenever you are having trials you must visit one Alfa, Babalawo or Pastor as usual for your problems to be solved!

Can you explain what Shirk means?

AntiChristian:
How won't they be condemned when they spread Shirk, Kufr and innovated practices all around!

Whenever you are having trials you must visit one Alfa, Babalawo or Pastor as usual for your problems to be solved!

Pissful religion

Your character and morals speak a lot about you as a Muslim. Don't allow yourself to be used by movie producers on scenes that are against Islamic teachings. And none Muslims should also know that acting such role deliberately is a cause for provocation.

Is this platform made for Muslims alone?? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Una mind nogo touch ground. U people use religion for everything. Make una Sha get out.

AdolfHitlerxXx:


Is it by force to comment?

I laugh at how grown men cry over something inconsequential.

You guys have been bleating for years to Seun. He's refused to change it. It's his forum. So what can you do to change that ?

Seun is even lenient. If I owned Nairaland, all of you will receive tribal marks just to comment.

And the writer will have bad handwriting

but they comments at others post without swearing.... Islam is the problem of this world