A Sallah break is far from complete if your line-up of fun activities doesn’t include movie time with your loved ones. We know this, so we’ve compiled a list of some cool Islamic movies that’ll teach you one or two things about the deen.
“Crashing Eid”
This 2023 series should be on your radar if you’re up for some romcom moments with your Habibi. Crashing Eid follows the love story of Razan and her British-Pakistani fiancé, who crashes the family’s Eid party. The four-episode series stars Hamza Haq, Summer Shesha, and Yasir Alsaggaf. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“The Message”
Released in 1976, The Message, also known as Al-Risalah, is a classic for Muslim audiences worldwide. The movie depicts the early years of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and dramatises the acceptance and rejections the Prophet faced while trying to spread the gospel of Islam. The Message stars Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, and Garrick Hagon. It’s available to stream on YouTube.
“Omar”
Omar is a 30-episode historical drama series based on the life of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, one of the closest companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the second Caliph of Islam. The 2012 series dramatises various events during Al-Khattab’s life, from his pre-Islamic days until his assassination. It’s available to stream on YouTube.
“Facing Mecca“
You should grab your tissue for this one because it’s deep like that. Released in 2017, Facing Mecca follows the story of a Syrian pensioner, Fareed, whose wife lost her battle with cancer. Fareed is bent on burying his wife in accordance with Muslim traditions but has to navigate the world of Swiss bureaucracy. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“Bilal: A New Breed of Hero“
If you’re up for some animation with the kids, this title should be on your binge list for Sallah. Bilal is inspired by the true-life story of Bilal ibn Rabah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and one of the earliest converts to Islam. The animation follows Bilal’s journey from slavery to freedom and how he rose to a position of prominence in 632 AD. The voice cast features Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jacob Latimore, and Thomas Ian Nicholas, among others. Bilal is available to stream on Netflix.
“Mosul“
This adrenaline-inducing war film takes place in the titular city of Mosul. Released in 2020, the movie follows the story of a police officer, Kawa, who nabs ISIS smugglers but has to battle his way through ISIS fighters. Luckily, an elite Iraqi squad rescues the police officer, but he’s then involved in the Battle of Mosul, which is often referred to as one of the largest and deadliest military operations since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The movie stars Adam Bessa, Suhail Dabbach, and Hayat Kamille. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“My Name is Khan“
This one is for the Bollywood lovers. Directed by Karan Johar, My Name is Khan captures the sad reality of Muslim immigrants in post-9/11 America. The movie tells the story of a Muslim man with Asperger’s syndrome who goes on a journey to meet the President of the United States and clear his name after being wrongfully accused of terrorism. Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan plays the titular character. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
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