MPAC protests misrepresentation of Niqob in movie, urges sensitivity towards Muslim women

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has expressed deep concern over the portrayal of Islamic women’s attire in an upcoming movie. A scene shared on Instagram by one of the producers shows a character wearing a Niqob (face veil) participating in an armed bank robbery, which MPAC deems inaccurate and disrespectful.

Recall that Nigerian Nollywood actress Nancy Isime sparked outrage among the Muslim community in Nigeria after unveiling the controversial movie poster as earlier reported by Afri Reporters.

The poster, which appears to promote her upcoming film, has been widely criticised for its perceived insensitivity and disrespect towards Muslim women.

Commenting further, MPAC emphasises that the Niqob holds significant religious importance for Muslim women, representing modesty and devotion.

It is considered a divine commandment from Allah, as stated in the Qur’an 33:59. The organization argues that depicting the Niqob in a criminal context distorts its true meaning and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

In a statement made available to Afri reporters, through Disu Kamor, the Executive Chairman, Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC warns that such representations can lead to misunderstanding, prejudice, and harm to the social fabric and unity of diverse societies. The organization urges responsible representation and accuracy in portraying religious symbols and attire, promoting mutual respect and understanding among different communities.

In response to this concerning portrayal, MPAC calls on the filmmakers to immediately remove the scenes from the movie.

The statement reads, “As an organization dedicated to upholding the principles and values of Islamic ethos, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) is deeply concerned about the recent portrayal of Islamic women’s attire in an upcoming movie. A scene from the movie, shared on Instagram by one of the producers under the username bolanle_ayo, depicts a character dressed in the Niqob (veil) engaging in an armed robbery in a bank. This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also disrespectful, as it misrepresents the sacredness of the Niqob, a garment that holds significant religious importance for Muslim women.

“The Niqob, contrary to being a mere “black cloth”, is considered a divine commandment from Allah by millions of Muslim women around the world, as instructed in the Qur’an 33:59. Thus, it is worn by many believing women as a symbol of modesty and devotion. To depict it in a manner associated with criminality not only distorts its true meaning but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Such representations can lead to misunderstanding and prejudice, which are detrimental to the social fabric and unity of our diverse society.

“In response to this concerning portrayal, MPAC urges the filmmakers to immediately remove these scenes from the movie. We also call on human rights organizations and government bodies to take a stand against such misrepresentations. It is imperative that they ensure that all media content respects the dignity and rights of all religious communities, promoting harmony rather than division or reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

“At a time when our youth require positive role models and messages that promote moral integrity, it is crucial for media creators to show integrity and portray all communities with respect and accuracy. We appeal to all involved in the film’s production to ensure that their content aligns with values of respect, tolerance, and truthfulness, as these are the core teachings of Islam and integral to maintaining harmony within our society.

“MPAC stands ready to engage in dialogue and collaboration with media producers, human rights advocates, and government officials to foster a media landscape that reflects the diverse and rich cultural fabric of our nation, free from misrepresentations and stereotypes.”