I wonder why the Arabic channels have thirty thousand five hundred and twenty and a half new shows produced in Ramadan. I know that apart from the religious obligations of this month, families tend to sit together more than usual and they’ll probably have the TV set on, but THAT much series? who even has the time!.. I can understand if the shows are religious and talk about improving a Muslim’s life style and religion and his/her relationship with the Allah and the rest of the world, but what do we see?

- Disasters (everyone has to die, loose a husband, fall for drugs & bleh)

- Heartache ( the largest tear jerking scenes are saved for the last episode which is during Eid! it’s Eid for God’s sake people are supposed to be happy!)

- New hairstyle,makeup style, eyebrow style (this is really important, I’m yet to see the zigzag eyebrows) etc…

- lotsa shouting (which leads either myself or sister’s to appear out of nowhere and turn off the TV, not really caring if someone’s watching :P)

- lotsa pre-marriage love stories

- a whole bunch of comedian series that i can’t even twitch my lips and force a smile (maybe i just lack a sense of humor)

and the list goes on and on!

But on the bright side, there are shows that make me flyyyyyyyyyyyyyy without wings! between all the “junk” shows, there are a few that weight up in scale and make a huge difference to those who watch them. Here is a list of shows i watch on TV OR those that i download from Youtube (because i never know their exact timings, I don’t know why channels use a 24 hour time format, I just don’t get it >_<” ) or those that their trailers state that they’re a must watch.

1-  رحلة للسعادة  – د.عمرو خالد

Can he adopt me? lol I love his spirit, I love his gentle and enthusiastic approach,

I love how easily he can deliver a message without complicating your life. I love how he is ALWAYS optimistic and how this optimism is contagious! a man who can have 1,300,000 + followers on facebook and 835,000+ member in his official forum is with no doubt an influential figure. The number of projects he has developed and shows and books is something to be proud of coming from a young Muslim man. This show is all about attaining true happiness in your life, and this is by having a balanced religious, social , moral & spiritual life.

Many scholars are against Amr Khaled for some “errors” he sometimes fall into, or even for the mere fact that he is a beardless guy in a suit, but boy do i want to tell these scholars that he has achieved in a few years more than they’ve ever done in their entire lives! and the proof is everywhere. checkout the video’s on this official page.

2- علمتني الحياة ٢ – د.طارق السويدان

Another figure I don’t mind being adopted by. I love everything about this series of his “life lessons”. Tareq Al Suwaidan , I’d sum him up into the following words,

- My image of a strong leader

- Truly knowledgeable in so many areas that makes me so jealous (أغبطه)

- Productive

- Educational (تربوي)

- A Thinker

- A man with a clear vision and mission

This show is aired on Al Resalah channel an hour before Al Maghrib Athan – UAE time. He talks about various topics that a lot of people may have questioned about in their lives but never really had solutions to them. He has clear cut solutions to many issues occurring in the Arab world which CAN be changed or improved. I also love the production of the show and the on screen synchronized text. Check this Youtube channel if you’d like to watch it online. Also, check out Tareq Al Suwadain’s official website.

3- مشاهد ٢ – نبيل العوضي

Mashahid, I used to follow it last Ramadan on Youtube. You cannot listen to his lectures without ending up with tons of tissue paper all around you. His approach is different to the previous lecturers where he mainly retells stories of the Prophet’s Life , peace be upon him, & those of his companions may Allah be pleased with them. I consider his show a reminder.. Islam has hundreds of figures to learn from.. our role models have already existed and are “documented”, it is up to you to choose to be like the Strong yet Softhearted Omar Ibn Al Khattab or the ever-Loving and Gentle Abu Baker Al Siddiq, may Allah unite us with them in Al Jannah enshallah.

4- بيني وبينكم – د. محمد العوضي

Unfortunately, due to the 24 hour timings, I can never tell when this show is airing this Ramadan (obvious;y, I’m not even trying to figure it out even as i type this), but I have found the show on Youtube. I have not yet watched this show by Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi, but I know it’s a must watch like all his previous lectures. This man accepts no nonsense.

5- وهديناهم – فيلم وثاقي قصير لأناس اعتنقوا الاسلام

A short series of documentaries about people who have reverted to Islam. I love this episode, and allow me to add, I love the producer check out my favorite episode, “Aba Aaakel Machbooooos”

the show’s not yet uploaded to Youtube but you can check it out on www.dmi.ae/noordubaitv in the Programs section. For season 1, check it’s youtube channel.

ُTُhese are the only Islamic shows I know of and try to follow, other than the above, i’d don’t mind baring with a TV screen and watching ”شعبية الكرتون”. It’s the only show that can make me laugh (talk about Poker-face people; winks to Roudha)

Here’s one of last year’s episodes. (For this year’s season, check out this link).

PS. My blog turned 1 year yesterday! that is, since the last relaunch! happy birthday dear blog